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 Head of Finance Operations (Contract) in Oxford employer: Helen and Douglas House
Helen & Douglas House is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead finance operations in a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to supporting children and families. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements in the beautiful city of Oxford, we provide a rewarding environment where your leadership can make a significant impact. Join us to be part of a team that values diversity and prioritises the welfare of the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance Operations (Contract) 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 to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨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 leading their finance operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you’ve led high-performing teams and driven organisational performance. We want to hear about your strategic thinking and how you’ve translated vision into results.
✨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 organisation right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance Operations (Contract) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the role of Interim Head of Finance Operations. Highlight your leadership experience and financial expertise, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your strategic thinking and ability to lead high-performing teams.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial judgement and financial insight. Numbers and results speak volumes, so don’t hold back!
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’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Helen and Douglas House
✨Know Your Numbers
As a candidate for the Interim Head of Finance Operations, you need to be on top of your financial game. 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 commercial judgement and financial insight.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your senior leadership experience. Think about times when you led high-performing teams or drove organisational performance. Be specific about the challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead and develop results-driven teams.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Since you'll be influencing at Board and Executive level, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses, ensuring you convey your strategic thinking and ability to translate vision into actionable results.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the purpose-driven nature of the organisation. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their mission of delivering vital care and support to children and families. This will show your commitment and understanding of their goals.
