Senior financial accountant jobs in City of london, england

This is far more than a traditional Finance Manager position.

As Finance Manager, you'll lead the day-to-day finance function while helping shape the future of financial management at British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS). Reporting to the Director of Business Operations and leading our Finance Assistant, you'll be responsible for delivering high-quality management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting that enables informed decision-making across the organisation.

Alongside ensuring excellent financial governance and control, you'll have the opportunity to modernise and transform the finance function. From improving management information and financial processes to leading the redesign of our purchase-to-pay process and supporting wider digital transformation, you'll play a key role in ensuring finance helps deliver our ambitious Strategy 2030.

We're looking for a fully qualified CIMA/CGMA accountant who combines strong management accounting expertise with a passion for continuous improvement. You'll enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation, translating financial information into meaningful insight, challenging assumptions, and identifying opportunities to improve efficiency, strengthen financial sustainability and maximise the value of BUCS' financial resources.

If you're excited by the opportunity to build, influence and make a lasting impact within a values-led organisation that supports student sport across the UK, we'd love to hear from you.

Working at BUCS

BUCS prides itself on being an ambitious and challenging place to work, where staff enjoy work, embrace development opportunities, and have fun.

Benefits include:

• Generous Pension Scheme
• Paid Health Care Plan
• Tax-free - Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas Closure 
• Volunteering Day leave
• Flexible - hybrid working
• Wellbeing and Social activities
• Company-supported Learning and Development opportunities

How to Apply

Please apply via our recruitment platform Applied.

This will take you to the BeApplied platform which we use for our recruitment. 

Should you have any questions about the role, please contact Jude Edwards, Director of Business Operations.

Application deadline: 

13th August 2026, 22:00

Interview Information:

If successful candidate will be called to interview on the provisional date of 26th or 27th August 2026.

Candidates who successfully advance to the interview stage will receive further information about logistics and tasks via email. Some candidates may process to a second interview, which will be communicated accordingly. If any reasonable adjustments are required, please communicate them when accepting the interview offer.

Due to the expected high number of applications, it is likely we will only be able to provide feedback to those who reach the interview stage. If you don’t hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that, unfortunately, your application has not been successful. 

Applicants should have the right to work in the UK and will be asked to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK before employment is confirmed. 

Data Protection Statement

Any personal data submitted to BUCS in the course of this recruitment process will be held securely and processed solely for the purposes of recruitment. It will be held for the duration of the recruitment process, and if employed by BUCS, for the duration of the contract of employment and to fulfil the statutory, or recommended, retention periods when no longer an employee of British Universities and Colleges Sport. BUCS will comply with data protection legislation at all times and in line with BUCS Privacy Policy.

Strategic Finance Partner

Salary: £52,380 – £55,789

Location: National / predominantly remote working

MLC Partners is recruiting a Strategic Finance Partner for a large, highly impactful organisation operating nationally across the UK.

This is a strong opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys genuine business partnering rather than traditional month-end-focused finance. You’ll work directly with senior operational leaders, providing financial insight, constructive challenge and commercial support to help them make better decisions and identify financial risks early.

The role is predominantly remote, with a national remit and connection to a regional business unit.

The role:

As Strategic Finance Partner, you’ll manage relationships with a portfolio of Operational and Central Directors, providing targeted financial support where it can have the greatest impact. This includes regular strategic reviews, identifying emerging risks and providing financial challenge ahead of key decisions.

• Partner with operational leaders to assess financial performance, risks and opportunities
• Develop financial options and recommendations to support decision-making and service sustainability
• Provide financial input into commissioner and customer discussions, including funding, performance and contract variations
• Support the resolution of significant income and invoicing issues
• Provide finance input into bids, tenders and re-tenders, including pricing, assumptions and sustainability
• Deliver practical financial training and coaching to non-finance colleagues
• Work closely with FP&A, Financial Control and Shared Services to ensure decisions are supported by robust financial information

About you:

You’ll already have experience within finance business partnering or management accounting, with a track record of supporting budget holders and reviewing financial performance. You should be comfortable identifying financial risks, understanding the commercial and operational drivers behind the numbers, and working collaboratively across a wider finance function.

You’ll need:

• Strong financial and analytical skills
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• Confidence influencing and challenging senior stakeholders
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills
• Good Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems

The organisation is open to part-qualified candidates, so this could be particularly attractive to someone progressing through ACA, ACCA or CIMA who already has solid business partnering experience and is ready for greater senior stakeholder exposure.

