Senior financial accountant jobs in central london, greater london

Our partner seeks an all-round finance manager to take on the responsibility for supporting the smooth running of the finance function for a 3 month period.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the finance functions of the main charity and its associated trading entity, maintaining accuracy and efficiency across all financial records and transactions.
• Prepare monthly management accounts & analysis, ensuring these are properly communicated with budget holders.
• Prepare and present financial summaries and insights to support strategic decision-making by senior leadership and the Board of Trustees
• Maintain the cashflow forecast.
• Ensure all financial practices align with tax regulations, including VAT, Gift Aid submissions, and the preparation of required filings, including quarterly VAT returns.
• Process the payroll and administer the pension scheme.
• Liaise with external suppliers and manage banking arrangements.

Requirements

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant, with experience working in a similar role within a charity in the UK.
• Experience of preparing monthly management accounts, cashflow forecast, and summaries for senior leadership.
• Strong communication and business partnering skills, able to work effectively with finance, non-finance and senior leadership team members.

This is a 3-4 month fixed-term contract with an immediate start preferred. The organisation offers hybrid or remote working from the UK; the successful candidate will need to be in the UK for the duration of the contract, and therefore have the right to work.

My client is a very well established name in the charity sector, supporting people facing homelessness. Working with local communities and partners, the group works in more than 70 different countries, providing support to the most vulnerable of individuals.

At present they are looking to appoint an interim Chief Finance Officer to oversee the group accounting function and lead on a number of key projects:

• Oversight of the finance department, providing strategic and operational support, ensuring sound and prudent financial management and compliance.
• Lead on the delivery of the annual budgeting cycle and presentation to the board.
• Support the senior leadership team in the design and delivery of a company wide transformation programme.

The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant who has previously held the number one finance position within an international charitable organisation. Comfortable with change management you will have an eye for best practice and strong team building skills.

With flexible working arrangements, my client would be looking for 1 day a week in the office. This role has been assessed as inside of IR35. 

Our partner seeks a seasoned, analytical management accountant, with experience in project accounting and finance business partnering within an international charity. This is a 1 year fixed-term contract.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with project leads to monitor budgets and provide tailored financial insights, and regular reporting on project performance and expenditure tracking, ensuring effective resource management across funded initiatives.
• Prepare bespoke financial reports in line with external funding agreements, meeting all donor-specific compliance and deadline requirements.
• Serve as a primary contact for day-to-day finance-related queries from both UK and international colleagues, offering guidance on systems and processes.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly management accounts, supporting senior finance colleagues in the analysis and review of organisational performance.
• Assist in the development of year-end statutory accounts and provide support throughout the external audit process, including documentation collation and response to auditor queries.

Requirements

• Part-qualified accountant with at least 2 years of experience working in a similar role within an international charity, and a sound knowledge of preparing management accounts, undertaking analysis and doing project and donor accounting.
• Strong IT and systems skills
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, a strong command of the English language and report writing ability.
• Team player, able to be supportive and manage a varied a workload with little supervision.

This role offers remote working from the UK, with the candidate expected to attend meetings in London once ever 2-3 months. This role is only open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This a 1 year FTC with an immediate start preferred.

Are you looking for a varied and rewarding finance role? Join us as Director of Finance and support the transformational work in the social inclusion, education, scientific research, arts, and heritage sectors.

Location: The Peak, 5 Wilton Road, London SW1V 1AP (2-3 days per week in the office)

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 8th September. 

The Sainsbury Family Charitable Trusts (SFCT) is an umbrella organisation that facilitates the work 16 grant-making trusts, along with its associated charitable companies, established by three generations of the Sainsbury family. 

Each Trust is an independent legal entity with a separate focus and Board of Trustees, and in many cases, led by the family member who established it. The Trust works in many fields, including climate and environment, arts and heritage, disability rights, social inclusion, healthcare, science, education, neuroscience, and international development. 

About the role

The Director of Finance will lead the finance team to ensure the effective support for SFCT’s complex requirements across all aspects of finance, investment management, governance, compliance and risk.

