At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management for a charity supporting young people.
- Company: A charity dedicated to empowering youth in Southampton and surrounding areas.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hybrid working, and the 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 and contribute to meaningful change.
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 in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience with charities. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you a heads-up on what to expect in interviews.
✨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 fundraising strategies that can help them grow.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Get a friend to do mock interviews with you, focusing on common questions for finance roles in charities. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in London
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 leadership experience and any relevant qualifications to show us you're the right fit for the Director of Finance role.
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Use your supporting statement to tell us why you’re passionate about empowering young people. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles, especially in a charity or similar environment.
Showcase Your Knowledge of Charity Regulations: Demonstrate your understanding of charity regulations and SORP requirements in your application. This will show us that you’re not just qualified but also knowledgeable about the unique challenges faced by charities.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We review applications as they come in, so applying early could give you an edge. Head over to our website and get your application in!
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 the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with charity regulations and SORP requirements. Research the specific charity's mission and values, and think about how your financial strategies can support their goals. Showing that you understand the unique challenges faced by charities will set you apart.
✨Engage with the Board
Since you'll be working closely with a Trustee Board, prepare to discuss your experience in collaborating with executive boards. Think of examples where you've influenced decision-making or contributed to strategic planning. This will show your ability to lead and communicate effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare to talk about how you prioritise tasks, manage teams, and foster collaboration. Highlight any experiences where you've led a team through change or improved efficiency, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.