Head of Finance in Milton Keynes

Head of Finance in Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes Full-Time 42000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Goodman Masson

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure accuracy in managing resources for a global charity.
  • Company: Join World Vision UK, a leading charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children worldwide.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and a strong pension contribution.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference while driving financial integrity and operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in charity finance management and team leadership.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and impact.

The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.

Goodman Masson are delighted to be partnered with World Vision UK to recruit for a high-calibre Head of Finance to drive their financial integrity and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the CFO and serving as a key member of the Extended Leadership Team, you will ensure resources are managed with unwavering accuracy, insight, and stewardship to support vulnerable children worldwide.

You will lead core operations—from transaction processing and monthly accounts to treasury, tax compliance, and statutory reporting. You will be a critical partner to the Head of Business Intelligence and leaders across Fundraising and Programmes, embedding clear policies and modern processes that amplify World Vision UK’s mission impact.

Key Responsibilities
  • Financial Control & Reporting: Oversee the production of high-quality monthly management accounts and deliver statutory annual accounts under Charities SORP (FRS 102).
  • Modernisation & Innovation: Act as the Finance Systems owner and define a multi-year modernisation roadmap, embedding automation, AI for efficiency, and controls-by-design.
  • Strategic Leadership: Lead and develop a diverse team of 12 (5 direct reports), fostering a service-oriented business partnering culture.
  • Budgeting & Fund Management: Lead the annual budgeting cycle and oversee the management of cash, remittances, and foreign currency hedges.
  • Governance & Risk: Ensure full compliance with UK law and Charity Commission standards, acting as the primary lead for external audit and banking relationships.
About You

You are an outcome-focused leader who balances strategic vision with operational rigour. You possess a continuous-improvement mindset and the ability to influence senior stakeholders with commercially aware recommendations.

Essential Requirements:
  • Qualified Accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant post-qualification experience in industry.
  • Sector Expertise: Proven experience in a finance management position within the Charity sector, including the management of restricted and unrestricted funds.
  • Leadership Track Record: Experience leading multi-function teams with a focus on capability building and performance management.
  • Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of internal controls, technical accounting, and large-scale budgeting processes.
  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to present decision-ready papers to Board committees.
Occupational Requirement:

Given the leadership nature of this role and its responsibility for the spiritual nurturing of staff, there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have an active Christian faith.

Desired Skills:
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Business Central, Power BI, SAP Concur, Jedox, and Blackline.
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum
Key Benefits: 7% employer pension contribution and 28 days holiday + bank holidays
Location: Hybrid: 2 days from Milton Keynes office
Application Timelines:
  • Application Deadline 10th April
  • 1st stage Online Interviews 21st April
  • Final in person Interviews 30th April

Head of Finance in Milton Keynes employer: Goodman Masson

World Vision UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises the financial integrity and operational excellence necessary to support vulnerable children worldwide. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and a generous benefits package including a 7% employer pension contribution and 28 days of holiday, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a hybrid environment from the Milton Keynes office.
Goodman Masson

Contact Detail:

Goodman Masson Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Milton Keynes

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching World Vision UK and their mission. Show us how your skills align with their goals, especially in financial integrity and operational excellence. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership and strategic vision.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in managing funds and leading teams. We recommend rehearsing common interview questions and having a few success stories ready to share.

✨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 the team and making an impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Milton Keynes

Financial Control
Statutory Reporting
Budgeting
Fund Management
Leadership
Team Development
Technical Accounting
Internal Controls
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Management
Process Improvement
Finance Systems Management
Charity Sector Expertise
Microsoft Business Central
Power BI

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and leadership within the charity sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at World Vision UK!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your active Christian faith, as it’s an important aspect for us.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage finances effectively. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our dedicated careers page. 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 Goodman Masson

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and reporting in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to deliver high-quality management accounts and statutory reports.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Style

This role involves leading a diverse team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership approach. Think of specific instances where you’ve fostered a service-oriented culture or developed team capabilities. Highlight how you’ve influenced stakeholders and driven performance management.

✨Emphasise Modernisation Experience

World Vision UK is looking for someone who can drive innovation in finance systems. Be ready to discuss any experience you have with automation, AI, or modern financial processes. Share your vision for a multi-year modernisation roadmap and how you would implement it.

✨Align with Their Mission

Since this role supports vulnerable children worldwide, it’s crucial to connect your personal values with the organisation's mission. Reflect on your own experiences in the charity sector and be prepared to articulate how your Christian faith informs your work and leadership style.

Head of Finance in Milton Keynes
Goodman Masson
Location: Milton Keynes

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