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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and management for a charity making a real difference.
- Company: Groundwork NE & Cumbria, a long-established environmental charity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and a chance to impact communities positively.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating better places and improving lives.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity while enhancing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and experience in finance management.
The predicted salary is between 42500 - 47500 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week
Salary: Circa £45,000 per annum
Location: Head Office - Newton Aycliffe, DL5
About Us
Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long-established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face. We deliver hundreds of locally led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people and adults into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.
About You and The Role
We are now seeking a strategic, forward-thinking Head of Finance to lead our finance function and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation.
Job Purpose
This is more than a finance role; it is an opportunity to guide, influence and strengthen the financial sustainability of a charity creating meaningful, lasting change. We’re seeking someone with strong financial management experience, including statutory reporting and VAT. Experience of charity accounting and SORP is desirable, but candidates from the private sector with the ability to learn charity specific requirements are welcome.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees, and Senior Leaders.
- Lead on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial risk management.
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP), and oversee VAT, statutory requirements, and audits.
- Manage and motivate the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Strengthen financial systems, reporting, and automation to support operational efficiency.
- Support project managers with financial planning, grant management, and contract delivery.
- Drive improvements that support long term organisational sustainability.
Qualifications
Essential
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
- Experience delivering a wide range of finance duties, including management accounts, budgeting, strategic analysis, and year end processes.
- Experience managing finance teams.
- Outstanding analytical, organisational, and financial planning skills.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present complex information clearly to colleagues and trustees.
- High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
Desirable
- Experience in community based or grant funded projects.
- Experience strengthening financial controls and supporting fundraising or contract bidding.
- Knowledge of procurement procedures or state aid regulations.
- Familiarity with Sage Intacct.
Closing Date Thursday, 30th April 2026
Equal Opportunities
We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.
Visa Sponsorship
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship; the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
Head of Finance in North East employer: Groundwork NE & Cumbria
Contact Detail:
Groundwork NE & Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in North East
✨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 sector. Understand the unique challenges and opportunities in finance for charities like Groundwork NE & Cumbria. This will help you tailor your answers and show you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your financial expertise can contribute to the mission of the charity. Highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and compliance to demonstrate your fit for the Head of Finance role.
✨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 serious about joining our team at Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your financial management experience and any relevant charity accounting knowledge to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about our mission at Groundwork NE & Cumbria and how your background can help us create better places and improve people’s prospects.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As we’re looking for someone to lead our finance team, make sure to include examples of how you’ve managed and motivated teams in the past. We want to see your ability to foster a culture of excellence and innovation!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Groundwork.
How to prepare for a job interview at Groundwork NE & Cumbria
✨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 used them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with charity accounting standards like SORP and the specific challenges faced by non-profits. This will show your commitment to the role and help you articulate how your skills can translate from the private sector to the charity world.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You'll be managing a finance team, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Think of examples where you've motivated teams or driven improvements in financial processes. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key for this role. Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you've presented financial information to stakeholders, ensuring they understand the implications for the organisation.