At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations to support vital care for children and families.
- Company: Purpose-driven organisation making a real difference in communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and impactful leadership role.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Shape organisational strategy and drive performance in a meaningful sector.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with senior leadership experience and strong commercial insight.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 £ per year.
Contract: 12 months fixed term
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Oxford is the primary location, with some opportunity for hybrid working
Salary: £80,000 per annum
Closing date: 14th June 2026
Lead strategic finance and operations at a purpose-driven organisation delivering vital care and support to children and families. We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Director of Finance & Operations to join our Executive Team on a 12-month fixed term basis. Reporting to the CEO, you will play a critical role in shaping organisational strategy, ensuring financial sustainability, and overseeing key enabling services that support the delivery of outstanding care and impact. This unique opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role, providing direction across finance, estates, governance, data and risk, and project management functions.
About the role:
- Provide strategic financial leadership to the CEO, Board and senior stakeholders
- Lead and develop high-performing teams across Finance, Estates & Operations, Data & Risk, and PMO
- Oversee planning, budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting, ensuring long-term sustainability
- Drive organisational performance, insight and continuous improvement
- Ensure robust governance, compliance, and risk management frameworks
About you:
- We are looking for a collaborative and influential leader who:
- Is a fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or CIPFA)
- Brings significant senior leadership experience, ideally overseeing multiple functions
- Demonstrates strong commercial judgement and financial insight
- Has a proven ability to lead, develop and deliver results through high-performing teams
- Is an excellent communicator, able to influence at Board and Executive level
- Thinks strategically, with the ability to translate vision into delivery and results
Apply now to be part of an organisation where your expertise will directly support lives and communities. We reserve the right to close the advert at any time should we receive sufficient applications, therefore we encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible. Please note that everyone working for Helen & Douglas House are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and value the benefits of a diverse workforce. We positively encourage applications from all areas of the community.
Interim Director of Finance & Operations in Oxford employer: Helen and Douglas House
Helen & Douglas House is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead strategic finance and operations in a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to supporting children and families. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements in the beautiful city of Oxford, we provide a rewarding environment where your expertise can make a meaningful impact on lives and communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Finance & Operations in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and operations sector. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and driven results in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them memorable.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our mission. So, get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Finance & Operations in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Director of Finance & Operations. Highlight your relevant experience in finance and operations, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
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 your achievements and how they align with our mission. Remember, we love a good story that shows your passion for making a difference.
Showcase Your Qualifications:As a fully qualified accountant, make sure to highlight your qualifications prominently. Whether it's ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA, we want to see how your credentials set you apart. Don’t be shy about your accomplishments!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helen and Douglas House
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Director of Finance & Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in previous roles. This will show your strategic thinking and ability to influence at the executive level.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading high-performing teams. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you motivated your team to achieve results. This will help convey your collaborative leadership style and ability to develop others.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the purpose-driven nature of the organisation. Be ready to articulate how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering care and support to children and families. This connection can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you would approach financial sustainability and organisational performance. Use real-life examples to illustrate your thought process and decision-making abilities.
