At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and drive operational excellence in a national charity.
- Company: Join an award-winning charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, pension scheme, retail discounts, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with the chance to influence at senior leadership level.
- Why this job: Shape financial strategy and performance while leaving a legacy of meaningful improvement.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance leader with experience in complex operations and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Lead a Finance Function That Powers Real Impact. This is a rare opportunity to step into a pivotal senior leadership role at the heart of a large, national charity. As Interim Head of Finance Operations, you will lead a high-performing Finance Centre of Excellence—driving operational excellence, strengthening financial control, and delivering the insight needed to support strategic decision-making across the organisation.
This is a 12-18 month fixed term contract with presence at our head office in Widnes required at least once a week so our ideal candidate will be based within an hour's commute of Widnes.
What is "The Deal" for you?
- Flexibility: You can work your 37.5 hours over 4 days and enjoy a long weekend, or split the hours over 5 days to accommodate your other commitments.
- Pension: contributory pension scheme.
- Benefits: retail discounts, holiday discounts, cycle to work scheme and travel discounts through our benefits app.
- Best Lives Possible: You'll be working for an award-winning charity who is passionate about ensuring our colleagues and the people we support lead the best lives.
- Development: We'll work with you to develop your career or to learn and experience new things. We're passionate about developing our people!
- Support: From our Employee Assistance Programme (available 24/7), financial support options, and wellbeing fund you'll have the support available to lead an easier (financial) life.
Who you’ll be supporting & more about the role:
You will take full ownership of the day-to-day Finance function, overseeing key areas including:
- Treasury and cashflow management
- Accounts Payable and Income Management
- Debt Management and reconciliations
- Personal Funds and Corporate Appointees
With a national team and a complex operational footprint, your leadership will ensure a robust, efficient, and future-ready finance service.
In this varied and high-profile role, you will:
- Driving Strategy & Performance: Lead and deliver the Finance functional plan, aligned to organisational strategy; Provide strategic financial insight to Executive and senior stakeholders; Support investment decisions through strong external partnerships.
- Operational Leadership: Ensure best-in-class financial controls, processes, and governance; Oversee balance sheet integrity and financial reporting accuracy; Drive delivery of KPIs and SLAs across all Finance functions.
- Transformation & Continuous Improvement: Champion automation, system enhancement, and process optimisation; Build a sector-leading Finance Centre of Excellence; Explore innovative solutions to improve financial independence for the people we support.
- Commercial & External Focus: Oversee financial onboarding of new services; Ensure effective income recovery and management of uplifts; Build strong relationships with banks and external partners.
- Leadership & Culture: Lead, inspire, and develop a large, multi-disciplinary finance team; Foster a high-performance culture focused on service, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Your values:
Our ideal candidate: You’ll be a qualified finance leader (ACA / ACCA / CIMA) with significant experience leading large, complex finance operations; A track record of influencing at Executive and Board level; Strong analytical capability and experience handling large data sets; Experience in multi-site, fast-paced environments.
You’ll also bring:
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management skills
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
Why Join Us?
- Impact: Your work will directly support services that make a real difference to people’s lives.
- Influence: Operate at senior leadership level, shaping financial strategy and performance.
- Scale & Complexity: Lead a national finance operation with genuine breadth and variety.
- Transformation: Opportunity to leave a legacy through meaningful improvement and innovation.
Interested? If you’re an experienced finance leader ready to step into a high-impact interim role where you can drive performance, shape strategy, and lead transformation, we’d love to hear from you.
Please note, if you are interested in this role, we welcome your application as soon as possible! Depending on the volume of applications received, the vacancy may be closed before the expected advertising end date.
Interim Head of Finance - Operations in Widnes employer: Community Integrated Care
Join a leading national charity as the Interim Head of Finance Operations, where you will be part of a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and well-being. With flexible working options, a comprehensive benefits package, and a commitment to making a real impact in people's lives, this role offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-performing finance team while shaping strategic financial decisions. Located in Widnes, you'll enjoy the chance to influence meaningful change within a respected organisation dedicated to improving the lives of those we support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance - Operations in Widnes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's mission and values. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around operational excellence and financial strategy.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and driven performance in previous roles. Highlight your ability to inspire and develop others, as this is key for a senior position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance - Operations in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Interim Head of Finance Operations. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant financial achievements to catch our eye!
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. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and influenced strategic decisions in your previous roles.
Showcase Your Values:We’re all about making a real impact, so let us know how your values align with ours. Share your passion for supporting others and how you’ve contributed to positive change in your past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Community Integrated Care
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Head of Finance Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This will show your analytical capability and readiness to handle large data sets.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills, especially in managing large, multi-disciplinary teams. Think about specific instances where you inspired your team or improved performance. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to foster a high-performance culture.
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Research the charity’s goals and values thoroughly. Be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can align with their mission of making a real difference in people's lives. This shows your commitment and understanding of the organisation's impact.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, such as improving financial controls or managing cash flow. Practise articulating your thought process and solutions clearly, as this will reflect your proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