If you’re looking for a role where finance is genuinely expected to partner, influence and challenge, please get in touch with Annabelle at MLC Partners for a confidential conversation.

Interim Finance Director | Immediate Start | 7-Month FTC

• *£80,000–£90,000 + benefits | 7-month FTC | Hybrid London | Immediate Start**

A pivotal finance leadership role with purpose!

We’re partnering with a highly respected UK charity to appoint an **Interim Finance Director on a 7-month FTC**, this is a full-time, London based hybrid role, starting immediately, during an important period of organisational transition.

This is a hands-on leadership role where **financial resilience, governance and positive change** genuinely matter. The organisation provides supported housing and support to vulnerable and disabled veterans, helping those who have served their country to live with independence, dignity and wellbeing.

The opportunity

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Executive Team, Board and Finance, HR, Audit & Risk Committee, you’ll lead a broad finance transformation and improvement agenda.

Key priorities include:

• Leading and strengthening the finance function
• Completing and embedding outstanding external audit actions
• Developing a robust **five-year financial strategy** and leading the **2027/28 budget**
• Creating a credible pathway from current deficit positions towards sustainable operating surplus
• Refreshing the Finance Manual and financial policies, controls and procedures
• Leading internal audit and assurance
• Improving management accounts, forecasting, KPIs and Board reporting
• Providing executive oversight of finance and IT systems, including **Pyramid implementation**
• Advising the CEO, Board and Committee with clear, decision-focused financial insight
• Building a confident, collaborative and high-performing finance team

What we’re looking for

You’ll be a **fully qualified accountant** with significant senior financial leadership experience, including working with Boards and Audit/Risk Committees.

You’ll bring strong experience across **financial strategy, budgeting, controls, audit, governance, forecasting and organisational change**, with the ability to turn complex financial information into clear, actionable advice.

Why this role?

This is a genuine **delivery-focused interim assignment**. In seven months, you’ll have the opportunity to strengthen the finance function, improve governance and reporting, shape the five-year financial strategy and establish a credible route towards sustainable financial performance.

If you’re a strategic, hands-on finance leader available immediately and ready to make an impact, please apply online today I would love to hear from you!

A national charity is seeking an experienced Interim Finance Business Partner to join its finance team on an six-month contract. Working closely with operational budget holders, the successful candidate will provide high-quality financial support, challenge and insight to help drive financial performance across the organisation. This is a hands-on business partnering role with a strong focus on management reporting, budgeting, forecasting and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Partner with budget holders, providing financial advice and constructive challenge to support decision-making.
• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including commentary and variance analysis.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting processes across designated business areas.
• Analyse financial performance, identifying risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Support business planning through financial analysis and reporting.
• Build strong relationships with operational stakeholders, presenting financial information in a clear and meaningful way.
• Contribute to continuous improvements across financial processes, reporting and controls.
• Support wider finance activities as required, including year-end and audit preparation.

You will:

• Be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or possess significant relevant business partnering experience.
• Have a proven track record as a Finance Business Partner within a large or complex organisation.
• Have strong experience preparing management accounts, budgets and forecasts.
• Be confident supporting and influencing senior budget holders and operational stakeholders.
• Possess excellent analytical, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Be able to work independently and quickly build effective working relationships.
• Ideally have experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector.

What's on offer:

• £400 -£450 per day (depending on experience)
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Due to the immediate business requirement, candidates should be immediately available or available to start at short notice.

Are you an experienced operational leader who thrives on making organisations run brilliantly behind the scenes?

Southwark Charities is entering an exciting new chapter. With a £100m property portfolio, a growing grant programme and the development of 64 new almshouses, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Resources to lead the systems and processes that keep our charity strong.

Reporting to the CEO, you'll oversee finance, HR, IT, governance, property compliance, contracts and organisational systems, ensuring the charity operates efficiently, remains compliant and is well positioned for future growth. You'll work in a small, dedicated team while working closely with colleagues to deliver outstanding services for older people across Southwark.

This is a hands-on role for someone who enjoys improving processes, managing change and finding practical solutions. You'll bring experience in operations, finance or corporate services, excellent organisational skills and the confidence to work across multiple disciplines.

If you're looking for a varied senior role where your expertise will have a direct impact on people's lives and the future of a respected historic charity, we'd love to hear from you.

About us

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. The Finance Manager is responsible for the management of the financial accounting functions of the organisation, for the preparation of statutory accounts, regular management reports, the preparation of all tax returns, supporting budget holders and assisting them fulfil their responsibilities, and for compliance with statutory requirements including compliance with tax laws and regulations.
 

