At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and governance to ensure the charity's sustainability.
- 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 career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against homelessness while leading financial transformation.
- Qualifications: Senior financial leadership experience and qualified accountant status required.
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
Ivy Rock Partners are proud to be partnering with Crisis in their recruitment of a Director of Finance. 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.
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, staff enjoy generous benefits such as enhanced leave options, a robust pension scheme, and access to diversity networks that foster inclusivity. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
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 or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral, which can seriously boost your chances.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Crisis and their mission. Understand their financial challenges and think about how your experience can help them tackle these issues. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also passionate about their cause!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you've driven financial transformation in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to work with diverse teams.
✨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 at Crisis 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 CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership, especially within complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with Crisis's mission and values.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, particularly in finance transformation or strategic planning. This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships and lead through change, so don’t hesitate to share your unique perspective and experiences, especially if they relate to homelessness or the charity sector.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
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 and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This will show your understanding of the charity's financial landscape.
✨Align with Their Mission
Crisis is all about ending homelessness, so make sure you can articulate how your values align with their mission. Share any relevant experiences or insights that showcase your commitment to social impact, especially in the charity or not-for-profit sectors.
✨Prepare for Transformation Questions
Given the focus on finance transformation, expect questions about your experience leading similar projects. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the outcomes of your initiatives. This will highlight your capability to lead change effectively.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
You’ll be working closely with senior leadership and boards, so prepare to discuss how you build relationships and communicate financial insights. Think of examples where you’ve successfully influenced stakeholders and driven collaboration across teams.