The role will report directly to the CEO, providing financial and operational oversight, as well as high-level strategic engagement with senior stakeholders. This will require you to establish effective working relationships across the office and with family members and Trustees.

The role is part of the Head of Central Services group, working closely with the Head of Finance (Gatsby) to play a key role in decision making and delivering shared ways of working across the group, strengthening cross-functional collaboration and continuous improvement to ensure that support for our Trusts and charitable organisations remains fit for the future.

This is a varied and complex role that covers three main areas of work.

1. Leading a team that is responding to changing needs from internal customers to ensure high performance.
2. Leading projects with a focus on continuous improvement.
3. Proactively supporting family members and trustees in managing investments.

The role’s challenge and variety come from a mix of central and tailored support for the entities that SFCT supports.

Who we are looking for

This role is a fully functional finance role with multiple entities that require support. You will be an experienced Finance Director (and/or perhaps a CFO of an endowment-funded foundation) with the people skills to lead and develop a large finance team, as well as the skills to manage a complex mix of stakeholders.

As a qualified accountant, you will be someone with knowledge and experience in charity finance, who also has a commercial focus and likely has had a stint in industry. Experience in managing a complex finance function and being proactive when it comes to change is essential, as well as the ability to inspire and develop a team to deliver high performance and continuous improvement.

You will enjoy working with people and come with a broad set of experiences. Experience in investments would be an advantage, as would any other additional areas of expertise. This role is a platform for value-added support.

Please click 'Apply on website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 8th September. 

Who are we?

Depaul International (DPI) oversees the Depaul Group, a group of charities that work across the world with a mission to stop homelessness and change the lives of those affected by it.

What’s the role about?

This is a great opportunity to join us as the new Chief Finance Officer. As the Depaul Group continues to experience growth and increases its impact, you’ll lead the effective financial and governance support provided by DPI to its subsidiaries. You’ll be the leading interface between the Senior Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees and other corporate bodies and subsidiaries. You’ll provide financial advice to the Group CEO, Board and other senior management colleagues, including modelling best practice in financial management, overseeing the financial management in the subsidiaries, setting financial standards for the group and providing support to enable the subsidiaries to meet those standards. You’ll also be leading and supporting the development of a new governance structure for the Group.

What will ideally support your success?

You’ll be a CCAB qualified accountant with experience of strategic financial leadership and management experience and the ability to solve complex problems. In addition, you’ll have experience of working with and advising a diverse range of boards and external stakeholders. It’s important that you also have experience of current financial reporting requirements and financial management practices, including consolidated financial reporting. Strong IT skills as well as an appreciation and understanding of key HR and ICT challenges in the charity sector are desirable. We’re looking for someone possibly, but not exclusively, working in homelessness and/or international development who shows personal integrity in all they do and have a commitment and respect for our aims, objectives and values.

Closing date: Wednesday 16th July 2025.

Are you an outstanding Christian leader with a track-record of collaborative international working? Are you looking for the next opportunity to use your skills and experience for the benefit of a global organisation? If this is you, then you are invited to apply for the role of Chief Finance Officer at Open Doors International.

The global Chief Financial Officer of Open Doors International has a key leadership role both within the line-managed Open Doors International entity, and more widely across the Global Finance Network of development and field offices. The CFO reports to the CEO and works closely with other executives on all strategic and tactical matters as they relate to Financial Planning & Analysis, Financial Accounting (including transactional management and audit), Risk & Compliance, Treasury & Cash Management, Financial Data & Systems, Field Finance, Development Finance and Transformational Programs.

The CFO ensures Open Doors International is known for its excellent stewardship by delivering world-class and well-coordinated financial functions that contribute to excellent operations, risk management, forward-planning and mature governance.

