Head of business support jobs

This is an exciting new opportunity to shape the future of technology and digital capability across five South West charities. We are seeking an exceptional Regional Chief Technology Officer who is motivated by both challenge and purpose — someone who can harness technology to make a tangible difference to how our faith-based charities support church communities.

Working across Bath & Wells, Bristol, Exeter, Salisbury and Truro, this role offers a rare platform to influence at scale. The successful candidate will lead a region-wide programme of digital transformation and process optimisation, helping modernise systems, strengthen cyber resilience and unlock efficiencies that release resources for mission and ministry.

This is not technology for its own sake. We are looking for someone who combines strategic insight with practical delivery — a leader who can translate complex technical possibilities into real-world improvements for staff, clergy and volunteers. You will play a key role in shaping the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, while ensuring strong governance, security and compliance.

Please note that whilst this role allows homeworking, travel across all five dioceses will be required.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop, articulate, and implement a shared digital transformation and technology strategy that is directly aligned with the overarching mission and strategic goals of the five dioceses.
• Act as the principal technology advisor to the Diocesan Secretaries and their senior leadership teams.

Process Mapping & Optimisation:

• Lead a comprehensive, collaborative review of key administrative and operational processes within the Diocesan Boards of Finance (DBFs) and in parishes where appropriate.
• Use process mapping techniques to identify inefficiencies, bottlenecks, and areas for improvement, and then design and implement optimised workflows.

AI & Responsible Innovation:

• Actively research, evaluate, pilot, and implement appropriate AI and automation tools to enhance efficiency, support fundraising, and improve service delivery.
• Ensure all innovation is undertaken responsibly, ethically, and with a clear focus on tangible benefits.

Stakeholder Management & Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders across all five dioceses, including clergy, staff, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of digital literacy and champion the benefits of change in a clear, accessible, and empathetic manner.

Project & Change Management:

• Oversee the full lifecycle of technology and process improvement projects, from initial conception and business case development through to delivery, user training, and final handover.
• Employ robust project management methodologies to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications, Training & Experience:

• Proven and extensive senior technology leadership experience (e.g., CTO, Head of IT, Director of Digital Transformation) with clear evidence of strategic impact.
• Relevant degree (or equivalent) in a technology-related discipline, with appropriate professional certifications in technology, architecture, project or change management, and membership of a relevant professional body.
• Strong track record in business process mapping, analysis and re-engineering delivering measurable efficiency gains.
• Practical experience evaluating, procuring and implementing modern technology solutions, including cloud platforms (e.g., Microsoft 365), CRM systems and data analytics tools.
• Experience in the charity, non-profit or similarly complex, values-driven sector is highly desirable. Demonstrable experience of, or well-informed and practical interest in, the responsible and ethical application of AI and automation in an organisational context.
• Significant experience in technology strategy, budget management, vendor negotiation and delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder programmes.

Competencies & Behavioural requirements:

• Exceptional communicator and translator: Able to convey complex technical concepts in clear, accessible language and influence a wide range of non-technical stakeholders with confidence.
• Strategic yet pragmatic thinker: Sees the big picture and aligns technology with organisational priorities, while remaining hands-on and focused on practical, value adding solutions.
• Collaborative and emotionally intelligent leader: Builds trust and consensus across diverse stakeholders and cultures, leading change with empathy, credibility and sensitivity.
• Resilient and delivery-focused: Proactive and self-motivated, with the drive and discipline to deliver complex, multi-year programmes and achieve measurable outcomes.
• Culturally astute and values-aware: Demonstrates understanding of, and respect for, the Church of England’s context, governance and ethos, navigating the environment with diplomacy and good judgement.

Our benefits include:

• Company pension
• A comprehensive health & wellbeing programme
• Paid volunteer & study leave
• Home working

We are a not-for-profit organisation committed to increasing the diversity and numbers of young people entering engineering and technology to meet the future workforce needs, as well as promoting roles that help us work towards net zero and drive environmental sustainability.
 

We’re looking for an experienced Event Manager to plan, manage and implement delivery of our Big Bang Fair, Tomorrow’s Engineering Live and Big Bag at Parliament STEM events for young people.  This is an exciting role, delivering a variety of events for different audiences, including our showcase event, The Big Bang Fair, which welcomes 20,000+ young people to the NEC, Birmingham, for three days of hands-on STEM inspiration. You’ll work within a high performing team and work closely with other colleagues across the whole organisation. You will ensure that our events are successful and that we meet our targets such as connecting with a diversity of schools and that our events are impactful.
 

