At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance processes in a digital transformation programme to support life-saving missions.
- Company: Join the RNLI, a dedicated team saving lives at sea.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation and shape finance for a better future.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong finance process knowledge and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 49492 - 58226 £ per year.
Salary: £49,492 to £58,226 (dependent on experience).
Contract type: Temporary – Fixed Term Contract or Secondment.
Hours: Full‑Time.
Location: Poole, Dorset, England. Hybrid between home and Poole – average of 2 days per week in office (as required).
Closing Date: 01‑03‑2026.
Reference: 21231.
About us
Our purpose is simple: to save lives at sea. 24 hours a day, every day, RNLI lifesavers are ready to launch to the rescue. They are supported by a dedicated, professional, and talented team behind the scenes. This is your chance to join that team and use your unique skills to help save lives every day.
Your role
As Finance Process Lead, you will be supporting the Senior Finance Workstream Lead, acting as a key liaison between the Finance function and the Digital Transformation Programme. You’ll provide expert input into the design, build, and implementation of new finance processes and systems, ensuring alignment with best practice, regulatory compliance, and the charity’s strategic objectives. You will play a pivotal role in shaping how finance supports the organisation’s mission in a digital‑first, data‑driven environment.
Responsibilities
- Act as a representative for finance within the transformation programme, working cross‑functionally with BAU representatives and collaborating closely with business analysts, solutions architects and project managers.
- Support the Senior Finance Workstream Lead in ensuring future state designs deliver effective controls (preventative and detective) to meet all Fiscal and Regulatory Compliance/Reporting and RNLI Policies, including where necessary control reconciliations for interfaces/integrations.
- Ensure the integrity of all financial reporting, both internal and external, and act as a subject‑matter expert for the organisational future in accounting, funds, and fraud, including ongoing responsibility for any legislative changes.
- Collaborate with IT and external vendors on system configuration, testing, and data cleansing and migration activities.
- Lead the design and optimisation of end‑to‑end finance processes (e.g., Forecast to Plan, Plan to Report, Source to Pay, Donate to Receive, Order to Cash, etc), supporting the delivery of data‑enabled decision making based on simple and standard financial reporting.
About you
You’ll be someone who is meticulous and diligent to ensure the necessary accuracy and compliance. Our ideal candidate will love problem solving with the ability to understand the bigger picture and how decisions made will impact Finance. They must possess exceptional communication skills at all levels and be confident in building effective relationships with both financial and non‑financial colleagues.
Qualifications and experience
- Fully qualified member of an accounting body (ACA, ACCA, CIMA). Or hold a recognised accountancy qualification, be working towards a qualification or be qualified by significant experience.
- Substantial knowledge of core finance processes: F2P, P2R, S2P, O2C, D2R, P2P, DS2R, P2PR, I2D, A2D, etc.
- Experience in the preparation of statutory and management accounts.
- Extensive ERP systems and Microsoft Office experience.
- Strong understanding of charity sector finance operations, including restricted/unrestricted funds, grants, and donor reporting.
- Excellent stakeholder management, communication, and influencing skills.
- Strong ability to bridge business and technology, translating finance needs into digital solutions.
Additional desirable experience
- Previous experience working on large‑scale digital transformation or ERP implementation in the not‑for‑profit sector.
- Knowledge of data governance, reporting tools, and performance dashboards.
- Experience contributing to change management, user training, and process adoption initiatives.
Additional information
So, if you want to support our organisation’s aim to reduce drowning, and can think strategically, and make those strategies a reality as our new Finance Process Lead, this could be the role for you. Please apply via the button shown.
Safeguarding
The RNLI is committed to safeguarding, protecting a person’s health, wellbeing, and human rights, enabling them to live free from harm, abuse, and neglect. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment and have a zero‑tolerance approach. The suitability of all prospective employees and volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. This will include relevant criminal record checks being carried out dependent on the eligibility of the role.
Diversity at the RNLI
Our staff and volunteers have been saving lives at sea without prejudice for 200 years. We respect and value diversity of background, skills and perspectives within our teams, and consider it essential to help us deliver a world‑class lifesaving service. We are an inclusive organisation and welcome applications from everyone. In addition to having the skills needed for the role, we also look for applicants who share our commitment to living our RNLI values (trustworthy, courageous, selfless, and dependable) and helping us work towards Our Vision: To save Every One.
Finance Process Lead (Retail) - Temporary (to 30/06/2028) in Poole employer: linkup
The RNLI is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a noble cause while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a hybrid work model based in Poole, Dorset, employees enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic, alongside professional growth opportunities within a dedicated team focused on digital transformation. The RNLI values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member can thrive while making a meaningful impact in saving lives at sea.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Process Lead (Retail) - Temporary (to 30/06/2028) in Poole
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like linkup.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like linkup might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Process Lead (Retail) - Temporary (to 30/06/2028) in Poole
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at linkup will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at linkup. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give linkup confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at linkup
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with linkup.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure linkup that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