You will:

• Be an experienced CFO with a strong track record of operating in international organisational structures, with exposure to developing markets, complex treasury and money transfer functions, and high-risk environments.
• Have experience of leading strategy formation, team supervision and timely delivery in a complex network or matrix style structures.
• Enjoy and have a matured gift of forward-planning, helping the Board, Executive Leadership Team and colleagues benefit from transparent budget plans in a dynamic missional context that will demand agility.
• Employ wise risk assessment in a context of faith, so that Open Doors can, with effectiveness and great sophistication, deliver its ministry in very challenging and at times restrictive environments.
• Bring a servant-hearted leadership gifting, including the ability to lead through influence and build consensus amongst divergent senior stakeholders; inspire trust; and take a highly relational and capacity-building approach with their colleagues.
• Have excellent communication skills - written, verbal and able to deliver insights with data; effective with a range of audiences from local staff to Board level
• Exhibit grace, to patiently but persistently mature a complex organisation moving through significant phases of growth in a rapidly evolving external environment

Your responsibilities are under the following headings (for a full explanation, please read the attached pdf):

• Strategic Financial Leadership
• Management Reports & Communication
• Accounting & Financial Controls
• Treasury and Cash Management
• Risk Management & Compliance
• Innovation & Transformation
• Leadership and People Management

Person Specification

KEY QUALITIES

Open Doors believes that spiritual maturity, character and behaviour are as important as financial competence, therefore the CFO is:

• A devoted follower of Jesus with a heart to strengthen persecuted Christians.
• Prayerful and able to take financial decisions, founded on faith in God.
• Able to build strong relationships across national cultures.
• Able to empower others and intentionally develop future finance leaders.
• Prepared to make difficult decisions and have honest conversations with grace.
• Active in a local church that supports their vocation and provides spiritual support.
• Emotionally intelligent and aware of the impact of their leadership on people.
• Experienced in negotiating and influencing at a senior level, combined with strong interpersonal and collaboration skills.

KEY SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• A highly skilled Finance professional, who demonstrates an appetite for continued learning and personal development.
• Approximately 15 years of senior finance operational leadership experience prefered in multi-national commercial sector and/or international charity sector.
• Significant team management experience, including remote working across different time zones.
• Proven ability to lead change, including working well across many operational disciplines (Field programs, IT, Legal and HR teams, for example).
• Oversight of a complex treasury function providing financial access across geographical locations.
• Experience communicating and providing reports to Board Audit & Finance Committee.

Open Doors International will offer a competitive salary for the post. We are open to applications from anyone who is suitable for this role, regardless of their current location, with a willingness to be located within -6hours/+2 hours Central European Time zone for ease of communication within a dispersed global ministry.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an MS Teams Interview with the Open Doors International search panel. Finalist Candidates will be asked to come to Netherlands for in-person interviews on 5 September. The Open Doors International search panel members are very aware that this is a two-way discernment process, therefore we encourage each applicant to pray to the Lord and consult their trusted and closest fellow Christians as they consider this opportunity. The successful candidate will be expected to take up the post of CFO as soon as is reasonably possible.

Thank you for taking the time to prayerfully consider this opportunity and to learn more about the work of Open Doors International.

Ivy Rock Partners is proud to be supporting a values-driven organisation in the search for a Finance Business Partner to join their central finance function. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional who is passionate about influencing strategic decisions and working collaboratively with senior stakeholders.

This is a pivotal dual-focused role with responsibility for:

- Business Partnering: Supporting central (head office) service teams in managing their budgets, identifying financial risks, and translating complex financial information for non-finance stakeholders.

- FP&A: Working closely with the Senior FP&A Manager on organisation-wide budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning, including involvement in a 30-year business plan.

- You'll lead the monthly reporting process for central services, improve financial systems and templates, and have the chance to deputise for senior leadership when required.

Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on the month-end process and regular review of management accounts with corporate service teams.

- Deliver annual budgets and quarterly forecasts for Central Services.

- Support long-term financial planning and scenario modelling across the wider organisation.

- Partner with non-finance colleagues to build financial capability and understanding.

- Drive process improvements in financial planning, systems, and reporting.

- Evaluate new initiatives for financial viability and strategic alignment.

