At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations for a growing environmental charity, ensuring financial insight and effective systems.
- Company: Join a UK environmental charity focused on philanthropy and climate action.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 7% pension contribution, learning opportunities, and extra time off during holidays.
- Other info: Fully remote role with a culture of kindness, trust, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the charity sector while supporting environmental causes.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with 7+ years in finance and operations management, ideally in a charity.
We are seeking an experienced finance and operations professional to provide strategic leadership within a growing environmental charity.
Salary: £60,000 FTE, £48,000 actual
Location: Home-based, UK, with some travel to London and occasional UK travel
Hours: 28 hours per week, four days
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 4 October
Interviews: First round on 13 & 14 October; Second round 16 October
About the role
This is a broad and influential senior leadership role covering finance, governance, operations, people and organisational development. Working closely with the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, you will ensure the charity has the financial insight, effective systems and strong infrastructure needed to deliver its ambitions. You will also deputise for the Executive Director occasionally and provide line management for support functions.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading financial operations, controls, budgeting, cash flow forecasting and management reporting
- Producing statutory accounts and managing the annual audit
- Monitoring restricted, designated and unrestricted funds
- Supporting the Board and Finance Committee with clear reporting, papers and effective governance
- Overseeing organisational risk, compliance, data protection, cyber security, insurance and business continuity
- Improving HR, IT, CRM, digital and operational systems
- Leading the responsible adoption of digital tools, automation and AI
- Coordinating organisational workplans and monitoring delivery against strategic priorities
- Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, employment processes and staff development
- Supporting an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing remote working culture
About you
You will be a qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT accountant with at least seven years’ experience in finance and operations management, ideally within a charity or similarly values-led organisation. You will also bring:
- Experience across HR, IT, risk, data protection and health and safety
- Strong financial planning, reporting and analytical skills
- Knowledge of accounting software, spreadsheets and CRM systems
- Experience managing and developing people
- Strategic thinking and proven project management skills
- Confidence working with trustees and producing board-level reports
- An understanding of how organisational systems support small, remote teams
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative, self-directed approach
Knowledge of charity governance, philanthropy, Salesforce, Xero or digital transformation would be advantageous. An interest in environmental issues and improving the planet for future generations is also welcomed.
About the organisation
You will join a UK environmental charity working to strengthen philanthropy and increase its impact in response to the climate and nature emergency. The organisation supports a significant network of funders, advisers and fundraisers by sharing research and expertise, building relationships and encouraging greater investment in environmental causes. It is a fully remote organisation with a culture founded on kindness, trust, inclusion and mutual respect. Benefits include flexible working, a 7% employer pension contribution, learning and development opportunities, and additional discretionary closure between Christmas and New Year.
Applications are encouraged from people who may not meet every element of the person specification. Adjustments can be made to support an accessible and inclusive recruitment process.
Other roles you may have experience of could include; Finance Director, Director of Finance and Operations, Head of Finance, Head of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Charity Finance Director, Head of Resources or Director of Resources.
Head of Finance and Operations in London employer: Environmental Funders Network
Join a leading UK environmental charity that prioritises kindness, trust, and inclusion in its fully remote work culture. As the Head of Finance and Operations, you will benefit from flexible working hours, a generous 7% employer pension contribution, and ample opportunities for professional development, all while making a meaningful impact on environmental causes. This role not only offers strategic leadership but also fosters a collaborative environment where your expertise can thrive and contribute to a sustainable future.
Contact Details:
Environmental Funders Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Operations in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Environmental Funders Network.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Environmental Funders Network.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Environmental Funders Network.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Environmental Funders Network. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Operations in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Environmental Funders Network. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of Finance and Operations, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Environmental Funders Network
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Environmental Funders Network. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
