Director of Finance in Godalming

Responsible for: Finance Officer, Finance Assistant & Finance and Legacy Manager

Works with: Senior Leadership Team, Finance and Risk Committee Board of Trustees, all staff, auditors, tax advisors and other interested parties

Location: Hybrid working – office in Godalming and home

Overview

The Director of Finance will direct, run and oversee the financial operations and procedures of the League, responsible for annual budgeting, financial reporting including monthly management accounts, annual statutory accounts production and audit management, treasury management, VAT and tax returns, statutory compliance filing and finance management system administration. The Director of Finance will provide data, reporting and professional advice on the finances, and where applicable commercial aspects, of the Charity and its trading subsidiary company. The role will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team to support delivery of the charity’s strategy.

In addition, the role will ensure accounting and financial systems, structures, processes and controls are robust and appropriate. The Director of Finance will be the lead director for the management of general and financial risk, including fraud risk, working collaboratively with other Directors.

Purpose of the Job

• Provide the robust financial framework required to optimise resources and minimise risk, ensuring financial security and stability.
• Have overall control and responsibility for all financial aspects of the League’s strategy, analysing figures and implementing agreed recommendations.
• During periods of change, understand financial implications and coordinate necessary process, systems and policy changes.
• Support the continued growth, scale and sustainability of funding and help achieve the League’s objectives through strong governance, management, planning, compliance and reporting.
• Provide leadership to the Board’s Finance and Accounting strategy to optimise the League’s financial performance and strategic position.
• Ensure financial systems, policies and processes are robust, compliant and support current activities and future growth.
• Contribute fully to organisational strategy, challenging assumptions and providing financial analysis and guidance.
• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to grow the charity and formulate strategic plans.
• Lead and develop the Finance team.
• Provide reporting, analysis and commentary on financial performance at Trustee meetings, including production of monthly management accounts.
• Ensure budgeting processes are carried out and reviewed to maintain accurate financial reporting.
• Take ultimate responsibility for treasury management and related policies.
• Prepare annual accounts and supporting schedules within agreed audit timetables.
• Work closely with auditors to deliver the annual report for Board approval.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the League’s financial policies.
• Oversee transaction processing, payroll support and pension administration.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with external parties, including supporters and donors.
• Work in line with company policies and procedures, particularly health and safety and information security.
• Actively embed sustainability into day-to-day practices.
• Take an inclusive and collaborative approach to teamwork and stakeholder engagement.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably requested.

Professional and Technical Qualifications

• Fully qualified Accountant and current member of ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent.

Experience and Knowledge

• Significant senior‑level financial leadership and operational management experience.
• Experience leading, developing and motivating teams.
• Budget preparation, monitoring and forecasting expertise.
• Strong financial reporting and management accounting experience.
• Understanding of all accounting functions and systems.
• Experience liaising with statutory agencies.
• Strong management and statutory accounting experience.
• Five years’ experience in a charity‑sector financial leadership role.
• Strong understanding of charity law and regulation.
• Ability to influence business strategy and organisational development.

Skills and Competencies

• Leadership, motivation and influencing skills.
• Strong report‑writing and financial presentation skills.
• Ability to set targets and inspire performance.
• Ability to prioritise under pressure.
• High levels of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to identify and manage risk.
• Advanced Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook skills.
• Strategic thinking and risk assessment capability.
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills.

Personal Characteristics

• A genuine empathy and compassion for animals and commitment to the objectives and purpose of the League.
• A collaborative approach to work and commitment to accountability, openness and diversity.
• A credible and approachable person able to build rapport and inspire trust.
• The courage and resilience to work in challenging environments and manage demands in an emotionally mature way.
• The ability to drive forward change and adapt to changing needs and circumstances.

If you’d like to have an informal conversation about the role, please get in touch and we will be happy to arrange a call with our CEO or current Finance Director.

How to Apply

Deadline for applications: Sunday 12 July 2026.

Interviews for the role will be scheduled on 22–23 July online for stage one and 29 July in person in London for stage two.