We're looking for someone with:

- A full accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).

- Strong experience in financial planning, budgeting and reporting in a large or complex organisation.

- Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with senior stakeholders.

- Proven ability to drive change, improve systems, and build financial understanding across teams.

- Advanced Excel skills and ideally experience with planning software (e.g., Bricks).

Why Join?
This is a unique opportunity to work for an organisation that truly makes a difference, where finance is seen as a key strategic partner. You’ll join a collaborative and supportive team, gain exposure to senior leadership, and have genuine impact on long-term business planning.

Job Summary

Location : Requirement to attend our sites in Basildon, Harlow and Thurrock if required and to team meetings quarterly.

Type: Remote

Salary: £48,000.00 per annum

Hours :  37.5 hours per week

Term: Permanent

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. As a member of the Operational Leadership Team and wider Senior Leadership Team, work collaboratively and take collective responsibility for the strategic management and leadership of the organisation.

2. Work closely with the CEO, Treasurer and Board of Trustees to facilitate good governance and risk management.

3. Manage, maintain and develop all financial systems and control; increasing their impact and quality, and implementing best practices in financial management.

4. To supervise finance assistants and ensure that they are adhering to financial code of practices.

Financial Management

1. Lead and manage all aspects of the financial cycle, including budgeting, forecasting, fixed asset management, reserves & designated fund management and financial reporting.

2. Work with HR & Payroll Officer to manage and retain oversight of the day to day financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking and general ledger maintenance, including the reconciliation of petty cash, credit cards and all bank accounts on a monthly basis reviewing and approving payment runs and payroll.

3. Work with the CEO and Senior Leadership Team to prepare the annual budgets and forecasts.

4. Lead and manage the provision of regular budget monitoring and reports to budget holders.

5. Assist with the budget preparation for funding bids. Manage, monitor and keep track of any grants, funding or commissioned income, working with relevant managers to provide relevant financial information for inclusion in monitoring reports.

6. Lead and manage the provision of quarterly financial reports to the Board and advise them on financial issues as appropriate

7. Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to inform and support organisational management, development and decision[1]making, and funding applications across the organisation.

8. Work with the CEO to prepare medium term financial forecasts for the organisation to support strategic decision-making and delivery of strategic priorities.

9. Lead on the audit process and the preparation of year end accounts to trial balance including preparation of the audit file and the closing down of the accounts on our accounting management system to ensure that the organisation is compliant with legal requirements and good practice.

10. To work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and designated Trustees to advise, review and cost the annual pay award.

11. To provide back-up and holiday cover for the processing of monthly payroll.

12. To work with and support the HR & Payroll Officer in providing payroll information and reconciling payroll monthly.

Governance and compliance

1. Ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations and reporting requirements (e.g. Companies House, HMRC and the Charity Commission).

2. Attend Trustee Board meetings to report on financial matters, including the identification and management of financial risk, and provide any relevant reports.

3. To support the Trustees, SLT and line managers in managing our finances carefully and within our financial means, through provision of advice, guidance, support and training.

4. To be the main point of contact with external auditors.

5. To ensure that robust financial controls are in place, underpinned by appropriate financial policies and procedures and to ensure that they are adhered to and that the organisation is protected from fraud and error.

Closing date for applications : 21st July 2025

Hybrid – London and Home-based 
Location - Central London

Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape and drive high performance in a complex, purpose-led organisation? We’re seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Finance to lead a talented team and embed a culture of financial responsibility, transparency, and best practice.

About the Role
This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the full spectrum of financial management. You will lead and develop a committed finance team, champion operational excellence, and ensure robust governance and compliance across the organisation.

As a trusted partner to the Chief Operating Officer and senior leadership, you will:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, driving insight and clarity in decision-making.

• Lead group statutory and management reporting, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and commercial support.

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management, and investment planning.

• Ensure effective financial controls, risk management, and policy development.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including boards, auditors, bankers, and investment managers.

• Inspire a culture of customer service, continuous improvement, and professional development within the finance team.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively contribute to Finance Board and senior committees, offering clear, data-driven insights.

