Finance and Operations Director in England

Location: Brighton, UK

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £57k - £60k. The role also includes the potential for an additional payment of up to £5,000, linked to the achievement of agreed financial performance indicators (e.g. reserve levels).

Lead finance and operations for an international charity transforming lives through clean energy access across Africa and Asia. Shape organisational strategy, governance and financial systems whilst managing a global finance function across multiple countries.

A Brighton based International NGO is seeking an experienced Finance and Operations Director to lead its finance, compliance and operational functions. This is a strategic leadership role with real impact, supporting an international charity on a mission to enable people living in poverty to access clean energy, empowering them to develop sustainable and resilient livelihoods, and mitigating the impact of climate change. The organisation has around 10 staff in the UK, with further teams across Kenya & Nepal where the key programmes are based.

Position Overview

You will lead the organisation’s global finance and operations team, ensuring robust financial governance, strategic planning and compliance across the organisation. You will directly report to the CEO as well as provide reports to the Finance and Audit committee of the board. You will manage financial systems and processes, oversee programme budgets, and lead on IT, facilities and health and safety matters. The role will also act as Company Secretary. The position is offered on a full-time permanent basis – with hybrid working available, ideally with a minimum of 2 days per week onsite in Brighton.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning, governance and financial reporting to the Board
• Prepare quarterly rolling forecasts and monthly financial reporting across all regions
• Prepare year-end statutory accounts and lead audit processes
• Oversee payment processing and maintain accurate financial transaction records
• Quality‑assure project budgets and undertake financial due diligence on partners
• Lead development and implementation of IT, procurement and health and safety policies and processes
• Manage outsourced IT providers and HR systems
• As Company Secretary, ensure regulatory compliance
• Provide line management to the Finance and Operations Team (1 direct report in the UK, 2 dotted line reports overseas)

Requirements

Essential qualifications and experience:

• Full UK recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Strategic financial leadership experience including organisational budgeting and reporting
• Strong knowledge of charity governance and charity accounting (SORP)
• Experience preparing financial year-end accounts and audit information
• International programme finance experience including project budgeting and global financial transfers
• Experience building effective relationships with staff, stakeholders and trustees
• Some experience overseeing IT requirements, cybersecurity and digital software selection

Essential skills:

• Confident, collaborative leader with strategic thinking ability
• Strong financial analysis and reporting capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• IT oversight and digital software implementation experience

The post-holder must possess sensitivity to ethnicity, and gender and will, at all times, adhere to the organisation’s Safeguarding Policy and Code of Conduct.

Desirable:

• Working knowledge of QuickBooks

Benefits

• Permanent role offering the opportunity to make lasting impact
• Competitive salary with potential for up to £5,000 additional payment
• 6% employer pension contribution
• 2x Salary Life Assurance
• 30 days annual leave plus UK bank holidays
• Work for an organisation with strong values, collaborative culture and commitment to tackling climate change

Please note the organisation is unable to sponsor employment visas, so applicants must have the full right to work in the UK without restriction. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.