At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management for a charity supporting young people.
- Company: Empowering charity focused on helping children and young adults in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, hybrid options, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the financial future of a charity that impacts young lives every day.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant or part-qualified with relevant experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working in partnership with a charity which offers free and confidential information, advice, counselling, support and advocacy for children and young people under 26 in Southampton, Hampshire, Isle of Wight and Portsmouth whose mission is to empower young people to reach their full potential.
The charity is now seeking to appoint a Director of Finance who will hold overall accountability for the financial leadership of the charity, with responsibility for both the strategic and operational management of the charity’s finances, including oversight of income growth through Fundraising and Development. The role leads on financial strategy, planning, and performance, ensuring robust financial management, high-quality insight, and long-term financial sustainability.
With oversight of the finance team, the Director of Finance plays a central role in ensuring the charity is financially resilient, efficient, and able to grow and sustain its income in support of its mission.
The successful applicant will be a qualified Accountant (CIMA / CIPFA / ACCA / ACA or equivalent), consideration may be given to a part-qualified candidate with substantial relevant experience and possessing a desire to consider continuing towards full-qualification.
You will demonstrate:
- Experience and understanding of financial processes including budget management, forecasting, day-to-day income and expenditure processes, monthly reporting, and year end audit processes.
- Up-to-date knowledge of Charity regulations and relevant legislation and legal requirements.
- Successful track record in working with a Trustee Board or other executive boards.
- Ability to prioritise and organise own work and that of others to meet deadlines.
- Experience of costing services/projects and producing comprehensive budgets.
As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll make an active contribution to the organisation’s strategic direction, decision-making, and leadership, working collaboratively with colleagues to balance risk, opportunity, and impact. You will have up-to-date knowledge of charity SORP regulations and requirements, a high level of IT competency, including the use of Microsoft Office, and excellent communication skills with a commitment to personal growth and development. You will be a role model for the values of the Charity and ensure the needs of children and young people are at the heart of everything they do.
This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.
We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law.
If you feel you have relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV and supporting statement to Sandra Smith, via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website.
Details
- Hours: Full or part time hours available (3 to 5 days a week)
- Location: Southampton, hybrid working available
- Closing date for applications: 15 February 2026
Please note that applications will be reviewed as they are received, we therefore encourage early applications as we may progress candidates to interview before the application deadline.
Client Interviews: w/c 2 March 2026
Director of Finance employer: Charisma Charity Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Charisma Charity Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's mission and values. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with their goals. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in budget management and income growth strategies.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how you can contribute to the charity’s financial sustainability. We want to hear about your past successes and how they can translate into future achievements for the organisation.
✨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 take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your financial management expertise and any relevant charity sector experience to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Use your supporting statement to tell us why you’re passionate about this role and how your values align with our mission. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial leadership that demonstrate your capability.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your qualifications, especially if you’re a qualified Accountant or have substantial relevant experience. This is key for us to understand your background and how it fits with the role.
Apply Early!: Since we review applications as they come in, don’t wait until the deadline! Get your application in early to increase your chances of standing out and securing an interview with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charisma Charity Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial processes. Brush up on budget management, forecasting, and reporting. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you successfully managed finances or improved financial performance.
✨Understand Charity Regulations
Familiarise yourself with charity regulations and SORP requirements. This knowledge is crucial for the role. Prepare to discuss how you've navigated these regulations in previous positions and how you can ensure compliance while driving financial strategy.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves working closely with a Trustee Board and leading a finance team. Think about your leadership style and be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams effectively, balanced risk and opportunity, and contributed to strategic decision-making.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are essential. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, aim to convey your passion for empowering young people and how your financial strategies can support the charity's mission.