• Oversee monthly management accounts, statutory reporting, and year-end audits.

• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, delivering clear, actionable outputs for decision-makers.

• Ensure robust management of the balance sheet, assets, cash, and investments.

• Support the development of financial systems and tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Motivate and develop a high-performing team, fostering professional growth and excellence.

• Manage key supplier relationships, ensuring value, compliance, and strong performance.

About You

• We’re looking for a qualified accountant (minimum 5 years PQE) with:

• Proven experience in a senior finance role, ideally within a complex or group structure.

• Strong leadership capability with a track record of developing and managing effective teams.

• Commercial acumen and the ability to see the big picture while maintaining operational oversight.

• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to simplify complex data for diverse audiences.

• A collaborative and inclusive leadership style.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, professional excellence, and delivering results.

Desirable

• Experience within the not-for-profit sector.

• Experience working across multi-site environments.

• Previous involvement in systems improvement or implementation.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits.

• Hybrid working – home-based with London office presence and occasional travel to other locations.

• Opportunity to work in a values-driven organisation committed to inclusion, integrity, innovation, and making an impact.

If you're a strategic finance leader seeking your next challenge in an environment that values innovation, integrity, inclusion and real-world impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help drive financial excellence across an organisation making a difference every day.

Anna Freud Centre
Salary: £106,000 FTE + 6% pension
Location: London (Hybrid working: 2 days/week in office)
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)

Anna Freud is a world-leading children’s mental health charity with over 70 years of pioneering research, innovation and practice. Its mission is to close the gap between mental illness and mental wellness for children, young people and their families—and to create a more compassionate society for all.

The organisation is entering a transformative new chapter and is seeking a visionary, values-driven Executive Director of Finance to join the Executive Team. This is more than a finance role; it is a strategic leadership opportunity with deep social purpose.

The Opportunity to Make a Lasting Impact

The Executive Director of Finance will work closely with the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees to shape Anna Freud’s long-term financial and operational strategy.

They will oversee a talented team of professionals across Finance, IT, Facilities, Procurement, Risk and Information Governance—ensuring the systems, infrastructure and financial stewardship are in place to support ambitious goals and life-changing services.

This role will play a central part in finalising and delivering the organisation’s new corporate strategy—helping Anna Freud reach more children, young people and families with the support they deserve.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive strategic financial leadership: Translating vision into robust financial strategies, rolling 3-year business plans and sound capital management.
• Champion a culture of excellence and collaboration: Leading a multidisciplinary team of 21 with five direct reports, embedding proactive business partnering across the organisation.
• Ensure operational resilience and innovation: Overseeing IT and estates strategies to enhance systems, infrastructure and space planning.
• Lead information governance and risk management: Acting as Senior Information Risk Officer (SIRO) to maintain the highest standards of data protection and compliance.
• Enable ethical and impactful growth: Managing procurement and investment strategies that deliver best value while aligning with Anna Freud’s values and mission.
• Be a trusted advisor: Providing insight, challenge and confidence to the Executive Team, Board and stakeholders in pursuit of a more compassionate, mentally healthy society.

Candidate Profile

Anna Freud seeks a strategic, values-led finance leader who brings:

• Proven executive-level leadership in finance and operations within a complex, mission-driven organisation.
• Strong expertise in financial planning, governance and business partnering, with the ability to translate data into strategic decisions.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams (finance, IT, estates, risk, procurement).
• A collaborative and emotionally intelligent leadership style, leading with empathy, clarity and purpose.
• A deep commitment to inclusion, ethical practice and the wellbeing of children and young people.

Why Join Anna Freud?

This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of mental health for generations to come. Anna Freud offers:

• A values-led culture with meaningful work
• Flexible, supportive hybrid working (2 days in-office)
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive salary and generous benefits
• Access to professional development opportunities

Ready to lead with purpose?
Those inspired by the opportunity to lead finance and operations in an organisation rewriting the future of children’s mental health are encouraged to apply and help build a world where every child and young person can thrive.

