At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support impactful environmental initiatives.
- Company: Earth Trust, a dynamic environmental charity in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity to make a difference, and collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to connecting people with nature.
- Why this job: Shape the future of an ambitious charity while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience, preferably in a charity.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Earth Trust is looking for a Finance Director to help shape the next stage of our development as a place-based environmental charity with growing ambition, increasing complexity and a powerful mission. Based at Wittenham Clumps in Oxfordshire, Earth Trust cares for farmland, woodland, meadows, wetlands and community reserves, connecting people with nature and demonstrating how people and the natural world can thrive together. Our work brings together public engagement, learning, nature-friendly farming, partnerships and commercial activity in support of our charitable purpose.
This is a pivotal moment for the organisation. Alongside our established charitable work, we are delivering Gateway to Nature — a major programme to improve access, enhance the visitor experience and support growth in sustainable earned income. We need a Finance Director who can ensure this ambition is underpinned by clear, robust and commercially sound financial thinking.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, senior colleagues and Trustees to shape organisational direction, strengthen financial planning and ensure resources are aligned with impact. You will provide strategic financial insight, constructive challenge and practical support across the organisation. You will lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, audit, financial governance, risk, reserves and controls. You will also support business cases, financial models, capital project oversight, trading activity and commercial decision-making.
We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally gained in a charity or similarly complex organisation. You will bring strong technical finance skills, sound judgement, commercial awareness and the ability to communicate clearly with non-finance colleagues. Just as importantly, you will be collaborative, values-led and motivated by the opportunity to use finance as an enabler of environmental and social impact.
This role will suit someone who combines strategic leadership with a practical, hands-on approach, and who enjoys helping colleagues build financial confidence, accountability and discipline.
To apply, please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are suitable and what attracts you to the role by Sunday 21st June.
Finance Director in Abingdon employer: Earth Trust
Earth Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful environmental initiatives while working in the picturesque setting of Wittenham Clumps, Oxfordshire. Our collaborative work culture fosters personal and professional growth, with ample opportunities for employees to engage in impactful projects that connect communities with nature. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to making a difference, where your financial expertise will directly support our mission and enhance the visitor experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental charity sector, especially those connected to Earth Trust. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Earth Trust’s projects and values. Show us how your finance skills can directly support their mission of connecting people with nature.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your leadership style. We want to see how you can inspire and guide teams in financial matters while keeping the focus on environmental impact. Bring examples of past successes!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission at Earth Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Director role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership, especially in charity or complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission and values!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you're drawn to Earth Trust and how you can contribute to our goals. Be genuine and let your passion for environmental impact come through. We love seeing that enthusiasm!
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In your application, don’t forget to showcase your technical finance skills and strategic insight. We’re looking for someone who can provide robust financial thinking, so give us examples of how you've done this in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Earth Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Earth Trust's mission and be ready to discuss how you've used these in previous roles. This shows you understand the charity sector and can apply your skills effectively.
✨Align with Their Mission
Earth Trust is all about connecting people with nature. Make sure you articulate how your values align with their mission. Share examples of how you've contributed to environmental or social causes in your past roles, showing that you're not just about the numbers but also about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic financial planning and risk management. Think about how you've led budgeting and forecasting in complex environments before. Be ready to provide specific examples that highlight your leadership style and how you’ve supported organisational growth through sound financial practices.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with non-finance colleagues. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully communicated financial concepts to diverse teams. Highlight instances where you've fostered collaboration and built financial confidence among colleagues, as this will resonate well with their values-led approach.
