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- Tasks: Lead finance operations and strategy for a meaningful charity making a real impact.
- Company: Well-regarded independent charity in Cumbria focused on improving lives.
- Benefits: Salary up to £65,000, flexible working, 26 days holiday, and health care assistance.
- Why this job: Join a values-driven team and support grassroots projects tackling poverty and health inequalities.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior finance experience, ideally in the charity sector.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a commitment to personal development and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you a senior-level finance professional looking for a meaningful role where your expertise can have a real impact? We are supporting a well-regarded independent charity in Cumbria in their search for a Finance Director. This values-driven organisation is a leading grant maker, working to improve lives across the county by supporting grassroots projects tackling poverty, health inequalities, and social disadvantage.
About the Role
- Strategic financial leadership: Lead on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning. Support business planning and decision-making as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Day-to-day financial management: Oversee all financial operations, ensuring timely and accurate management accounts, cash flow, and statutory reporting. Prepare year-end accounts and lead the audit process. Manage the payroll and pension schemes.
- Governance and compliance: Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission. Support Trustee meetings, including preparation of agendas, papers, and minutes. Lead on risk management and regulatory compliance (GDPR, data security, etc).
- Team management: Line manage two finance/operations staff, ensuring high performance and development. Foster a positive, collaborative working culture aligned with the charity's values.
- Investment and fund management: Support the Investment Committee and manage relationships with external investment managers. Monitor and report on endowed fund performance, including unitisation.
- Operational leadership: Maintain and improve office systems and IT infrastructure. Oversee the charity's CRM and data systems to ensure effective grant tracking and reporting.
- Collaboration and support: Provide financial insight and support across the organisation, including grant-making, fundraising, and programme delivery teams. Contribute to funding applications and reporting to donors.
About You
- A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA or equivalent).
- Experienced in senior finance roles, ideally with knowledge of the charity or not-for-profit sector.
- Commercially astute, detail-oriented, and confident advising senior stakeholders.
- A strong communicator, with the ability to explain finance to non-finance colleagues.
- Collaborative, values-driven, and motivated by the opportunity to support a cause with real impact.
- Comfortable with a hands-on approach in a small, agile leadership team.
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
- Flexible working - 30-37.5 hours per week considered
- Hybrid model 60/40 with office base in Cumbria
- 26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays + 2 extra days at Christmas
- Pension scheme with up to 7.5% employer contribution
- Health Care Assistance Plan with added employee benefits
- A supportive, inclusive culture with a commitment to personal development
To apply, please send a CV and brief covering email to heidi@heidiwrightrecruitment.co.uk
Finance Director in Cockermouth employer: Heidi Wright Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Heidi Wright Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in Cockermouth
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the charity sector! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks who work at organisations you admire. You never know when a casual chat could lead to your next big opportunity.
✨Showcase Your Impact
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight how your previous roles have made a difference. Use specific examples that demonstrate your strategic financial leadership and how you've positively impacted the organisations you've worked for.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before interviews! Research the charity’s mission, values, and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in areas like governance and compliance. This shows you’re genuinely interested and invested in their cause.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in Cockermouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Finance Director role. Highlight your qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or ACMA, and showcase your experience in the charity sector if you have it.
Craft a Compelling Cover Email: Your cover email is your chance to make a great first impression. Keep it brief but impactful, explaining why you're passionate about the role and how your values align with the charity's mission.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Finance Director, you'll be leading a team and collaborating with senior stakeholders. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heidi Wright Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the charity sector, such as budgeting and forecasting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed finances in previous roles.
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the charity's values and mission. Show genuine interest in their work and be prepared to discuss how your financial strategies can support their goals. This will highlight your alignment with their values-driven approach.
✨Prepare for Governance Questions
Since governance and compliance are crucial for this role, anticipate questions about your experience with regulatory frameworks and risk management. Think of specific examples where you've ensured compliance and supported governance processes in past positions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As you'll be managing a small team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster a collaborative culture. Share examples of how you've developed team members and created a positive working environment that aligns with the charity's ethos.