To apply please express your interest by applying. Rosemary Pini from Allen Lane is parnternity with Anna Freud on this appointment and happy to ask any questions regarind the role. 

A values-driven non-profit is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to oversee finance and operations. This is a senior leadership role requiring vision, collaboration, and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams spanning Finance, Governance, IT, Health & Safety, and Facilities, ensuring effective systems and practices are in place. Act as a strategic partner in support of executive decision-making.
• Drive long-term business planning, including the development of three-year strategic plans and annual cycles.
• Lead the finance function to ensure optimal use of resources aligned with organisational goals. Deliver accurate financial planning, reporting, and analysis, and oversee budgeting, forecasting, and control processes.
• Oversee and conclude the annual audit process with rigour and transparency.
• Serve as Company Secretary, holding executive responsibility for governance, legal and regulatory compliance, and enterprise risk management.
• Provide expert guidance on tax strategy and ensure compliance with all relevant financial regulations.
• Collaborate with IT leadership to shape digital infrastructure strategy and oversee major system improvements, including financial systems and process optimisation.
• Support organisational change and development initiatives to build a collaborative, high-performing culture. Lead operational process improvements to enhance cross-departmental efficiency.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, mentoring staff and supporting professional growth across teams.
• Oversee the strategic use of office premises, ensuring physical infrastructure enables effective delivery of organisational objectives.

Requirements

• A qualified accountant with significant experience in senior leadership roles, within the not-for-profit sector.
• Strong track record in strategic financial planning and working closely with Boards; in-depth knowledge of Charity SORP, experience preparing statutory accounts, and sound understanding of charity law and regulatory frameworks, including company secretarial responsibilities.
• Proven experience of managing central services, including governance, IT, infrastructure, health & safety, and facilities functions.
• A strategic, adaptable leader with experience driving organisational change, implementing new ways of working, and developing effective, resilient teams through periods of transformation.
• Commercially astute and technically skilled, with excellent interpersonal, facilitation, negotiation, and influencing abilities; able to build trust and inspire high performance.
• Collaborative and consultative approach, with the ability to engage and influence a broad range of stakeholders.
• Strong alignment with the values and mission of a purpose-driven organisation.
• Willing and able to travel within the UK (and occasionally internationally), with flexibility to work outside standard hours when needed.

This role is open to candidates with the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. This role offers hybrid working with the candidate expected to be in the office once every 1-2 weeks, more during busy periods. 

About the Minster Centre

The Minster Centre is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee that provides training in psychotherapy and counselling and an affordable therapy service.

It was founded in 1978 as the first Integrative psychotherapy and counselling training in the UK and is a leading psychotherapy training institution. Now based in Queens Park, NW London, it runs training ranging from open access introductory courses to post-graduate degrees validated by Middlesex University. The Minster Centre caters for around 300 diploma and MA students each year. It is registered with the Office for Students.

The Minster Centre Psychotherapy & Counselling Service (MCPCS) also provides a safe, affordable and professional counselling service to people over the age of 18 who are experiencing a range of difficulties. The service is provided by senior trainees who are in the process of completing their therapy training.

The Centre has an annual turnover of £1.8 million and over 80 staff, most of whom are part-time. For further information about the Centre please visit the Minster Centre website

Role purpose

The Minster Centre is seeking to develop and further professionalise its operations and is recruiting to a new Head of Finance role. This is a part-time, flexible role for two days per week in the first instance. Some time in the office will be needed to work alongside other staff and key stakeholders – this can be managed flexibly alongside working from home. The role would therefore suit someone who wants to balance an interesting and senior role alongside other responsibilities or interests.

The Head of Finance will oversee the financial operations of the charity, owning and ensuring compliance to financial policies and procedures. You will provide strategic financial guidance to the Management Committee and contribute to the delivery of the charity’s financial strategies.

Early priorities will be:

• A review of existing financial policies and procedures to support the ongoing effective running of the charity.
• Working with the Lead team to ensure the charity’s finances are sustainable long-term

A full job description and person specification is available in the Recruitment Pack at the bottom of this page.

