At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial management and strategic insight for impactful community projects.
- Company: Groundwork North East & Cumbria, a charity dedicated to community development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, meaningful work, and the chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to manage a dynamic finance team and drive organisational sustainability.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-driven team and influence positive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and experience in finance roles.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Groundwork North East & Cumbria is a charity that delivers community projects across the region.
Head of Finance Role
Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Executive Team, Board of Trustees and Finance & Corporate Services Committee, the Head of Finance will lead financial management and provide strategic insight across the charity and its trading subsidiary.
Responsibilities
- Provide financial leadership across the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees, and Senior Leaders.
- Lead on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial risk management.
- Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP), and oversee VAT, statutory requirements, and audits.
- Manage and motivate the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Strengthen financial systems, reporting, and automation to support operational efficiency.
- Support project managers with financial planning, grant management, and contract delivery.
- Drive improvements that support long‑term organisational sustainability.
About you
We’re looking for experienced finance professionals who bring:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
- Experience delivering a wide range of finance duties, including management accounts, budgeting, strategic analysis, payroll and year‑end processes.
- Experience managing finance teams, or a desire to manage.
- Outstanding analytical, organisational, and financial planning skills.
- Excellent communication skills, able to present complex information clearly to colleagues and trustees.
- High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the values and mission of the charity.
We welcome a conversation with senior finance professionals interested in a role with purpose, influence and visibility.
Head of Finance & Strategy — Charity Impact Leader in England employer: Nigel Wright Group
Groundwork North East & Cumbria is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy within a charity dedicated to community impact. With a strong focus on employee development and a collaborative work culture, we empower our team to drive meaningful change while ensuring robust financial management. Located in a vibrant region, we provide a supportive environment that values innovation and excellence, making it an ideal place for finance professionals seeking to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance & Strategy — Charity Impact Leader in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's mission and recent projects. Show us that you’re not just about numbers but also passionate about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your financial expertise can drive strategic insights and support the charity’s goals. We want to hear how you can make an impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance & Strategy — Charity Impact Leader in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like ACA or ACCA, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about charity work and how your background in finance can help us make a difference. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it’s improving financial systems or leading a team, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you’re well-versed in the financial metrics relevant to the charity sector. Brush up on your knowledge of SORP and be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance and robust financial controls.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing finance teams. Think about how you’ve motivated your team in the past and be ready to share specific strategies you’ve used to foster a culture of excellence and innovation.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions around financial planning and risk management. Have a few strategic insights or ideas ready that could help the charity improve its financial sustainability and operational efficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex financial concepts in simple terms. You’ll need to demonstrate your ability to present information clearly to both colleagues and trustees, so think about how you can make your points concise and impactful.
