Head of Finanace

Robertson Bell is pleased to be partnering with a well-established charitable foundation entering a significant new phase of growth and organisational development to appoint a Head of Finance on a permanent basis.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Resources the Head of Finance will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function while playing a key role in shaping financial strategy, strengthening systems and processes, and supporting the delivery of a major multi-year capital programme. This is an excellent opportunity for a technically strong finance professional who enjoys balancing hands-on operational responsibility with strategic business partnering.

The role

• Lead the day-to-day finance function, overseeing financial reporting, payments, payroll, compliance and financial controls.
• Own the annual budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting processes, working closely with budget holders across the organisation.
• Deliver high-quality monthly management accounts, Board reports and financial analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Lead the annual audit process, statutory reporting and regulatory submissions.
• Manage complex UK charity and international reporting requirements, including overseas tax reporting obligations.
• Develop robust cashflow forecasting and financial planning to support long-term organisational sustainability and major capital investment.
• Build strong working relationships with auditors, banking partners and other external advisers.
• Drive continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and controls, ensuring the function is scalable as the organisation grows.
• Provide effective leadership and development to a Finance Officer, fostering a collaborative and high-performing finance team.
• Partner with colleagues across the organisation, providing financial insight, guidance and support to enable informed decision-making.

The organisation

Our client is an established charitable foundation with an ambitious long-term vision and a strong commitment to creating meaningful social impact through its grant-making and programme activity.

The organisation is entering an exciting period of transformation, underpinned by a new strategic direction, organisational growth and a significant multi-year capital investment programme. With secure long-term funding and ambitious plans for the future, this is a unique opportunity to join a collaborative organisation where finance plays a central role in enabling strategic delivery.

The successful candidate will join a supportive leadership team committed to continuous improvement, collaboration and innovation. Alongside the opportunity to make a genuine organisational impact, the role offers excellent professional development, a collaborative culture and the chance to help shape the future of a growing charity.

Essential criteria

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant senior finance experience within the charity sector.
• Strong experience leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.
• Experience managing annual audits, statutory reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Exposure to complex international reporting requirements, including overseas tax reporting.
• Previous experience managing and developing direct reports.
• Strong knowledge of UK Charity SORP and charity financial governance.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial information into meaningful insight for a range of stakeholders.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills, with the confidence to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across an organisation.

Desirable experience

• Experience within a charitable foundation, grant-making organisation or similarly complex environment.
• Experience supporting significant capital projects or organisational growth.
• Experience implementing finance system or process improvements.
• Exposure to investment reporting or endowment management.

If you are an experienced finance leader looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution within an ambitious and purpose-driven organisation, we would love to hear from you.

This role is based in Central London and offers a predominantly office-based working pattern, with flexibility to work remotely one day per week. The organisation is also open to considering applications from candidates seeking a four-day working week.