About the role

The Finance Manager will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including the nation offices, supporting and advising, building excellence in standards within the finance office and injecting innovative solutions to the organisation’s financial strategy.
 

About you

We are looking for a proactive and visible finance professional who is able to engage and build relationships across the organisation as a pivotal member within a values led high performing organisation. You will be a qualified accountant with proven track record of financial management awareness and a solid understanding of charity audits and statutory accounts preparation. You will have the ability to work with staff across the organisation in supporting good financial governance and oversight of financial operational matters. You will have the ability to analyse financial information and present this in a suitable format for the audience. You will have good ability to meet deadlines, be IT literate with an emphasis on financial systems, spreadsheets, Quickbooks and Excel. You will be highly organised with excellent attention to detail and be able to work with minimum supervision.

The role will involve the management of the day-to-day financial activities, VAT, gift aid, payroll and the monthly, quarterly and annual reconciliations and statutory accounts preparation. The job holder will work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, Finance Officer and volunteers within the team. There will be a requirement to work closely with the income generating staff, budget holders, auditors, banks and credit card providers on a regular basis. The Finance Manager will be responsible for managing the Finance Officer and Finance volunteer. 
 

Diversity and inclusion

Carers UK is committed to becoming a diverse and truly inclusive organisation. We strive to create a workplace where our colleagues and volunteers can truly be themselves and feel like they belong and constantly seek to ensure all voices are heard.

To embrace this culture of diversity, our employee and volunteer recruitment should reflect our stakeholders and the society that we serve and support, regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, physical abilities, disabilities or religious practices. We value individual diversity and are actively building diverse teams here at Carers UK and value our colleagues from a wide range of backgrounds.

As a membership charity for carers, we particularly seek employees and volunteers with a real understanding of the issues faced by carers. Reasonable adjustments can be made to the process and role dependent on the needs of the applicant.

At Carers UK, we want our application process to be as accessible as possible. If you need any adjustments to apply please email the recruitment team to discuss.

The closing date for applications is Friday 24 July 2026, 5pm.

Carers UK anonymises all applications prior to shortlisting.

Carers UK are actively interviewing as we receive applications. 

Carers UK reserves the right to appoint at any stage, should an outstanding candidate emerge.

Carers UK may carry out online and social media checks before a formal offer is made.

Contract: Interim, immediate start until mid-November 2026
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly hands-on Interim Head of Finance to join an international not-for-profit organisation for a short-term assignment.

The key priority will be to hold the fort during a period of transition, ensuring the day-to-day finance function continues to operate effectively before providing a comprehensive handover to the incoming permanent Head of Finance.

This is very much a hands-on, sleeves-rolled-up role. Alongside overseeing the finance function, you will be comfortable getting into the detail yourself, including making payments, managing payroll and VAT returns, maintaining accurate financial information and supporting the migration to a new banking provider.

A significant project during the assignment will also be leading the development of the organisation’s 2027 annual budget.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the day-to-day finance function throughout the interim period.
• Manage and support the Finance Officer.
• Maintain accurate and timely financial information, reporting and controls.
• Take a hands-on role in payments, payroll and VAT returns.
• Manage and oversee the organisation’s Xero accounting system.
• Lead the migration to a new banking provider, ensuring a smooth transition and appropriate controls.
• Lead the preparation of the 2027 organisational budget, working closely with senior leaders and budget holders.
• Provide management information and financial advice to the COO, CEO and Senior Leadership Team.
• Support effective management and reporting of restricted donor funds, including appropriate allocations and cost recovery.
• Work with fundraising colleagues on grant budgets and donor financial reporting where required.
• Ensure key financial and statutory deadlines continue to be met.
• Maintain strong financial controls and ensure the finance function is well organised for the incoming permanent Head of Finance.
• Deliver a clear and comprehensive handover at the end of the assignment.

About You

We are looking for someone who can quickly get to grips with an organisation and operate with minimal supervision. You will be equally comfortable working with senior stakeholders and getting directly involved in transactional and operational finance.

You will ideally bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification – ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent.
• Strong experience operating at Head of Finance / Financial Controller level within a charity, NGO or wider not-for-profit environment.
• Good working knowledge and practical experience of Xero.
• A genuinely hands-on approach, with the willingness to process payments and get involved in payroll, VAT and the day-to-day finance workload.
• Strong budgeting and forecasting experience, ideally having led an organisation-wide annual budgeting process.
• Experience managing and reporting on restricted donor or grant funding, including allocations.
• Knowledge of UK charity accounting and Charity SORP.
• Strong financial controls and process management experience.
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• The confidence to quickly establish priorities, keep the function running effectively and leave everything in good shape for the permanent postholder.