This is a maternity cover role and we are happy to talk to you about your preferred working hours/days. You would need to be available for our events.  
 

About the role

This role will lead the delivery and implementation of The Big Bang Fair (9-11 June 2026), Tomorrow’s Engineers Live (likely February 2027), Big Bang at Parliament (November 2026) and other EngineeringUK events as required. The Event Manager will ensure that we deliver against Key Performance Indicators or KPIs, engage with a diversity of schools or stakeholders and improve the impact of these events.
 

The role will report into the Associate Director of Engagement Projects and will work closely to support the delivery of the events portfolio, whilst also working alongside many other internal colleagues such as the Business and Industry, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Careers, Communications and Evaluation teams. You will also work collaboratively with the wider engineering, education and STEM community as well as stakeholders funding our events and agencies supporting delivery.
 

You’ll plan, manage and implement the delivery of EngineeringUK events including establishing internal project teams and managing a schedule of project meetings, monitoring and reporting on progress, sourcing and liaising with venues to ensure a successful event. You will ensure that events have a smooth event booking/registration process and deliver events to time and on budget.

You’ll work with suppliers managing relationships and budgets and build and maintain positive relationships with all stakeholders. You’ll work collaboratively with teams across the organisation such as communications, stakeholder management , evaluation, content development, our head of equity, diversity and inclusion and policy and public affairs colleagues, to name just a few!
 

The role is London based at our office at 10 Lower Thames Street, London EC3R 6EN and will involve some travel in the UK. We believe that hybrid working has many benefits and are pleased to offer flexible working with a minimum of 2 days (or 40%) a week in the office and the option for a flexible start and end to the working day in our vibrant central London office overlooking the Thames. Further details on our flexible working practices can be discussed at interview or you can reach out to a member of our HR team.
 

Further details of the role can be found in the job description and person specification.
 

About EngineeringUK

Our purpose is to drive change so more young people choose engineering and technology careers.

Our vision is that the UK has the diverse workforce needed for engineering and technology to thrive and drive economic prosperity, improve sustainability and to achieve net zero.

Our mission is to enable more young people from all backgrounds to be informed, inspired and progress into engineering and technology.

In the UK, we don’t have enough engineers and demand is going up. So, we need more young people to realise there could be a future for them in engineering and technology. To really thrive, we need a stronger, more diverse and representative workforce and for that we have to do things differently to make engineering more appealing.

We are a not-for-profit working with hundreds of organisations across business, education, professional institutions and the third sector so we can all grow the future talent pool together. We drive that collective effort through research and evidence, leadership, activities for schools and advocacy, with a focus on long-term sustainability.

We guided by a series of values that we apply to all our activity:

• We are inclusive and care about diversity. We understand that we have different needs and create opportunities for everyone's voice to be heard
• We are collaborative. We listen, share and work in partnership to achieve our vision
• We are curious and keen to learn. We challenge ourselves and others to innovate and experiment
• We are insightful. We evaluate what we do and draw on research to make decisions and to improve our collective understanding
• We are driven by a strong sense of purpose. We are determined to make an impact and achieve our goals
   

About you

Essential Skills / Competencies

• Proven event management experience, with ability to measure and monitor performance against deliverables 
• Experience of managing external agencies, including contract management skills
• Excellent project management skills and ability to work within a matrix management approach
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management and relationship building skills.
• Strong attention to detail, ensuring that high levels of quality are achieved within deadlines and to budget.
• Experience of supporting digital projects associated with event delivery such as registration systems and exhibitor portals. 
• Understanding of safeguarding and GDPR requirements
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively whilst working under pressure.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly within a rapidly changing environment
   

Education / level of experience

• You will have at least 2 years event management experience
   

EngineeringUK is committed to being an inclusive workplace, where everyone feels they belong.  This is supported by the dedicated work we are doing to ensure our policies and practices are inclusive and that our staff are trained to be able to fulfil this commitment.
 

We value the benefits of a diverse workforce and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.  Our recruitment process is designed to be as accessible and inclusive as possible and to ensure people are individually assessed regardless of their backgrounds or characteristics.
 

We are an equal opportunities employer and are open to flexible working, including job share.
 

Applying for this role

Applications

If you would like to request to submit your application in an alternative format to support accessibility, please let us know.
 

