At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy and ensure resources for a thriving student-led organisation.
- Company: Dynamic student charity with a vibrant commercial arm in Hull.
- Benefits: Generous leave, health support, discounts, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on students' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Accountancy qualification and senior leadership experience required.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; join a supportive and progressive team.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are helping a university students' union find a new Finance and Resource Director as they embark on a period of restructure in the Senior Leadership Team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a strategic finance leader to join a complex, values-driven organisation in Hull. If you are looking to combine your financial expertise with purpose-driven work, this role offers a unique challenge. The role is offered on a 7-8 month fixed term contract basis, and the role is to start ASAP.
As the Finance and Resource Director, you will be a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. You will provide strategic leadership across Finance, Facilities, and Health and Safety. Your role is vital to ensuring the organisation has the resources to deliver its strategic plan sustainably. You will work closely with the CEO, Trustees, and elected Presidents to drive commercial performance and support the organisation's mission.
Responsibilities
- Lead operational strategy for finance, facilities, and health & safety.
- Develop and deliver the group's long-term financial plan.
- Provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Boards.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and annual financial reporting.
- Lead on the production of the annual statutory accounts.
- Manage key relationships with auditors, banks, HMRC, and the external management accountants.
- Ensure robust financial governance and risk management.
- Lead on contract negotiations and ethical investment strategy.
The organisation is happy to consider applicants on a part-time basis (min 3 days per week) or on a full-time basis. Hybrid working is offered with at least 50% of the role expected to be office based.
Qualifications
- A recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or CIPFA).
- Senior leadership and management experience.
- Proven experience in strategic financial planning and reporting.
- Experience in developing systems and leading organisational change.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present to board level.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- A genuine empathy with the values of a student-led organisation.
- Experience in the charity or higher education sector is desirable.
About the organisation and benefits
This is a student-led charity with a thriving commercial arm. With a turnover of over £6 million, its portfolio includes the UK's first J D Wetherspoon franchise on a university campus and a successful SPAR supermarket. The organisation has also invested in its spaces, creating a vibrant hub for student life, including a major live gig venue. The organisation is focused on empowering every student by championing their priorities through community organising.
Generous annual leave of 27 days plus bank holidays and additional leave. Paid volunteering days to support causes you care about. Comprehensive health and wellbeing support. Staff discounts across campus and various retail schemes. Cycle-to-work scheme and travel perks. Access to training and development opportunities. Alongside these benefits, you will join a supportive and progressive senior team. You will help shape a fun, inclusive, and solution-focused culture, directly improving students' university experience.
Interim Finance Director employer: J D Wetherspoon
Contact Detail:
J D Wetherspoon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Finance Director
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to alumni from your university. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your strategic financial planning skills and any experience you have in leading organisational change. We want to see how you can bring value to their mission-driven work!
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework on the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your financial expertise aligns with their goals. We suggest practising common interview questions and preparing some thoughtful questions of your own to show you’re genuinely interested!
✨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 often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t find anywhere else!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Finance Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance and Resource Director. Highlight your strategic financial planning experience and any leadership roles you've held, especially in similar sectors like charity or higher education.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the values of a student-led organisation and how your skills align with their mission. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead operational strategy and manage key relationships. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at J D Wetherspoon
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Finance Director, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've led financial strategy and improved performance.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
This role is with a student-led charity, so it’s crucial to align with their mission. Research the organisation’s values and think about how your experience and leadership style can support their goals. Be prepared to share how you can contribute to their community-focused initiatives.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around strategic financial planning and governance. Think about your past experiences leading organisational change and how you’ve managed stakeholder relationships. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to drive commercial performance while maintaining ethical standards.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, your leadership approach will be under scrutiny. Reflect on your management style and how you foster collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you’ve built strong teams and navigated challenges in previous roles, especially in complex environments.