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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and provide strategic financial leadership in a humanitarian organisation.
- Company: Respected UK-based humanitarian organisation making a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to support life-saving work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by managing finances that support communities in crisis.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial leadership and charity accounting knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and team development.
The predicted salary is between 56000 - 60000 £ per year.
A respected UK-based humanitarian organisation is seeking a Head of Finance to lead its finance function at a critical and high-impact time. This is a senior leadership role within a small but influential organisation that plays a central role in coordinating large-scale responses to international humanitarian emergencies.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant to provide strategic financial leadership in a fast-paced, values-driven environment where financial stewardship directly supports life-saving work around the world.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance & Resources, the Head of Finance will be responsible for overseeing all financial processes, controls, analysis and reporting across the organisation. You will lead a small finance team and ensure the accuracy, integrity and transparency of financial information, while supporting senior leadership, trustees and external stakeholders.
The organisation experiences significant fluctuations in income during emergency appeals, and this role plays a key part in ensuring financial readiness, strong governance and effective allocation of funds. You will oversee budgeting for both core activities and large-scale appeals, manage audits and statutory reporting, and provide clear financial insight to inform strategic decision-making.
This role combines operational oversight with strategic influence and requires someone comfortable working in a dynamic environment with high levels of accountability and public scrutiny.
Key Priorities in Your First Six Months
- Oversee month-end, quarterly and year-end financial reporting and management accounts
- Lead budgeting and forecasting for core activities, appeals and longer-term strategic planning
- Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and audit readiness
- Manage appeal-related financial processes, including income tracking and allocations
- Prepare high-quality financial papers for committees, trustees and senior leadership
- Support donor, regulator and statutory reporting requirements
- Lead, motivate and develop the finance team, setting clear standards and priorities
- Deputise for the Director of Finance & Resources as required
About You
We are seeking an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant. You will bring:
- Strong experience in financial leadership, reporting and control in complex organisations
- Sound knowledge of charity accounting standards and regulatory compliance
- Experience managing audits, budgets and financial governance processes
- The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
- A collaborative leadership style with experience managing and developing teams
- Resilience and adaptability in fast-moving, high-pressure environments
- A strong sense of integrity, accountability and commitment to mission-driven work
You will be comfortable balancing operational detail with strategic thinking and motivated by contributing to work that supports communities affected by crisis.
HEAD OF FINANCE employer: Allen Lane Interim and Permanent Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Allen Lane Interim and Permanent Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HEAD OF FINANCE
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in humanitarian organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's mission and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just a numbers person but also passionate about making a difference in the world!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling skills. Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This will help you connect with non-financial stakeholders during interviews and demonstrate your communication prowess.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace HEAD OF FINANCE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant charity accounting knowledge to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about humanitarian work and how your background aligns with our mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and leadership skills. Numbers speak volumes, so include metrics where possible to illustrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane Interim and Permanent Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the organisation and be prepared to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you understand the financial landscape and can provide strategic insights.
✨Understand the Mission
This role is all about supporting life-saving work. Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and recent projects. Be ready to articulate how your financial leadership can directly impact their humanitarian efforts. This connection will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-pressure situations. Think of examples where you've successfully managed budgets during fluctuations or led audits. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As you'll be leading a small finance team, it's crucial to convey your collaborative leadership style. Share experiences where you've motivated and developed your team, especially in dynamic environments. Highlight how you set clear standards and priorities to achieve financial goals.