This would suit an experienced interim finance professional who enjoys getting stuck into the detail and can provide a safe pair of hands during a period of transition.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Chief Executive to assume overall responsibility for the management of HMC. The purpose of this senior leadership role is to lead the organisation in fulfilling its purpose of supporting migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, ensuring they can access their rights and overcome injustices in the immigration and social welfare system.

Job title: Finance Lead
Contract: Temporary (3+ Months)
Locatiom: Hybrid (London office/remote working)
Pay rate: £24.04 - £25.11 per hourplus holiday pay
Hours: Monday-Friday 36 hours per week


Weare supporting a small, publicly funded organisation to recruit an experienced Finance Lead on a temporary basis for an initial 3-month period. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly respected organisation with a national remit. With a workforce of around 22 employees and a small, collaborative corporate services team, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the smooth running of the finance function. The organisation operates in a public-sector environment and works closely with external stakeholders, auditors and governance committees.

Key Responsibilities

To lead on the Finance and Corporate Management Information for the Commission, including financial reporting, external returns, banking, budgeting and budget management, financial projections, capital and internal audit.

• Lead day-to-day finance operations and financial stewardship.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities.
• Produce management information, financial reports and expenditure analysis.
• Complete bank reconciliations, month-end processes and financial controls
• Liaise with external auditors and support audit preparation.
• Support risk management, governance and committee reporting.
• Work closely with operational managers and senior stakeholders on budget monitoring and financial matters.

About You

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or a strong qualified-by-experience finance professional.
• Experience managing budgets, forecasting and financial planning.
• Strong management reporting skills, including variance analysis and financial commentary.
• Experience of month-end processes, bank reconciliations, balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
• Experience supporting external audits and preparing financial information for auditors.
• Ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders, budget holders and non-finance managers.
• Strong understanding of financial governance, policies and procedures.
• Experience within a public sector, regulatory, charity or publicly funded organisation would be highly desirable

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so that we can help with making the application process work for you.

ORGANISATION

Join one of the UK's largest and most impactful charities, supporting people across the UK and internationally through a diverse range of services, programmes and campaigns. With a strong commitment to making a lasting difference, the organisation offers a collaborative and values-driven environment where finance plays a key role in supporting strategic decision-making and delivering social impact.

THE ROLE

As a Finance Business Partner, you will work closely with senior operational leaders, providing financial insight, challenge and support to help achieve organisational objectives. You will be responsible for driving effective financial planning and performance management across a portfolio of business areas, enabling stakeholders to make informed decisions and maximise the impact of resources.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded finance professional who enjoys building relationships, influencing decision-making and translating financial information into meaningful business insight.

Key responsibilities include:

* Partnering with senior stakeholders to support strategic and operational decision-making.

* Leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.

* Delivering insightful financial analysis, reporting and performance commentary.

* Supporting and challenging budget holders to improve financial performance.

* Developing financial models, business cases and scenario planning.

* Identifying financial risks and opportunities and recommending actions.

* Presenting financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences.

* Supporting the development of KPIs and performance reporting.

* Building financial understanding across operational teams.

* Contributing to year-end activities, audit requirements and finance improvement projects.

ABOUT YOU

* Fully qualified accountant.

* Significant experience in a Finance Business Partnering, Management Accounting or similar role within a large and complex organisation.

* Strong experience of budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.

* Excellent analytical skills, with the ability to turn financial data into actionable insights.

* Advanced Excel skills and experience of financial modelling.

* Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and challenge constructively.

* Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage non-finance audiences.

* Proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach.

Desirable experience:

* Charity or not-for-profit sector experience.

* Knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid.

* Experience developing KPIs and performance reporting frameworks.

* Experience supporting large, multi-departmental budgets.

WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU

* Hybrid working two days per week in the London office.

* 35-hour working week, supporting a strong work-life balance.

* Matched pension contribution.

* On-site café with staff discounts.

* Minimum 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.

* The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a nationally recognised charity.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Location: Hybrid working - Part London office-based (E14) and part home working. The post holder will work a minimum of one day a week in the office. 

Salary: £58,300 per annum 

Hours:35 hours per week 

Interview date: as we are receiving applications and will be over video on Teams in the first instance

This is a permanent role. 