We want to hear your voice and experience in your application. We acknowledge that you may use AI tools to polish a response, but your application should reflect your experience and voice. All applications are reviewed and scored by our human hiring team.  Our system flags responses that it judges to be AI generated and your application may be disregarded if we feel it has been completely AI generated.
 

The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Thursday 24 March 2026.
 

Interviews

Applications will be assessed against the requirements for the post as set out in the job description and in the ‘about you’ section above. 
 

We are a Disability Confident committed employer. We guarantee an interview to any disabled people who meet the minimum requirements of the role. Additionally, if there are any reasonable adjustments we can make to make this process easier for you then we are happy to do so. Just complete the relevant sections of the online application form. 
 

We aim to notify candidates who have been shortlisted on Monday 30 March. If you have not heard from us after this date, please assume that you have not been successful.
 

First interviews will be held week commencing 30 March 2026.
 

What can we offer you?

• Competitive salary
• 28 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), in addition we normally close for the Christmas week
• Competitive pension (10% employer contribution)
• Annual bonus opportunity
• Flexible working
• A vibrant office with terrace overlooking the Thames embankment and Tower Bridge
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Insurance (4 x salary)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Long term illness/incapacity insurance cover (permanent health insurance or PHI)
• Annual private health check for employees
• Discounted gym membership
• Yearly flu vaccination

Do you have a strong background in property management, including good landlord & tenant experience and an excellent understanding and knowledge of property law? Then join Shelter as an Estates Surveyor and you could soon be playing a vital role at the heart of our Property and Facilities team.

About Shelter

A home is a fundamental human need, as essential as education or healthcare. Yet millions of people across Britain struggle on a daily basis with homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. So, we are striving for change, with individuals, in communities, across society, and leading the way to a safe home. We need ambitious, best-in-class individuals who are passionate about our cause to join us at this exciting time. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

At Shelter we are united by our purpose to defend the right to a safe home. Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. We believe that to win that fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement for change. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, fair, equitable and transparent.

We have committed to combat racism both within and outside Shelter and welcome you on our journey to becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.

About the team

Our Property and Facilities team is responsible for ensuring Shelter’s estate is fit for purpose and fully compliant for its staff, volunteers and clients. We provide a full range of professional services, including acquisitions, disposals, rent and lease negotiations, rating, estates management, building surveying, strategic planning, budgeting, compliance, health & safety and facilities management. We also support all office and shop relocations, refurbishments and planned maintenance projects, while our portfolio comprises one freehold head office property in London, 24 leasehold offices and around 90 leasehold shops across England and Scotland.

About the role

You will be responsible for all property related matters across Scotland and England for our diverse portfolio. That will involve making regular site visits, with occasional overnight stays. As well as ensuring all lease events are managed and actioned and properties are safe, maintained and fully compliant, we’ll also rely on you to assist with the development and implementation of robust policies, processes and systems to help manage the estate in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In short, it’s an incredibly varied role that will see you make a real difference in how Shelter’s commercial estate is managed.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

Role Specifics

You’ll need a degree level qualification in a surveying/property related discipline and full RICS membership. You’ll also need a good understanding of the planning process and building regulations approval system. The confidence to lead and manage multiple projects effectively and ensure they’re delivered on time and on budget, from inception to completion, is important too. Self-motivated, capable of working both unsupervised and as part of a team, and with a positive ‘can do’ attitude, providing solutions, giving sound property advice and negotiating effectively with a variety of key stakeholders comes naturally to you. What’s more, you have good computer literacy skills and are comfortable working with spreadsheets and data.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We’re here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

To find out more about the role and the benefits of working for Shelter please visit our website. Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

The Diocese of Guildford is seeking a gifted and collaborative Training Lead to coordinate and ensure delivery of high‑quality training for clergy, licensed lay ministers and parish leadership teams across the diocese.

As the Training Lead, you will be a key member of the St Martha’s College (SMC) team. St Martha’s College is at the heart of ministerial formation within the diocese, bringing together a growing range of training pathways including Foundations in Ministry, Occasional Courses, IME2, CMD, Clergy Wellbeing, and leadership development. This role plays a vital part in ensuring these programmes are coordinated, accessible and effective.

