Director of Finance

Director of Finance. Salary £60,000pa ( fte £75,00.00pa).

• Reports to
• Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• Direct Reports

Finance & Systems Manager, Bookkeeper.

Location

Days /Hours: 4 days a week, flexible hours between 9am and 6pm

Hybrid currently, two days in the Hammersmith office.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute and forward-thinking Director of Finance to provide strategic leadership of the organisation's financial management, planning and governance. This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for ensuring financial sustainability, supporting organisational growth, driving operational excellence, and enabling the charity to maximise its impact.

The successful candidate will be a qualified finance professional (or qualified by experience) with extensive experience of financial leadership, budgeting, forecasting, financial control, and strategic planning. They will bring a proactive and innovative approach to financial management, identifying opportunities for organisational development, efficiency, improvement, and sustainable growth.

Ideally, candidates will have experience within the charity, not-for-profit or public sector environment and possess a strong understanding of charity accounting, governance and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

Develop and implement the organisation's financial strategy in support of the overall strategic plan and charitable objectives.

Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees.

Provide high-quality financial insights and analysis to inform strategic decision-making.

Lead the development of long-term financial models and sustainability plans.

Support the organisation in identifying and evaluating new systems to support sustainable growth opportunities.

Monitor internal and external financial risks and opportunities, advising on appropriate mitigation strategies.

Contribute fully as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Financial Planning, Budgeting and Forecasting

Lead the annual budgeting process across the charity. Departments include Operational Services, Fundraising, and HR.

Develop robust financial forecasting and scenario planning models.

Ensure budgets align with strategic priorities and operational plans.

Continually monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts.

Provide financial reports and recommendations to budget holders and senior leaders and Board of Trustee’s.

Drive accountability for budget management throughout the organisation.

Lead financial planning associated with new projects, tenders, contracts, and fundraising initiatives.

Financial Control and Governance

Ensure strong financial controls, policies and procedures are in place, reviewed and consistently applied.

Maintain a robust framework of internal controls and risk management processes.

Ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards, charity regulations and statutory requirements.

Oversee cash flow management and provide the CEO with insight into areas of concern with suggested improvements.

Monitor financial risks and implement appropriate controls.

Ensure accurate financial records and effective financial systems are produced and maintained.

Lead the development and continuous improvement of financial governance processes.

Financial Reporting

Ensure the timely production of monthly management accounts and performance reports.

Provide detailed financial information and analysis to the Senior Leadership Team, CEO and Board of Trustees.

Prepare statutory accounts in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and relevant accounting standards.

Lead relationships with external auditors and regulatory bodies.

Present complex financial information in a clear and accessible manner for non-financial audiences.

Charity Compliance and Fund Management

Ensure full compliance with Charity Commission requirements and relevant legislation.

Oversee restricted, unrestricted, and designated fund accounting.

Monitor grant funding, reporting requirements, and donor restrictions.

Support contract management and funding compliance requirements.

Ensure effective management of reserves in line with organisational policy.

Leadership and Team Development

Lead, motivate, and develop a high-performing finance team.

Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement.

Support the professional development of finance staff, by annual appraisals and a personal development training plan.

Promote collaborative communication and working across departments.

Ensure the finance function is viewed as a strategic partner to the wider organisation.

Systems and Continuous Improvement

Drive the development and optimisation of financial systems and processes.

Lead digital transformation initiatives within finance.

Identify efficiencies and opportunities to improve financial reporting and decision-making.

Ensure data integrity and robust financial information management.

Champion innovation and best practice across financial operations.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications

Fully qualified accountants (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).

Evidence of continuing professional development.

Evidence of qualification by experience

Essential Experience

Significant senior financial leadership experience.

Proven experience of strategic financial planning and organisational growth.

Extensive experience developing and managing complex budgets.

Strong track record of financial control, governance, and risk management.

Experience leading annual budgeting, forecasting, and business planning processes.

Experience presenting financial information to Boards and senior stakeholders.

Experience managing audits and statutory reporting requirements.

Experience leading and developing finance teams.

Desirable Experience

Experience within the charity, not-for-profit or public sector.

Knowledge of Charity SORP and charity accounting requirements.

Experience working with trustees and governance structures.

Experience managing grant-funded program’s and restricted funding.

Experience supporting organisational transformation and growth.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

Exceptional budgeting, forecasting, and financial modelling skills.

Strong commercial and strategic acumen.

Excellent understanding of financial controls and governance frameworks.

Advanced financial analysis and reporting capability.

Strong leadership and people management skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to influence decision-making at executive and Board level.

Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.

High levels of integrity and professional judgement.

Desirable

Knowledge of fundraising finance and charity funding models.

Experience implementing finance systems and digital solutions.

Understanding commissioning, contracts, and public sector funding.

Personal Attributes

Strategic and forward-thinking.

Commercially aware and growth focused.

Influential and credible leader.

Collaborative and supportive management style.

Values-driven and committed to organisational purpose.

Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment.

Results-oriented with strong attention to detail.

Passionate about enabling charitable impact through financial excellence.

Success Measures

Within the first 12 months the Director of Finance will:

Deliver accurate and timely management information to support decision making.

Strengthen financial planning and forecasting processes.

Review of finance processes

Discuss budgeting discipline and financial accountability across the organisation.

Suggest ways where Finance can add value to the organisation

Improve financial control and risk management frameworks.

Support the organisation in achieving sustainable growth objectives.

Ensure full compliance with charity and statutory requirements.

Actively participate in the overall strategic modelling for the charity.

Develop a proactive, high-performing finance function that adds strategic value across the organisation.