Who we are looking for 

Breakthrough T1D is the UK’s leading type 1 diabetes charity, dedicated to funding research, advocating for change, and supporting the T1D community. We are looking for an experienced and dynamic Head of Finance to help us ensure the finance function is fit for purpose so that we can deliver our ambitious 10-year strategy.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & IT, this is a hands-on leadership role with responsibility for the day–to–day management of the finance function, responsible for monthly financial reporting including quarterly reforecasts and co ordinating the annual budget as well as partnering with senior stakeholders across the organisation.You will also lead on the annual accounts and external audit. 

Managing a team of 3 (2.2 FTE), you will ensure the organisation continues to deliver robust financial control, insightful charity reporting and effective support to operational teams.  

Experience required 

You’ll be/have: 

• CCAB qualified financial professional (or finalist) 
• Experience working for a charity in a senior finance role with fundraised income of £1m or more 
• Strong business partnering skills and experience working closely with senior operational leaders. 
• Strong financial reporting, controls and systems confidence 
• Ability to work both strategically and hands–on 
• Familiar with the charity SORP 
• Strong people management and leadership skills with the ability to develop and motivate teams 
• Excellent accounting, analytical, and communication skills allied with a pragmatic and solution focused approach. 

About Breakthrough T1D 

Breakthrough T1D is the world’s leading charitable research funder into type 1 diabetes, improving lives until we find the cure. We are dedicated to our 400,000 strong type 1 community in the UK and work closely with our international affiliates across the world, including the US, Canada and Australia. 

You will find a vibrant atmosphere and spirited team at Breakthrough T1D, always striving to make a difference to people living with type 1. 

Employee benefits 

As an employer we offer: 

• Hybrid working arrangements 
• Flexible working and will consider compressed hours 
• Generous annual leave entitlement – 25 days per year plus bank holidays for full-time staff with leave increasing after three and five years’ service 
• Health cash plan that allows you to claim for some treatments such as dental, optical and physiotherapy treatment 
• Season ticket and cycle loan 
• Pension scheme 
• Family-friendly policies – maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave at enhanced rates 
• Personalised training to suit your career aspirations and professional development 

Breakthrough T1D is an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race, gender, disability, religious belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Are you driven by using financial insight to influence decision and strategy?

Join a growing business for good, that supports charities access high‑quality finance and operations support. As they expand their London presence, they're looking for a Finance Business Partner to lead financial delivery for a portfolio of charity clients. This is a role with real autonomy, variety, and influence and would suit either an experienced Finance Business Partner or an established Finance Manager looking to take the next step.

About the Role

This is a genuine business partnering position where you’ll take ownership of the end-to-end finance function for your portfolio, acting as the primary financial contact and trusted advisor to senior charity leaders. Based in their Westminster hub and connected to the wider team remotely, you’ll play a key role in strengthening financial resilience across multiple impactful organisations.

You will:

· Prepare and present monthly management accounts with clear insight

· Lead budgeting, forecasting and long-term financial planning

· Present financial updates to Executive Teams and Boards, offering constructive challenge

· Support funding bids and donor reporting with strong financial modelling

· Produce year-end accounts and manage auditor/examiner relationships

· Support and line-manage at least one Finance Assistant,

Every day, you’ll help charities make confident, data-informed decisions that protect their mission and future.

About You

We’re looking for a confident, commercially minded finance professional who enjoys variety, responsibility and building meaningful relationships.

You will bring:

· Professional qualification or studying (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent experience

· Experience producing management accounts and external reporting

· Track record of presenting financial information to senior leaders / Boards

· Experience with SME accounting systems (Xero and/or QuickBooks ideal)

· Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple clients

· Aptitude for working autonomously and making sound decisions

· Excellent communication skills, able to translate numbers for non-financial colleagues

· Experience in or alongside the charity sector (desirable but not essential)

You’ll thrive if you enjoy problem‑solving, autonomy, and being a steady, trusted presence for purpose‑driven organisations.

Doing Good Recruitment is committed to the highest standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics, as well as socio-economic background. We understand that applicants may not always meet every criterion listed in the job description, if you meet most, we encourage you to apply.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may take place before the closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Employment Details: 

• Location: Haringey (N17), London, UK. (This is an In-Person role with optional one day working remotely) 
• Job Title:  Director of Operations 
• Reporting to: CEO, with accountability to the Board of Trustees 
• Line Manages: Operations Co-ordinator and Finance Officer
• Employment Type: Full-Time (40hrs Per Week)
• Start date: October 2026 (Ideally, or later if you have a notice period) 

Benefits:

• Annual Leave: 25 days (Exclusive of Bank Holiday)
• 1 x WFH/flexi working as per policy
• CPD Budget: £1000
• Group Life Insurance
• Discount on Food (Specific Restaurants)
• Free Brunch every Thursday
• Company Well-being Events
• Pension Contribution

Summary of the role:
The Director of Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role at Sister System, responsible for strengthening the people, culture, systems and organisational foundations that enable our mission to thrive. Working closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, the postholder will play a central role in delivering our current strategic priorities and shaping the next chapter of Sister System as we develop our future strategy beyond September 2027. 

