At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and transformation to ensure long-term sustainability of a charity.
- Company: Crisis, a national charity dedicated to ending homelessness.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, and interest-free loans for travel.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with strong values and growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against homelessness while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Senior financial leadership experience and qualified accountant status required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. We have embarked on our 10 year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.
Contract: 12-month fixed term contract
Location: Based in our London office – we are open to flexible working options, but expect to be in the office 2 days per week.
About the role
The Director of Finance is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership, ensuring the long-term financial sustainability and resilience of the charity. You will lead financial strategy, governance, planning, reporting and control across a complex organisation with multiple income streams including fundraising, retail operations and charitable/service delivery activities. The role will also lead a significant programme of finance transformation, including implementation of a new finance system to support organisational efficiency, insight and future growth.
Key Duties:
- Lead the development of the charity’s long-term financial strategy and annual financial planning process.
- Provide strategic financial advice and commercial insight to the SLT and Board of Trustees.
- Lead the organisation’s finance transformation agenda, driving continuous improvement in financial processes, systems and ways of working.
- Lead financial appraisal of major projects, investments and transformation programmes.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management processes.
- Lead external audit and year-end processes.
- Lead, motivate and develop the finance team.
About you
We are looking for a strong financial leader, who can lead through change, build strong and collaborative relationships across the organisation, and ensure that the team are able to deliver the financial management needed. Experience of senior financial leadership experience within a complex organisation. Experience of working with Boards, Committees and senior stakeholders. Experience of leading finance systems or transformation projects. Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). Applicants from all sectors are encouraged to apply. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in the charity, housing, public, or not-for-profit sectors, as well as commercial-sector candidates who can demonstrate a strong understanding of, and commitment to, the charity sector.
We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.
Working at Crisis
Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness. Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.
As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including:
- Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy.
- Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5%.
- 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
- Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly and more!
Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.
Ivy Rock Partners is managing the process for this recruitment on behalf of Crisis. For further information, please apply or contact Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further details.
Closing date: Monday 22 June 2026, at 23:59pm
Interview date: W/C 29th June - Main panel and stakeholder panel interview.
Director of Finance employer: Ivy Rock Partners Ltd
Crisis is an exceptional employer dedicated to ending homelessness, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture in the heart of London. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including enhanced leave options and a robust pension scheme, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, Crisis empowers its staff to thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Join us in our mission to create lasting change and be part of a team that values boldness, collaboration, and equity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Crisis and their mission. Understand their financial challenges and think about how your experience can help them achieve their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about ending homelessness.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style and financial expertise can drive transformation at Crisis. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your impact and how you can contribute to their long-term strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the fight against homelessness.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in financial leadership, especially within complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Crisis.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Use specific examples of how you've led financial transformations or improved processes. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what drives you, especially your commitment to ending homelessness and supporting diverse communities.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Rock Partners Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to Crisis, such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led financial strategies in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Crisis is looking for someone who can lead through change. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you fostered collaboration to overcome them.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by charities, especially those related to fundraising and service delivery. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with Crisis's mission and how you can contribute to their long-term financial sustainability.
✨Prepare for Transformation Discussions
Since this role involves leading a finance transformation agenda, think about your experience with finance systems and process improvements. Be ready to share insights on how you’ve implemented new systems or driven continuous improvement in financial processes.