Terms and conditions

Salary: Pro rata, £55,000 FTE

Hours: 14 hours per week in the first instance, hybrid working. Exact hours open to negotiation. Some flexibility will be required to attend key meetings.

Contract: Fixed term appointment to end July 2028, in the first instance.

Holidays: 33 days including bank holidays, pro rata

Key working relationships: Management Committee (4 staff who collectively lead the organisation). This post will report to that Team and be line managed by one of them), Finance Administrator, HR and Governance Manager, Quality Manager and Registrar.

How to apply

Please apply using the application forms with a covering email to Afua Pierre by 12 noon on Thursday 17th July, however we reserve the right to close the recruitment process once we have received sufficient high quality applications.

For further information please contact the Director, Lissie Wright by email to arrange an informal conversation.

We particularly welcome applications from people from underrepresented groups, including people from global majority communities, the LGBTQIA+ community, care leavers, people with disabilities and people from other minorities.

Interim Head of Finance & Operations

Career Ready is a social mobility charity that believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy a rewarding future.

We were founded in 2002 by leading business figures with a mission: to boost social mobility by empowering young people and giving their talents a platform from which to flourish. Since then, we’ve grown in England and Scotland to support young people in areas of need.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced, qualified Finance professional to lead our Finance & Operations function.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer the Interim Head of Finance & Operations leads on and assumes day to day responsibility for providing high quality, strategic financial management for Career Ready.

You will lead on business operations to ensure the ongoing effective functioning of the charity and drive sustainable growth.

The Interim Head of Finance and Operations plays a key role in leading greater organisational efficiency and simplifying processes and will continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy.

You will play a critical role in driving the increased quality of Career Ready’s offer to our stakeholders in line with our strategy, vision and values.

Member of our SMT, comprising of the CEO, Director for Scotland, Director of Programme and Partnerships and Heads of functions.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave.

Main responsibilities and accountabilities

· Lead, direct and manage the finance and operations functions, overseeing two direct reports, ensuring they deliver a high-quality service to all internal and external stakeholders and are seen as adding value, in enabling Career Ready to achieve its vision and strategic objectives through its people. 

· Continue the delivery of a project plan reflecting the 2025-30 strategy, ensuring that activities happen at pace, are deadline-driven and achieve a high level of impact.

· Assume overall responsibility for the financial management of Career Ready, working with the SMT to ensure high quality and effective use of charitable funds.

· Input into and review the financial elements of funding applications and ensure that fund accounting processes align with funders’ requirements for project reporting.

· Produce financial reports for various stakeholders, as well as leading on financial modelling.

· Have oversight of all financial and accountancy matters including month end reports, management accounts, cash flow management, compliance, tax liability, presentation of management information and KPIs. Ensure that the CEO and Trustees are provided with accurate, timely information and analysis. 

· Oversee and coordinate the fully managed payroll services with the external bureau for all Career Ready employees and for some internship students (Jun to Aug during the Summer)

· Administration of the Staff Opt-In Pension Scheme, including onboarding new staff (Royal London)

· Act as a role model in our ‘one team’ culture. Lead in the development of efficient working practices across the charity, creating momentum and supporting motivation within the charity. 

· Lead risk management strategies and internal control procedures to minimise the risk of loss, or damage to, Career Ready’s assets. 

· Prepare and submit annual operational budgets and annual accounts to the CEO for review and approval.

· Draft and deliver papers for Trustees and Finance and Fundraising Committee (F&FC) meetings. 

· Attend Board and F&FC meetings to present papers and answer questions related to areas of expertise. 

· Provide day to day line management of the Senior Finance Officers and support their ongoing growth and development.

· Management of organisational governance and compliance activities, including policy management.

· Oversee and manage the organisation’s risk management register and process, with input from SMT.

· Oversee reviews and renewals of all insurance policies that affect the organisation.