The Role

Some of the Key Responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the planning and delivery of high‑quality training for clergy and lay ministers across the diocese.
• Shape and maintain the diocesan One Training Plan, working closely with Mission Team colleagues and external providers.
• Respond to training needs emerging from the Parish Needs Process and Ministerial Development Reviews.
• Support CMD (Continuing Ministerial Development) by helping allocate training allowances and coordinating diocesan training events, including Bishop’s Study Days and conferences.
• Lead the development of St Martha’s new online learning portal and line‑manage the E‑Learning Coordinator.
• Build and maintain a network of external resources and providers to help direct individuals to appropriate training.
• Manage communications with parishes, clergy and chaplaincies to ensure training opportunities are clearly and effectively promoted.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Is skilled in planning, coordinating and managing multiple activities to time and budget
• Has experience designing and delivering training programmes.
• Is highly organised, able to manage multiple activities and work to deadlines.
• Builds strong, credible relationships and works well with clergy, volunteers and colleagues.
• Is confident facilitating groups and communicating clearly.
• Is comfortable recruiting, coordinating and supporting Volunteers.
• Has excellent administrative skills and is proficient in Microsoft Office.
• Understands church life and is committed to supporting ministry and mission.

Please refer to the attached Job Description for the full details of the responsibilities of the Training Lead.  

Benefits of the role include:

· Competitive salary within the Charity Sector.

· A 10% non-contributory pension scheme

· Life assurance provision of 3x annual salary

· 25 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays increasing to 26 days after the first year.

· Employee assistance programme

· Ongoing learning and development opportunities

If this opportunity excites you and you meet the criteria, we would love to hear from you!

To apply, submit your CV along with a detailed supporting statement (cover letter), outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification. The supporting statement is an essential part of the application process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered.  

This role carries an occupational requirement to be a practising Christian in line with the Equality Act 2010.

A DBS Disclosure is not required for this role.

We will shortlist and interview on a rolling basis as applications are received and we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. 

The Diocese of Guildford take our responsibility for the safeguarding of children and adults seriously. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.

We take your privacy seriously. To understand how your personal data will be processed during the recruitment process, please read our Candidate Privacy Notice before applying.

We believe that diversity is a strength. We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those who identify as female, younger, of a UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, or disabled, as it is essential that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date, it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Public Affairs Manager to take lead responsibility for managing the Woodland Trust. Northern Ireland’s (WTNI) relationship with the NI Executive , Government, relevant statutory agencies, and key NI, ROI and UK political audiences; to advocate and campaign for changes in legislation, policies, incentives, strategies and plans which reflect the Trust’s priorities in NI and the Island of Ireland; and to lead on local development plan consultations and the Trust’s relationship with local councils and the wider eNGO sector.

The Role:
• In the context of our Corporate Strategy, UK policies and position statements and Northern Ireland Plan, to define our Northern Ireland Public Affairs and campaigning goals and to develop and manage a prioritised programme of policy and advocacy work to achieve them.
• Provide technical and expert support, advice, and briefings to the Northern Ireland Director, and other colleagues where relevant, on policy and advocacy matters and enable them to be effective policy advocates. 
• Lead Public Affairs in the Northern Ireland team, and any consultants as appropriate, providing clarity of direction, inspiring our staff and building capabilities and skills, upholding and actively promoting the values and behaviours of the Trust.
• Oversee, and where relevant lead, the development and management of relationships with NI Government including Ministers, MLAs, researchers, advisors and civil servants, as well as local government, statutory bodies and other influential organisations across farming, forestry and business in line with the NI Public Affairs plan.
• Represent the Trust and our policy and advocacy priorities externally, including negotiating consensus positions within external coalitions including NI Environment Link, with key stakeholders and potential partners.
• Actively monitor, gather intelligence, understand and analyse relevant areas of NI policy and politics, acting on key opportunities. Evaluate future threats and opportunities facing the Trust’s cause in NI, brief colleagues and steer our advocacy messaging accordingly.
• Work closely with other teams and departments, especially Comms & Engagement, UK Campaigns and Conservation and External Affairs, to coordinate and integrate political advocacy and campaigning messages with the Trust’s wider communications and influencing strategies and plans. 
• Contribute to ensuring appropriate and efficient use of Woodland Trust funds, including setting and managing the NI Public Affairs budget.
• This is a fixed term contract for 6 months.
• This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our regional office in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required.