This is a significant opportunity to help shape a growing, values-led organisation founded on co-curation, sisterhood, race & gender equity and the belief that girls and young women should be active architects of the services, systems and opportunities designed for them. With oversight of financial management, people and culture, compliance, risk and organisational infrastructure, the Director of Operations will lead on empowering & ensuring that our internal culture and ways of working reflect the same care, accountability, ambition and empowerment that sit at the heart of our model. 

The role will be instrumental in translating our founding vision into strong, sustainable practice, ensuring Sister System is equipped to grow its impact while remaining deeply connected to the voices, experiences and leadership of the girls and young women we exist to serve. 

Our Charity:
Sister System exists to ensure that care-affected girls and young women are not defined by the systems they have experienced, but are supported to recognise their strengths, shape their futures and access the same opportunities as their peers. 

Our culturally competent, co-curated model works alongside girls and young women aged 13–24 through a long-term journey of support, progression and leadership. Across three interconnected stages, we provide trusted relationships, mentoring, therapeutic support, education, leadership development and pathways into employment. Our approach recognises that meaningful change takes time, consistency and a community that continues to believe in her. 

Founded with girls and young women, not simply for them, Sister System places their voices, experiences and ambitions at the heart of everything we do. Through our growing hub-and-spoke model, we are expanding our reach while also influencing the wider systems, services and institutions that shape their lives. 

Our ambition is not only to improve individual outcomes, but to demonstrate a better way of working with care-affected girls and young women—one that is relational, culturally responsive, asset-based and built around what they tell us they need to thrive. 

As Sister System enters its next phase of growth and prepares to shape its future strategy, we are seeking an experienced and values-led Director of Operations to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen the people, culture, systems and infrastructure that will enable our organisation—and the girls and young women alongside us—to achieve even more. 

Our Vision: 
A world where empowered girls reach their potential through equitable opportunities.

Our Mission: 
To bridge the gap between care-affected girls and young women within mainstream society by working alongside them to ensure they have the same opportunities that everyone else has – at home, school, work and within our communities. 

Our Values: 

• COLLABORATIVE 
  We co-curate programmes with our Sis-Stars. We seek powerful partnerships. 
• EVIDENCE-BASED 
  We build trust and respect within our sector. 
• MASTERFUL 
  We aim for excellence as standard and share our learning. 
• SOLUTION-FOCUSED 
  We innovate to overcome challenges with a long-term goal in mind. 
• TENACIOUS 
  We are not afraid to take a stand and push for change. 

 
Key Responsibilities 

Strategic Leadership and Implementation 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to translate Sister System’s strategy, theory of change, operational model and financial plans into clear organisational priorities and coordinated action. 
• Play a central role in shaping Sister System’s next strategy ahead of the September 2027 refresh, ensuring it reflects our founding commitment to co-curation, the voices of girls and young women, our evolving three-stage model and our future growth ambitions. 
• Lead the development of proportionate planning, monitoring and review processes that enable the Senior Leadership Team to track progress, reflect on performance, identify barriers and remain accountable for delivery. 
• Monitor progress against agreed strategic goals and KPIs, ensuring that risks, dependencies and areas requiring leadership attention are clearly identified and addressed. 
• Support senior leaders to turn strategic priorities into realistic plans, with clear ownership, timescales and measurable outcomes. 
• Ensure that learning from delivery, impact data, staff experience and the voices of girls and young women inform strategic decision-making and organisational improvement. 
• Cultivate a strong shared sense of purpose across Sister System, helping colleagues understand how their roles contribute to our mission, values and long-term ambitions. 

Financial Strategy and Audit 

• Work closely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to shape, implement and regularly evaluate Sister System’s financial strategy, ensuring it supports our mission, strategic ambitions and long-term sustainability. 
• Provide clear, financial recommendations to the CEO, helping the organisation navigate the balance between delivering high-quality, meaningful impact for girls and young women, achieving value for money and maintaining financial resilience. 
• Translate Sister System’s strategic priorities, delivery model and growth ambitions into realistic financial plans, forecasts and scenarios that support timely and well-informed decision-making. 
• Lead financial scenario planning and ensure that the CEO and Board have a clear understanding of the financial implications, risks and trade-offs associated with key organisational decisions. 
• Lead and oversee the annual audit process, working effectively with external auditors, the finance team, senior leaders and the Board to ensure a robust, timely and transparent process. 
• Ensure that learning and recommendations arising from audits, financial reviews and assurance activity are translated into clear improvements and strengthened organisational practice. 

