At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a £10m+ organisation with a strong social purpose.
- Company: Values-driven, member-focused not-for-profit in the higher education sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70,000, generous leave, and 16% pension contribution.
- Other info: Opportunity to develop high-performing teams and drive financial sustainability.
- Why this job: Shape impactful strategies and influence at Board level in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience and strong strategic acumen.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity to join a values-driven, member-focused organisation, leading a £10m+ operation with a strong social purpose. This role blends strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, partnering closely with senior stakeholders to drive financial sustainability and long-term impact.
Our client is a well-established, independent, not-for-profit organisation operating within a higher education environment in Canterbury. With a diverse income base and a strong commercial element, the organisation delivers a wide range of services and initiatives to a large and engaged membership community. They are values-led, collaborative, and focused on delivering meaningful impact, with financial sustainability and strong governance at the core of their strategy.
As Director of Finance, you will take ownership of the organisation's financial strategy and operations, ensuring robust controls, high-quality reporting, and effective business partnering across the organisation. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a key role in supporting the Board and senior leadership team.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading financial strategy, planning, and performance management
- Overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and monthly management reporting
- Ensuring compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including audit
- Acting as the key contact for external auditors and leading the audit process
- Developing financial controls, procedures, and risk management frameworks
- Partnering with operational and commercial teams to drive value and performance
- Leading, coaching, and developing a small finance team
- Advising on capital investment, reserves, and balance sheet management
- Managing relationships with key external stakeholders including auditors and advisors
Profile
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with proven experience operating in a senior finance leadership role within a complex organisation. You will bring:
- Strong strategic and commercial acumen
- Experience leading financial reporting, audit, and compliance
- A track record of influencing senior stakeholders and supporting decision-making
- The ability to balance strategic oversight with operational delivery
- Proven leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams
- High levels of integrity, resilience, and sound judgement
- Experience within a multi-academy trust, education, not-for-profit or membership-related environment would be advantageous.
Job Offer
Competitive salary of up to around £70,000 plus excellent benefits including:
- A senior leadership role with genuine organisational influence
- Opportunity to shape strategy within a purpose-led, commercially active environment
- Generous annual leave
- 16% employer pension contribution (CARE scheme)
- Enhanced family leave and long-term sickness provision
- The chance to operate at Board level within a values-driven organisation.
Director of Finance in Canterbury employer: Michael Page
Join a values-driven, member-focused organisation in Canterbury as the Director of Finance, where you will lead a £10m+ operation dedicated to social purpose. With a strong emphasis on collaboration and meaningful impact, this role offers competitive benefits, including a generous pension contribution and enhanced family leave, alongside opportunities for professional growth and influence at the Board level within a supportive and engaged community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance in Canterbury
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in not-for-profit organisations. A friendly chat can lead to valuable insights and even job leads.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also share their passion for making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest and keep you top of mind.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Director of Finance role. We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and connect directly with hiring managers who value your expertise.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance role. Highlight your strategic leadership and financial management experience, as well as any relevant achievements in similar organisations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with our organisation's mission. Be specific about how you can contribute to our financial sustainability and impact.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:In your application, emphasise your experience in leading teams and influencing senior stakeholders. We want to see examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and driven financial strategy in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and you can easily track your progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨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 shows you’re not just about the numbers but also about the impact they have on the organisation.
✨Understand Their Values
This organisation is values-driven, so make sure you understand their mission and how it aligns with your own values. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their social purpose and enhance their financial sustainability while staying true to their core principles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of examples from your past where you’ve successfully navigated financial challenges or led a team through a complex project. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since this role involves partnering with senior stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in influencing decision-making. Share specific examples of how you’ve built relationships and collaborated with different teams to achieve financial goals. This will highlight your leadership and communication skills.