The Candidate:
• You’ll be experienced in building strong relationships and have a proven record of delivery in partnership with local councils.
• You’ll have a proven track record in public affairs and policy delivery and experience of working with the environmental/voluntary sector.
• You’ll be experienced with relationship management - a developer of relationships with exceptional networking ability; able to spot opportunities and connections, evaluate them and act on them, both internally and externally.
• You’ll be experienced setting clear goals and priorities and taking responsibility for their delivery.
• You’ll need a working knowledge of current affairs, and the processes through which legislation and policies are developed and delivered.
• You’ll need to understand the current environmental policies, conservation and land management issues facing Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
• You’ll need knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Government and the ability to use that knowledge to achieve results.
• You’ll need strong communication skills through both written and oral, as well as research and analytical skills.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant areas or proven extensive experience.
• Full UK driving licence would be an advantage.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.  
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. 
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete. 
Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role. 

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. 

MERSEYSIDE YOUTH ASSOCIATION LTD

Is seeking to recruit the following:

OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE MANAGER THE DAM

Hours:

 35 hours per week

(Will Include Some Evening and Weekend Work)

Salary:

£34,594 p.a. - £37,624 p.a. - MYA Grade 7 Point 25-28

Fixed Term Funded to 31st January 2030

(With the Potential to be Extended to 31st January 2032)

Merseyside Youth Association is seeking an energetic and visionary Outdoor Education Centre Manager to lead our lakeside Outdoor Education Centre (based on the Lord Derby Estate in Knowsley) into its next exciting chapter.

You’ll be the driving force behind the Centre’s direction, designing imaginative outdoor programmes for children and young people including those who may never have experienced the outdoors before.

Alongside the outdoor delivery, you’ll bring strong commercial flair: developing and delivering a robust income generation strategy, managing budgets, securing grants, expanding school and corporate bookings, and positioning MYA as the provider of choice for outdoor education locally and beyond.

You’ll build meaningful partnerships, drive targeted marketing, track both impact and financial KPIs, and ensure our programmes not only change lives but also sustain the long-term future of the Centre.

If you’re driven, innovative, and passionate about shaping inclusive outdoor experiences that help young people grow in confidence and joy, this is your opportunity to lead something remarkable.

Note: As part of your application please make sure you highlight how you meet both the Essential and Desirable elements of the job specification.

Merseyside Youth Association Limited Actively Promotes the Safeguarding of Vulnerable Adults, Young People and Children. 

The above post will be subject to Enhanced Disclosure,

Please note, CV’s will not be accepted and should not be part of your supporting information.

Closing Date for Completed Applications:  Midnight Monday 23rd March 2026

 Merseyside Youth Association Limited is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to maintaining a non-abusive environment

CIPFA
Financial Controller
Salary: £60,000 – £65,000
Permanent, Full-time (32 hours across 4 days – compressed hours)
Hybrid working – typically 2 days a week in the office
Office based in Moorgate, London

About CIPFA
The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the world’s only professional accountancy body dedicated to public finance. For over a century, we have supported governments, public services and organisations across the UK and internationally to ensure public money is managed effectively and transparently.
Our work sits at the heart of public trust. From setting professional standards and providing training to delivering advisory services and research, CIPFA plays a critical role in strengthening financial management across the public sector. Our members work in central and local government, health, housing, and international development, helping ensure that public resources deliver the greatest possible impact.
As CIPFA continues to develop its global reach and commercial activities, we are seeking a Financial Controller to help ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance and reporting.

About the Role
We’re seeking a senior member of the CIPFA Finance management team. Alongside the core deliverables, you’ll work with the CFO and Head of Finance to shape our financial strategy and transform operations. 
The Financial Controller will lead CIPFA’s technical accounting, treasury, tax and financial reporting activities across the organisation and its trading subsidiary.
This is a broad and hands-on role with responsibility for statutory reporting, year-end and audit management, treasury oversight and the charity’s tax environment. You will ensure CIPFA maintains robust financial controls and compliance with charity accounting standards while shaping wider finance initiatives and organisational projects.
Working closely with colleagues across the finance team and the wider organisation, you will also provide expertise on complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, grants and fund accounting, and foreign currency activity. 