Financial Management 

• Lead the development, monitoring and management of annual budgets, reforecasts and longer-term financial plans, ensuring resources are aligned with Sister System’s strategic priorities. 
• Hold and actively manage the tension between quality, impact, affordability and value for money, ensuring financial decisions protect the integrity of Sister System’s model and the experience of the girls and young women we serve. 
• Provide the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board with clear, accessible and timely financial information, insight and recommendations to support effective leadership and governance. 
• Produce high-level financial reports and analysis covering budgets, cash flow, reserves, forecasts, strategic KPIs and other relevant performance indicators. 
• Maintain and continuously strengthen proportionate financial systems, controls and processes that reflect Sister System’s size, stage of growth and evolving operating model. 
• Ensure that robust financial and performance-reporting infrastructure is in place, with clear accountability, reliable data and appropriate oversight across the organisation. 
• Support Directors and budget holders to understand their financial responsibilities, manage resources effectively and make informed decisions within agreed parameters. 
• Identify emerging financial risks, pressures and opportunities for greater efficiency, advising the CEO on appropriate actions and ensuring these are monitored and addressed. 
• Oversee high quality bookkeeping practice to ensure reporting is accurate and up to date. 
• Work with the fundraising team to develop budgets for proposals and create timely financial reports for funders and donors 

Culture and Operational Effectiveness 

• Work closely with our People and Culture consultant, CEO and Senior Leadership Team to shape and embed a progressive, inclusive and high-performing organisational culture aligned with Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• Champion a culture of regular, honest and constructive feedback, helping managers and colleagues to hold crucial conversations with clarity, care and accountability. 
• Ensure that Sister System’s internal culture reflects the relational, empowering and values-led approach that sits at the heart of our work with girls and young women. 
• Review existing organisational processes and workflows, identifying practical opportunities to improve clarity, consistency, collaboration and efficiency. 
• Develop and embed proportionate ways of working that support Sister System’s current size, evolving operating model and future growth. 

People Planning and Management 

• Lead the development of a clear and forward-looking people plan that ensures Sister System has the right structure, capacity, capabilities and leadership in place to deliver its strategic ambitions. 
• Support managers to build high-performing teams through effective objective-setting, regular feedback, performance management and professional development. 
• Foster an environment in which people are supported to grow, appropriately challenged and held accountable for delivering against agreed expectations. 
• Facilitate professional learning, career development and progression across the organisation, ensuring that opportunities are transparent, equitable and aligned with organisational need. 
• Oversee workforce and succession planning, ensuring that the organisational structure remains appropriate, affordable and responsive to Sister System’s development. 
• Work with the CEO and relevant advisers to ensure fair and appropriate pay, benefits and working conditions. 
• Oversee recruitment and the end-to-end employee experience, from attraction and onboarding through to development, retention and exit. 
• Ensure that people policies, practices and management approaches are legally compliant, consistently applied and reflective of Sister System’s values. 

Compliance and Risk Management 

• Ensure that Sister System meets its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities as a charity and employer. 
• Lead the development and maintenance of a proportionate organisational risk-management framework that protects Sister System’s people, assets, reputation and ability to deliver its mission. 
• Ensure that key organisational risks are clearly identified, owned, monitored and reported to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 
• Promote a culture in which risk is understood and actively managed without limiting thoughtful innovation, learning or ambition.

Governance, Communications and Facilities 

• Facilitate clear, timely and effective communication and cooperation between the Board of Trustees, CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 
• Support the development of strong governance systems, ensuring that trustees receive the information, insight and assurance required to fulfil their responsibilities effectively. 
• Work closely with trustees through the Finance and Audit committee 
• Oversee the organisation’s IT infrastructure and digital systems through external providers, ensuring that they remain secure, reliable and appropriate for Sister System’s needs. 
• Oversee the effective operation of Sister System’s physical workspace within a fully managed office environment, working with building management and relevant external providers where required. 
• Ensure that Sister System provides a safe, welcoming and accessible environment for girls and young women, staff, volunteers, visitors and partners across its hub, spoke locations and external activities. 
• Ensure that appropriate health and safety systems, procedures and responsibilities are understood, implemented and regularly reviewed. 

