Finance Director in Harrogate

For over 25 years, Oakdale has been transforming lives through evidence-based therapies and assessments for children, young people, and adults. As a values-driven, not-for-profit organisation, we work with the NHS, schools, local authorities, and private clients, always committed to making a real difference. We’re looking for an experienced and visionary Finance Director to join our senior leadership team. In this pivotal role, you’ll help shape organisational strategy, inspire high-performing teams, and ensure we continue to deliver services that meet the highest standards. If you’re a strategic leader who wants to combine professional excellence with purpose-driven work, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Oakdale is going through a period of significant and rapid growth. We are looking for a Finance Director to join our team and keep our finances positioned for continued success. The Finance Director will have day-to-day, ongoing impact on company operations, helping us to analyse, strategise, and grow our financial position. They should understand current accounting practices and trends and, as a member of senior management, will be comfortable in a leadership role that requires clear and effective communication skills.

Because Oakdale has been growing from an SME into a substantial business with a national footprint, we are looking for a Finance Director capable of making a substantial contribution to our group at the strategic level, whilst also taking direct responsibility for management of our finance function, providing day-to-day guidance and input on technical practice to colleagues in the team. Oakdale group is made up of a number of companies and with dozens of public and private commissioners our finances are relatively complex for a mid-size organisation. Much of our turnover is derived from ‘draw down’ on head contracts held with NHS bodies and local authorities, obligating us to closely account for invoices on a granular basis, underpinned by a broad suite of financial reporting and Management Information (MI).

As such, the post holder will also take on line management responsibility for Oakdale’s senior MI analyst and oversee Oakdale’s reporting arrangements, so that we are able to account to our commissioners for contract activity and benefit from a finance business partner function to improve the quality and economic performance of our operational services.

We are looking for someone who is interested in working in the healthcare field and whose values align with our own: knowledgeable, collaborative, flexible, innovative, principled, inclusive, and effective.

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity
• Ability to build solid, trusting relationships with colleagues, commissioners and suppliers
• Strategic thinker with ability to work with senior colleagues in setting the direction, structure and design of the group
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Understanding of finance matters and accounting, regulatory issues, tax planning and compliance
• Accountancy degree and professionally qualified (ACCA, CIMA etc) (essential)
• Proven experience as a Finance Director or similar role
• Strong understanding of corporate finance and performance management principles
• Excellent knowledge of financial forecasting, corporate finance, and data analysis
• Proficient in the use of financial management software.

• Take responsibility (either directly or via staff) for all cash management, investments, insurance, budgeting, and financial reporting, and help drive the company’s financial strategy and recruitment needs
• To improve and maintain Oakdale’s financial controls systems
• Coordinate development of annual operating, capital, and program budgets, as well as managing the process of in-year reporting against these budgets
• Work with the management team to ensure cash flow is compatible with operations by overseeing day-to-day accounting, recording, reporting, and internal control activities of the organisation
• Develop and implement best practices and tools to ensure a well-controlled yet flexible organisation that has strong financial management, project coordination, cross-team communications, and workflows
• Comply with national and local financial requirements and work with Oakdale’s external accountants to ensure all relevant statutory returns (including VAT and annual accounts submissions) are made
• To provide strategic financial advice and support for the Directors in matters relevant to the structure of the Group taking into account the strategic direction of the group, compliance with relevant legislation and financial acuity.
• To assume appropriate, Director level responsibility for financial leadership; being the most senior technical specialist (qualified accountant) in the group, comfortable and able to report to a generalist Board / CEO and take responsibility for leading the finance team without requiring day-to-day hands-on guidance on technical accounting matters

• Managing the production of accurate, fit for purpose monthly management accounts for all entities in the Oakdale Group
• Contributing to payroll in line with Oakdale’s Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
• Work with senior managers to get to know the business and oversee the development of budgets, provide access to project finance information, and ensure contract compliance and reporting
• Contribute to the codification and continuous improvement of Oakdale’s finance related SOPs
• Research revenue opportunities and economic trends and identify areas for cost reduction and process enhancement
• Undertake financial and corporate risk management through analysis of company liabilities and investments, and evaluate and manage capital structure
• Coordinate with any external service providers (e.g. payroll, benefits, accountants) as required to ensure the responsibilities of the role are met
• Management of Oakdale’s MI function; monitoring business performance with tracking tools, establish corrective measures as needed, and oversee a process of detailed report production for each service delivery division and the management team
• Manage finance colleagues and oversee financial IT systems, ensuring compliance with relevant regulatory authorities
• Lead and develop Oakdale’s finance team, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement
• Provide mentorship and training to finance colleagues to enhance their skills and performance
• Collaborate with other executive team members to support overall company strategic direction and objectives.

At Oakdale, your well-being and growth matter as much as the clients you support. We offer a package designed for balance, flexibility, and long-term career satisfaction, including:

• 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service
• Flexible and agile working from day one
• SimplyHealth: 24/7 GP access, counselling, physiotherapy, and more
• Exclusive, heavily discounted rates for you and your family on private ADHD and autism neurodevelopmental assessments, through our own expert service
• Fully funded flu vaccines
• Employee Wellbeing Initiative with trained mental health champions
• Smart Pension & Rewards: plan for your future with discounts and cashback
• Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay
• Cycle to Work & Technology Salary Sacrifice schemes
• Employee discount scheme
• Protected CPD days, annual away days, and high-quality training
• Professional registration fees covered (where applicable)
• Opportunities to influence service improvement and innovation
• Laptop, monitor, keyboard, and any additional equipment you need to do your best work

This is more than just a leadership role; it’s a chance to inspire, innovate, and lead in an organisation where people and purpose come first. Apply now to join Oakdale’s senior leadership team and help shape the future of our services. Oakdale is proud to be a registered Disability Confident Committed Employer.