CIPFA has successfully implemented a suite of Microsoft systems providing a platform for further operational transformation. The role offers the opportunity to substantially improve reporting and processes to deliver strategic change and enhanced financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts for the charity, subsidiary and consolidated group.
• Manage the year-end close process and act as the key point of contact for external auditors.
• Oversee CIPFA’s tax and VAT environment, including compliance, quarterly returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Manage treasury activities including cash management, investments and foreign currency exposure.
• Maintain strong financial controls and support improvements to the organisation’s control environment.
• Oversee complex accounting areas including property accounting, grants and revenue recognition.
• Ensure compliance with SORP FRS102 and other relevant accounting standards.
• Support the budgeting process and quarterly reforecasts in collaboration with the Finance Business Partner.
• Work with colleagues to improve financial systems, reporting capability and the chart of accounts structure.
• Manage internal audits and contribute to wider governance, risk and compliance initiatives.
• Provide financial training, guidance and documentation across areas of responsibility.

What We’re Looking For

• A fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong experience preparing charity and group statutory accounts.
• Experience managing charity tax and VAT matters, including partial exemption and international sales.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting standards, particularly SORP FRS102.
• Experience managing year-end processes and working with external auditors.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, with experience improving systems and financial processes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• A proactive and improvement-focused approach to finance operations.

Why Join CIPFA?
CIPFA offers the opportunity to work in an organisation with a unique and meaningful mission: supporting better financial management across public services worldwide.
We pride ourselves on being collaborative, people-focused and forward-looking. Our hybrid working model and compressed four-day week provide flexibility while enabling our teams to deliver impactful work in a supportive environment.
You will join a finance team that plays a central role in ensuring CIPFA continues to deliver high-quality services to members, governments and public organisations around the world.

How to Apply
CIPFA are partnering with Allen Lane on this appointment. To find out more about the role or to discuss your suitability, please contact Iain Slinn at Allen Lane to arrange an informal conversation.

Closing deadline: Monday 23rd March
1st stage interview: w/c 30th March
2nd stage interview: w/c 6th April

About us

The Merchant Taylors’ Company dates from 1327, when it was formed as a social and religious organisation for tailors and linen-armourers dedicated to St John the Baptist. Today, it is a flourishing Livery Company whose members are dedicated to education, fraternity, and philanthropy.

Members play active roles in philanthropy through volunteering their time, skills, and donations to empower charities local to the Company's key areas of work and support through governance and volunteering opportunities a number of affiliated schools across the United Kingdom as well as to exceptional individual students.

Fraternity and community are rooted in the Company’s ancient beginnings, when members worked together in order to take care of one another in poor health, old age and through unstable economic times.

About Merchant Taylors’ Boones Charity (MTBC)

MTBC is a charitable arm of the Merchant Taylors’ Company, with a vision to be a long term provider of high quality almshouses in the Borough of Lewisham that improves lives across the generations.

Almshouse dwellings for ‘low needs’ young people affected by homeless – this Youth Almshouses project is at the business planning phase, with the accommodation due to open in a few years’ time. The current proposal is that MTBC will build the accommodation and an experienced Partner Charity will manage it under a lease.

Independent living almshouse flats for people aged 57+ in financial need: Christopher Boone’s Court - MTBC has 34 flats in this luxurious new development, leased from One Housing Group. The remaining flats are owned by One Housing Group’s private tenants in the same age range.

About the role

Reports to: The Head of Philanthropy

Direct reports: None

Places of work: The Hall (Bank, London), Christopher Boone’s Court (South London).

Travel: Some travel may be required within Greater London in connection with various aspects of the role. Occasional travel may be required within the UK, primarily in connection with the Youth Almshouses project.

Key collaborative relationships within Merchant Taylors’: Youth Almshouses Project Group, Company Surveyor, Membership and Communications Team, Finance Team

Overview of role:

The postholder leads the development of policy on issues such as independent living and financial subsidy to make a positive difference to the lives of older people in financial hardship at our site in Lewisham. The postholder manages operations at that site, with an emphasis on efficient systems.

The postholder is part of the small team responsible for developing our project to house young people, being versatile about the tasks they undertake to bring this complex and exciting project to fruition.

The postholder is the lead staff member reporting to the Housing and Care Committee on the resident-related issues in our provision of almshouse accommodation. The post holder leads on fulfilling MTBC’s obligations to regulatory bodies such as the Charity Commission and Regulator of Social Housing.