Person Specification 
We are seeking an experienced, dynamic and values-led operational leader to join Sister System’s Senior Leadership Team. You will combine sound judgement and strong organisational skills with a warm, collaborative leadership style and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for care-affected girls and young women. 

You do not need to be a specialist in every area of the role. You will, however, need the confidence and experience to lead across a broad operational portfolio, work effectively with professional advisers and external providers, and provide clear, practical advice to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees. 

Essential Experience and Knowledge 

• Significant experience in a senior operations, finance, people, governance or organisational leadership role within a charity, social enterprise or similarly values-led organisation. 
• Experience of translating organisational strategy into clear priorities, plans, systems and measurable outcomes. 
• Experience of developing and managing organisational budgets, forecasts and financial reporting, with the ability to balance quality, impact, affordability and value for money. 
• Experience of supervising or coordinating an external audit process, working effectively with auditors, finance colleagues and the Board. 
• Experience of people planning, performance management and supporting managers to build capable, accountable and high-performing teams. 
• Experience of developing or improving organisational systems, processes and ways of working during a period of growth or change. 
• A sound understanding of charity governance, organisational risk, compliance and the responsibilities of senior leaders and trustees. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with a CEO, senior leadership colleagues, trustees, consultants and external professional advisers. 
• A strong understanding of equity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice, and the ability to embed these principles within organisational culture and decision-making. 

Skills and Leadership Approach 

• An approachable, emotionally intelligent and credible leader who can build trust, motivate others and develop effective working relationships across an organisation. 
• The ability to lead with both care and accountability, supporting open feedback and helping colleagues to hold constructive and sometimes crucial conversations. 
• Strong strategic thinking, with the ability to understand the wider organisational picture while maintaining oversight of important operational detail. 
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial, people or operational information clearly and accessibly. 
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing demands, meet deadlines and maintain momentum. 
• Sound judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge, identify risks and offer clear recommendations to the CEO and Board. 
• A practical and solution-focused approach, with the ability to move from discussion and planning into coordinated action. 
• The ability to handle sensitive, confidential and personal information professionally and in accordance with Sister System’s policies, data-protection responsibilities and GDPR. 
• Energy, curiosity and enthusiasm for strengthening an ambitious organisation as it prepares to shape and deliver its next strategy. 

Values and Commitment 

• A demonstrable commitment to Sister System’s mission and to improving the opportunities, experiences and outcomes of care-affected girls and young women. 
• The ability to model and champion Sister System’s values: Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. 
• A commitment to co-curation and to ensuring that the voices, experiences and leadership of girls and young women inform organisational planning and decision-making. 
• A commitment to continuous learning, reflective practice and personal and professional development. 

Desirable 

• Lived experience of the care system, or a strong professional understanding of the experiences of care-affected girls and young women. 
• Experience of working within a founder-led organisation or alongside a founder CEO. 
• Experience of supporting an organisation through growth, restructuring or the development of a new strategy. 
• Knowledge of culturally competent, trauma-informed or relational approaches to working with young people. 
• A relevant professional qualification or equivalent experience in operations, finance, human resources, governance or organisational leadership. 
• Experience working with social care and educational service providers (statutory and third sector). 
• Knowledge of the Charity SORP, Charity Commission reporting requirements, and other third-sector financial regulation. 

Sister System is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is subject to two satisfactory reference checks and DBS enhanced disclosure.

How to apply

Please apply via our recruitment platform Breathe by 31st August 2026. You will be asked to upload your CV and answer the following questions:

Values alignment 
Sister System's model is built on co-curation (working with girls and young women, not simply for them) and on being Collaborative, Evidence-based, Masterful, Solution-focused and Tenacious. Which of these values do you feel most aligned with, and which do you find hardest to live up to in practice?
 
People & Culture
Sister System is a founder-led organisation, underpinned by race and gender equity and a culturally competent, trauma-informed approach to working with girls and young women. Tell us about a time you strengthened internal culture of this nature within a team. What resistance did you meet, and what was different a year later?

Finance 
A key element of the role is monitoring income against budget for current and future years. Charity income can provide additional complexities, particularly with different types of grants. Please explain your understanding of these complexities, and how they impact on recording and reporting, including examples from your own experience if relevant. 

Timeline
Deadline for applications: End of day Monday 31st August 2026 
First round interviews: w/c 7th September 
Second round interviews: w/c 14th September
Decisions made: by 22nd September 

Thank you for your interest in joining Sister System in our mission to inspire and empower young women.