Director of Finance in Kent

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