Responsibilities and Duties

Youth Almshouses project: planning phase

[This phase has already started. There is a separate section of this Job Description relating to once construction has finished, estimated to be 2028]

Contributes to all aspects of the planning phase of the Youth Almshouses project and building relationships with key third parties. Non-exhaustive examples of milestones due in this phase for the project team to which this role belongs are:

o Agreeing appropriate business model and site design with the Partner Charity

o Conclusive professional advice on all aspects

o Concluding legal agreements with the Partner Charity

o Any regulatory issues concluded

o Planning permission granted

o Publicity

o Contracts in place with all parties relevant to construction

Management of the charity

• Presents information to assist decision-making, for example written reports and analysis of financial data for the trustees
• Manages MTBC’s affairs at Christopher Boone’s Court

Finance, Legal and Governance

• Leads on all financial matters affecting our residents at Christopher Boone’s Court.
• Completes annual returns to regulatory bodies
• Contributes to business continuity plan, review of relevant policies, preparation of MTBC’s annual report and accounts, budgeting cycle and monitoring performance against budget.
• Ensures that MTBC is up to date in complying with regulatory regimes of the Charity Commission, Regulator of Social Housing, the Housing Ombudsman and any other relevant regulatory bodies.

Data Protection

Promotes a ‘data protection by design’ approach to ensure that MTBC is compliant with data protection principles.

Policy, Development and Improvement

• Leads policy development on independent living, financial subsidy of residents, and any other relevant policy issues relating to residents of Christopher Boone’s Court or the planned youth accommodation.
• Keeps up to date with regulatory changes and best practice learning relevant to almshouse charities which are Registered Providers of Social Housing
• Drives forward change to reflect that learning, for the benefit of MTBC.
• Seeks appropriate specialist advice.

Information Technology and Residents

Encourages and develops the use and availability of technology to make residents at Christopher Boone’s Court confident with accessing online services.

Communications

Writes communications about MTBC and its activities for a wide variety of stakeholders.

Property Management

Arranges any repairs/maintenance at Christopher Boone’s Court which are MTBC’s responsibility.

Monitors whether One Housing Group and MTBC’s tenant at Archbishop Coggan House are carrying out all tests required by statute or lease obligations. Reports non-compliance and any unsatisfactory test results to the Company Surveyor’s team.

Assists the Company Surveyor’s team in arrangements for long term planned maintenance at the Youth Almshouses.

MTBC residents at Christopher Boone’s Court

• Leads strategy and implements all communications, arrangements and process to ensure MTBC’s almshouse flats are occupied
• Establishes an efficient system for monitoring residents’ ability to live independently
• Leads on operating all policies relating to residents’ behaviour (eg Anti-Social Behaviour)
• Drives forward and resolves ‘pastoral’ cases with a proportionate approach
• Assists in dealing with safeguarding cases in accordance with protocols
•  Leads on ending individual residents’ rights to live at Christopher Boone’s Court, through the appropriate internal and court processes, including instructing lawyers.
• Ensures that an ARC concessionary TV licence is in force for MTBC residents at Christopher Boone’s Court.
• Organises traditional annual events involving the Merchant Taylors’ Company.

Relationships with third parties

Christopher Boone’s Court:

• Ensures that One Housing Group and any other relationship partners meet agreed performance levels/contractual responsibilities to MTBC.
• Works proactively with One Housing Group to promote a cohesive, empowered community of residents at Christopher Boone’s Court, ensuring as far as reasonably possible that there is a common and consistent approach to MTBC and non-MTBC residents, and common opportunities for them.

Youth Almshouses after construction has finished (est. 2028):

• Acts as the key point of contact between the Partner Charity managing the accommodation, Merchant Taylors’ and its Client Project Manager, leading on operational issues.
• Notifies all construction latent defects to MTBC’s Client Project Manager.
• Leads on the Partner Charity’s performance level against the lease and service agreement.
• Assists as required in procuring periodic renewal and/or re-negotiation of lease and service agreement between MTBC and the Partner Charity, or a new lease and agreement with a replacement Partner Charity

Essential (skills, experience, qualifications)

• Educated to degree level
• Interest in economic/social policy issues relevant to the types of people eligible to live at the proposed youth almshouses and Christopher Boone’s Court.
• Able to take responsibility while maintaining good communication and accountability
• Proactive with a problem-solving aptitude
• A fast learner who’s able to interpret complex information
• Good commercial awareness and financial understanding
• Excellent communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Always reviewing and looking at ways to improve existing processes
• Good IT skills

Desirable

CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing

HOW TO APPLY:

Please submit your CV and cover letter.

Please don’t use generative AI. 

Your cover letter should explain why you think  you are a good fit for this role.