At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support impactful environmental initiatives.
- Company: Earth Trust, a dynamic environmental charity in Oxfordshire.
- Benefits: Join a mission-driven team with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment focused on making a positive social and environmental impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of nature conservation through strategic financial leadership.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience, ideally in a charity.
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 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 a strong emphasis on values-led leadership and community engagement. As a Finance Director, you will play a crucial role in shaping our financial strategy, ensuring that your expertise directly supports our mission to connect people with nature and drive sustainable impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and charity sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Earth Trust or similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Earth Trust’s mission and recent projects. Show us you’re passionate about environmental impact and how your financial expertise can support that. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience makes you the perfect fit for the Finance Director role. Focus on your strategic leadership and hands-on approach, and how you can help build financial confidence within the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Earth Trust and contributing to their mission of connecting people with nature.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director
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 your background makes you the perfect fit for this pivotal role. Be genuine and let your passion for environmental impact come through.
Showcase Your Financial Acumen:In both your CV and cover letter, don’t shy away from showcasing 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 the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Earth Trust!
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 can apply these in a charity context. Show them you understand the balance between financial sustainability and environmental impact.
✨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 from your past experiences where you've used finance to drive social or environmental change, showing that you're not just about the numbers.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about strategic financial planning and risk management. Prepare to discuss how you've led budgeting and forecasting in previous roles, especially in complex organisations. Think of specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This role requires working closely with non-finance colleagues. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial concepts to diverse teams. Highlight your collaborative approach and how you've helped others build financial confidence in their roles.