· Lead on the compliance of statutory and charity regulatory reporting, giving guidance to colleagues where required.

· Ensure any changes to processes and procedures across the function are clearly documented.

Person Specification

Essential skills and experience

•  Belief and commitment to Career Ready’s mission and values
• Qualified (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT) accountant with at least 5 years’ experience in financial management including budgeting, preferably in the charity sector.
• Significant experience in producing management and financial accounts
• Skilled in financial reporting and producing VAT returns
• Preparing for and ensuring a successful year-end audit, and demonstrable knowledge of UK Charities SORP and other reporting standards
• Experience in budgeting to support strategic decision making.
• Financial dexterity and strong analytical skills.
• Strong IT skills, including advanced MS Excel skills and extensive of using an accounting software, preferably Xero
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills and ability to work independently and with autonomy
• Strong starter finisher with ability to lead and drive projects
• Knowledge of charity governance and compliance requirements
• Ability to build excellent relationships and have effective engagement with stakeholders
• Good communication skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance staff
• Attention to detail
• Ability to present financial information to various audiences
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and sensitivity of financial information
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to cope with competing demands to deadlines
• Honest and dependable

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience of leading a team, strong team building skills
• Line management experience
• Experience of using MS Planner or other project management tools
• Genuine interest in the work done by the Charity
• Experience of using a CRM (Salesforce)
• Degree in financial management or accounting

Full details are provided in the candidate pack

Salary and Benefits

Salary: £52,000 to £54,000 FTE (salary will be pro-rata for part time hours)

28-35 hours per week.  Career Ready is committed to supporting condensed/flexible working patterns.

Permanent and remote.  Travel to London required on an occasional basis

You will be rewarded with the following benefits:

· 6% contribution to personal pension plan, subject to 3% employee contribution.

· Annual leave: 27 days per annum plus bank/public holidays (pro rata for part time). The charity is also closed between Christmas and New Year. Career Ready also allows flexible use of some Bank & Public Holidays

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Access to both our Reward Gateway Portal and an Employee Assistance Programme.

· Flexible working

· Work from home allowance and paid travel expenses.

We regret that Career Ready is unable to offer visa sponsorship and candidates must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. In accordance with our commitment to safeguarding, offers of employment are subject to completion of a DBS check. 

Timetable

Applications close at 9am on Monday 21 July 2025 

Please note that the closing date may be brought forward if we receive strong applications.

This is an interim role to cover a period of maternity leave, with a provisional start date of late September for a handover period.

An exciting position has arisen for a Head of Finance to join an excellent Community Foundation on a permanent basis. The postholder will be reporting directly to the CEO and will be part of the executive team, leading a team of 7.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and improve the Trust’s finance function and provide accurate, timely and relevant financial reports as required by the CEO
• Be the Executive Lead of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring timely papers to the CEO and to the Committee and Board as required
• Ensure the provision and reporting of financial accounts, forecasting and large-scale project/programme budgets
• Oversight of the legal and financial statutory processes in line with the Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, including the annual audit
• Allocating tasks for timely responses and keeping all colleagues abreast of progress
• Monitor, cash flow, reserves, analysis of performance against the organisation’s annual business plan and dashboard as it relates to the finance function
• Contribute to the overall leadership of the Trust and to the Trust’s future strategic and operational planning
• Direct line management of 3 staff, indirectly manage 7
• Ensuring an excellent service to all budget managers, enabling them to make effective use of all systems and monitor and manage their income and expenditure
• To attend the Executive Team meetings and provide reports

Successful candidate profile:

• Qualified Accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)
• Significant track record in a Head of Finance / FD role for a Charity
• Experience of implementing enhanced reporting tools
• Experience of cost-effective procurement in line with policy
• Extensive staff management experience

Salary: up to £80,000 per annum + excellent benefits

Working pattern:  on site

Hours: 35 per week

Location: West London

Duration: Permanent

Agency Reference Number: J81925

This vacancy will be actively shortlisted so early applications are encouraged to avoid missing out.

Venn Group is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.