At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and management for a charity making a real difference.
- Company: Established environmental charity with a mission to create better places.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a meaningful impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity while enhancing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and strong financial management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 47500 £ per year.
Work type: Permanent
Working hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum
Location: Head Office – Newton Aycliffe, DL5
About the Employer
Our client is a long established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Their mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face.
About You and The Role
The organisation is seeking a forward‑thinking Finance Manager to lead their finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the organisation. It is more than a finance role—it’s an opportunity to guide, influence and strengthen the financial sustainability of a charity creating meaningful, lasting change. The role requires strong financial management experience, including statutory reporting and VAT. Experience of charity accounting and SORP is desirable, but candidates from the private sector with the ability to learn charity‑specific requirements are welcome.
Responsibilities
- Provide financial leadership across the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees, and Senior Leaders.
- Lead on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial risk management.
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP), and oversee VAT, statutory requirements, and audits.
- Manage and motivate the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Strengthen financial systems, reporting, and automation to support operational efficiency.
- Support project managers with financial planning, grant management, and contract delivery.
- Drive improvements that support long‑term organisational sustainability.
Essential Qualifications
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
- Experience delivering a wide range of finance duties, including management accounts, budgeting, strategic analysis, payroll and year‑end processes.
- Experience managing finance teams.
- Outstanding analytical, organisational, and financial planning skills.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present complex information clearly to colleagues and trustees.
- High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in community‑based grant funded projects.
- Experience strengthening financial controls and supporting fundraising or contract bidding.
- Knowledge of procurement procedures or state aid regulations.
- Familiarity with Sage Intacct.
Closing Date: Thursday, 14th May 2026
Interview Details: To be confirmed after the closing date.
Application Note: Should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early; therefore we recommend an early application.
Please note: The role is subject to a Standard Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service. The role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship; the successful applicant will need a pre‑existing Right to Work in the UK.
Other Statements: No agencies please.
Finance Manager employer: CHM
Contact Detail:
CHM Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in charities. They might know about opportunities that aren't advertised yet or can give you insider tips on the application process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity accounting and SORP. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to financial management in a charity context. This will help you stand out as a candidate who understands the unique challenges of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When discussing your experience, highlight times when you've successfully managed a team or led financial projects. This is crucial for a Finance Manager role, so make sure we see your ability to motivate and guide others.
✨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 of creating better places and improving people’s prospects.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager role. Highlight your financial management experience and any relevant qualifications, like ACA or ACCA. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of creating better places!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working in the charity sector and how you can contribute to our goals. Keep it engaging and personal—let us know what drives you!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements in financial planning, budgeting, and team management. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Early!: We recommend applying as soon as possible since we might close the role early if we get a lot of applications. Head over to our website to submit your application and make sure you don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. 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 familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Since this role is within a charity, it’s crucial to understand the unique financial challenges they face. Familiarise yourself with SORP and charity accounting standards. Even if you come from the private sector, showing that you’ve done your homework will impress the interviewers.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You’ll be managing a finance team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you’ve motivated teams or improved processes in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific financial scenarios, such as budget cuts or compliance issues. Think through potential challenges the charity might face and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.