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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, reporting, and compliance to ensure organisational integrity.
- Company: Join National Star, a charity transforming lives for people with disabilities.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 'Golden Hello', career development, fitness facilities, and employee discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while shaping financial systems in a growing organisation.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in financial control and charity accounting.
- Other info: Full-time role with a supportive team and opportunities for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Part time 28 hrs/week, Term time only (39 weeks / yr) – 0.63 FTE
Job Details
Contract type: Permanent
Interview date: 16/02/2026
Location: Ullenwood site, Cheltenham (1 day per week at Work Based Learning team, Cheltenham centre)
About the role
The ongoing health and wellbeing of our students is vital to enhance their quality of life and to support their learning and experiences as they grow in their independence and explore new opportunities during their time at National Star.
Providing face‑to‑face support to our students with complex physical and learning disabilities, you will be proactive and creative in finding the most effective therapy pathways and ensuring that we are meeting individuals’ needs. You will be responsible for managing your own caseload of students, assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating Talking Therapy programmes and ensuring that interventions are safe and effective.
Ideally, you will have a good understanding of the issues faced by young adults with complex physical and learning disabilities, quality assurance processes and the reporting of progress based on each student’s EHCP‑based individual targets.
A flexible approach coupled with excellent communication and team‑working skills will be required as you will work with students, support staff and members of the multi‑disciplinary team to integrate wellbeing and positive behaviour support strategies, including Emotional Wellbeing plans, into learning or other activities wherever possible.
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an experienced and highly regarded team of therapists working at the award‑winning National Star College, giving you the chance to learn from other professionals and develop your professional skills. You will be part of a hugely supportive, growing and dynamic team that includes creative arts therapies such as dance, music, drama, and our Positive Behaviour Support team.
Qualifications & Experience
Relevant and recognised qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy and registration with UKCP, BACP or HCPC. Additional training in Positive Behaviour Support and specialisms such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy would also be highly beneficial.
Benefits
- Free employee minibus service from central Gloucester and central Cheltenham to Ullenwood (subject to availability)
- Award‑winning training
- Free use of National Star facilities at Ullenwood, including a heated indoor swimming pool and fitness suite
- Westfield medical cover
- Life insurance cover
- Employee helpline
- Contributory pension scheme
- Opportunity to purchase a TOTUM discount card
- Employee discounts at attractions, high street retailers, supermarkets, utilities and motoring, plus many more
Apply
Apply online to the Talking Therapist role.
National Star is a growing charity with more than 1,200 staff based in England and Wales. Established more than 50 years ago, we’ve supported hundreds of young people with disabilities to achieve their potential.
Fantastic career development opportunities and comprehensive induction programme – theory and practical.
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Search the site employer: NATIONAL STAR
Contact Detail:
NATIONAL STAR Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Search the site
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the charity sector, especially in financial control and reporting. Understanding the unique challenges and regulations that charities face will help you stand out during discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity and finance sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others who share your interests and may provide insights into our organisation's culture and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with our values-driven approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced decision-making in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Research National Star’s mission and recent initiatives. Being able to articulate how your skills and experiences can contribute to our goals will demonstrate your genuine commitment to our cause.
We think you need these skills to ace Search the site
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Financial Control position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in financial control or reporting, particularly within the charity, education, or care sectors. Use specific examples to demonstrate your expertise and achievements.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role requires strong leadership abilities, include instances where you've successfully managed teams or influenced decision-making. Highlight your communication skills and how they have contributed to positive outcomes.
Align with Values: National Star values a commitment to their mission. In your application, express your alignment with their values and how your personal and professional ethos supports their goal of making a difference in people's lives.
How to prepare for a job interview at NATIONAL STAR
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research National Star and its mission. Understanding their commitment to enabling people with disabilities will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in financial control and reporting. Highlight specific examples from your previous roles that showcase your knowledge of financial compliance, VAT, and charity accounting standards, as these are crucial for the position.
✨Prepare for Leadership Questions
As this role involves managing a team, expect questions about your leadership style and experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or influenced decision-making, particularly in challenging situations.
✨Demonstrate a Solutions-Focused Mindset
The organisation is looking for someone who can drive change and improve systems. Be ready to discuss how you've approached problem-solving in the past and share ideas on how you would enhance financial processes at National Star.
