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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and provide strategic insights to support a charity's mission.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hybrid working, and the chance to influence key decisions.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal moment in a charity and drive impactful financial strategies.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with charity sector experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Employer Location: England, Bristol
Salary: Competitive
Closing date: 17 Feb 2026
Contract: 4-6 months initially (with scope to extend while a permanent hire is sourced)
Start: ASAP - Teams interviews scheduled immediately (1-stage with CEO and Head of People)
Reporting to: CEO
Team: 1 x Assistant Accountant (you'll be 1 of 2 in finance)
Location: Bristol - can work on a very flexible hybrid basis - client preference is 2 days a week on site/in one of the offices
The Opportunity: Join a purpose-driven charity at a pivotal moment. As Interim Head of Finance, you'll take full ownership of the finance function, steady the ship during a period of transition, and partner closely with the CEO, SLT, and Board of Trustees to drive confident, informed decisions.
What You'll Lead & Deliver:
- Own day-to-day finance operations end-to-end, ensuring robust controls, timely reporting, and smooth month-end.
- Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, providing clear, actionable financial insight to the SLT and Trustees.
- Analyse performance across activities/programmes, highlighting risks, opportunities, and ROI.
- Budgets & forecasting: prepare and refine budgets/forecasts that underpin strategic plans.
- Income & fundraising support: bring charity know-how to review/support fundraising, income generation, and funding applications.
- Systems change: the organisation is updating its Payroll & HR system in March - experience with BrightHR would be a real plus.
About You:
- A qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) who can step in and take ownership from day one.
- Proven experience in the charity sector, with a solid grasp of charity reporting and governance.
- Comfortable in a hands-on role within a lean team, balancing detail with big-picture thinking.
- Calm under pressure, great with ambiguity, and effective at influencing senior stakeholders.
How to Apply: If you're immediately available for contract work and have recent, relevant charity experience, please contact Charles Maidment (Hays Bristol Finance) directly to discuss next steps.
Interim Head of Finance (charity) in Bristol employer: Hays Senior Finance
Contact Detail:
Hays Senior Finance Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance (charity) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that interim role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the charity's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Being able to articulate this will show you're not just another candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed finance operations in previous roles, especially in the charity sector. This will demonstrate your capability to take ownership from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that suit your skills. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get you in front of the right people faster.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance (charity) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Head of Finance role. Highlight your charity sector experience and any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with what we need!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed finance operations in a charity setting.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As you'll be part of the Senior Leadership Team, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Mention any experiences where you've influenced senior stakeholders or led a team through transitions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Senior Finance
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to the charity sector and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Charity Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in the charity sector during the interview. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've navigated charity reporting and governance, as this will resonate with the CEO and Board of Trustees.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle ambiguity and pressure. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough financial decisions or manage risks, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with the Senior Leadership Team, practice how you would communicate financial insights effectively. Prepare to discuss how you’ve influenced senior stakeholders in the past and how you plan to do so in this role.
