Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Full-Time 78000 - 102000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Allen Lane

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy and oversee compliance for a global civil society network.
  • Company: Join a mission-driven organisation making a tangible impact on girls' lives worldwide.
  • Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to mentor a skilled finance team.
  • Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in an organisation dedicated to social justice and global equity.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong knowledge of charity finance and excellent communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 78000 - 102000 £ per year.

A globally focused civil society network is seeking a strategic and values-led Head of Finance to join its leadership team at a pivotal moment in its growth. This international partnership organisation brings together over 1,400 organisations across more than 100 countries to tackle a critical global challenge affecting millions of girls. This is an exciting opportunity to lead the finance function of a mission-driven organisation making tangible impact around the world.

You’ll work closely with the Director of Operations and Finance to drive financial strategy, oversee compliance and regulatory frameworks, and ensure the organisation is equipped with the tools and insight it needs to thrive. You will lead a small, skilled team and help embed best practice across multi-currency finance operations, supporting staff globally and enabling high-quality grant management.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Strategic leadership: Provide long-term financial planning and risk management to underpin organisational growth and sustainability.
  • Operational delivery: Lead on financial reporting, budgeting, statutory accounts and audit, ensuring systems and processes are efficient and compliant with UK and international requirements.
  • Grant finance: Partner with fundraising colleagues to prepare and monitor grant budgets, maximise cost recovery and ensure timely and accurate donor reporting.
  • Regulatory oversight: Oversee filings with UK regulators (Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC), and maintain compliance frameworks for international operations.
  • Team leadership: Manage and mentor a high-performing finance team and build financial capability across the organisation.

Person specification:

  • Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CCAB equivalent).
  • Strong knowledge of UK charity SORP, grant compliance and multi-currency budgeting and forecasting.
  • Excellent communicator, confident in presenting financial information to non-finance audiences, senior leadership and donors.
  • Hands-on approach to finance systems and controls; experience with packages such as QuickBooks, SAP Concur, Sun or Sage is a plus.
  • Collaborative and values-led, with a deep commitment to social justice and global equity.

How to apply: The organisation is working exclusively with Allen Lane to recruit this role. To arrange a confidential conversation, please contact Iain Slinn at Allen Lane.

Head of Finance employer: Allen Lane

Allen Lane is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic work culture in the heart of London, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. Employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages professional growth through continuous learning and development opportunities, making it an ideal place for those passionate about leveraging technology in finance. With a commitment to enhancing processes and driving strategic initiatives, Allen Lane offers a rewarding career path for qualified accountants looking to make a meaningful impact.

Allen Lane

Contact Details:

Allen Lane Recruitment 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 non-profits. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of UK charity SORP and grant compliance. We want you to feel confident discussing how your skills align with the organisation's mission and financial strategies.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and improved financial processes. This is your chance to shine as a collaborative and values-led leader.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Head of Finance role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance

Financial Strategy
Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge
Budgeting and Forecasting
Grant Management
Financial Reporting
Statutory Accounts
Audit Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience with financial strategy, compliance, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our mission-driven approach!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for social justice and global equity, and explain why you’re the perfect fit for our organisation. Let us know how you can contribute to our growth.

Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Be specific about your experience with multi-currency budgeting and grant management. We’re looking for someone who can confidently present financial information, so don’t hold back on your achievements!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly!

How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane

Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to be on top of your financial game. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just a number cruncher but a strategic thinker.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

You’ll be leading a team, so it’s crucial to convey your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you’ve mentored finance teams or implemented best practices. This will demonstrate your ability to inspire and manage effectively.

Understand the Mission

This role is with a mission-driven organisation, so make sure you understand their goals and values. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their mission and contribute to social justice and global equity.

Prepare for Compliance Questions

Given the regulatory oversight involved, expect questions about compliance frameworks and your experience with UK charity SORP. Have specific examples ready that highlight your knowledge and how you’ve ensured compliance in previous roles.