At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial improvements and support strategic growth for an international education charity.
- Company: Join a UK-registered charity making a difference in West Africa.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive day rate, and impactful role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working with a passionate team in the charity sector.
- Qualifications: Proven finance leadership experience in charity or international development.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and cross-cultural collaboration.
Location: Remote (UK-based) with occasional in-person meetings in London
Contract Type: Interim, part-time (23 days per week)
Duration: 46 months
Start Date: Ideally mid February 2024
Day Rate: Β£400 - Β£500
Purpose of the Role
A UK-registered international education charity is seeking an experienced interim Finance Director to lead improvements in financial leadership, systems, and reporting. The role is critical in ensuring the finance function supports the organisation's strategic growth and programme delivery in West Africa. The Interim FD will work closely with the CEO, acting as a strategic partner while also delivering practical, hands-on change. This is a newly created role, reflecting the organisation's growing scale and complexity.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership and act as a trusted partner to the CEO
- Review current UK and international finance operations and propose improvements
- Strengthen management information, forecasting, budgeting, and controls
- Support or lead a potential finance system transition (currently Sage 50cloud)
- Oversee and support a small UK finance team (currently one part-time finance manager)
- Collaborate with and mentor the in-country finance team (based in West Africa), supporting professional development and system alignment
- Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements, restricted/unrestricted fund management, and charity governance standards
- Advise on future team structure and recruitment where appropriate
- Build systems and processes to enable long-term sustainability and resilience
Person Specification
Essential Experience and Skills
- Proven senior-level finance leadership (FD/CFO) in a charity or international development setting
- Strong understanding of donor-funded programme delivery and financial compliance
- Expertise in restricted/unrestricted income and long-term funding contracts
- Experience in multi-currency environments and working across UK/international operations
- Ability to deliver hands-on, practical improvements while holding a strategic view
- Confident working remotely, with the ability to meet face-to-face (in London) periodically
Desirable
- Experience with accounting system change
- Willingness to travel internationally for a short in-country visit (optional but preferred)
- Prior experience working with organisations undergoing rapid growth or restructuring
- An empathetic leadership style and the ability to work cross-culturally with distributed teams
Working Arrangements
- Remote/home-based role
- Approximately 23 days per week
- Flexible working pattern
- Infrequent in-person meetings in London preferred
- Potential visit to overseas operations, depending on interest and availability
About Charity Recruit
Charity Recruit is a dedicated recruitment partner to the not-for-profit sector, specialising in senior appointments across finance, fundraising, operations and executive leadership. We work exclusively with charities and social impact organisations, combining sector knowledge with a personal, tailored approach. Whether it's an interim or permanent need, we help clients find experienced professionals who share their values and are ready to make an immediate impact.
Part time Interim FD in Manchester employer: Charity Recruit
Contact Detail:
Charity Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Part time Interim FD in Manchester
β¨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. The more you engage, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
β¨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, donβt hold back! Share your insights on financial leadership and how you've tackled challenges in the past. This is your moment to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit for the role.
β¨Leverage Social Media
Use platforms like LinkedIn to your advantage. Share articles, comment on posts, and connect with key players in the charity sector. Itβs a great way to stay visible and demonstrate your passion for finance in the non-profit world.
β¨Apply Through Our Website
Donβt forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us can give you an edge, as we know the ins and outs of the roles and can help you stand out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Part time Interim FD in Manchester
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the role of Interim Finance Director. Highlight your senior-level finance leadership experience, especially in charity or international development settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your understanding of donor-funded programme delivery and how you can support the organisation's strategic growth.
Showcase Your Hands-On Experience: We want to see how you've delivered practical improvements in finance operations before. Share examples of how you've strengthened management information, forecasting, and budgeting in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! Itβs the best way for us to receive your details and ensure youβre considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Charity Recruit
β¨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Finance Director, youβll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial systems in previous roles. This shows youβre not just a numbers person but also a strategic thinker.
β¨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique challenges and opportunities within the charity sector, especially regarding donor-funded programmes. Be prepared to share examples of how you've navigated compliance and governance standards in past positions.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires an empathetic leadership style, so think about how you can convey this during the interview. Share stories that highlight your ability to mentor teams and work cross-culturally, especially with in-country finance teams.
β¨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios where youβve implemented hands-on improvements. Think about specific instances where youβve led financial transitions or enhanced reporting processes, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.