At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and systems for a national youth charity.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity focused on empowering young people across the UK.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on youth development while shaping financial sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance experience and strong leadership skills.
Are you a qualified accountant with experience at a senior level in a finance role? We are looking for a Director of Finance and Systems to join the Strategy Team, responsible for shaping the organisation's long-term strategy and financial sustainability.
Working for an equal opportunities employer, we welcome applications from under-represented groups; in particular from Black, Asian, Mixed Race & other ethnically diverse individuals, people with disabilities, and members of LGBTQ+ communities.
Location: Hybrid working: two days a week in the Bolton or London offices (based in White City) combined with home-working and travel across our Youth Zone network as required.
Salary: £80,000 - £85,000 per annum
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours/week)
Contract: Permanent
Benefits: Agile working with flexibility in working hours; 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to a maximum of 30 days); birthday leave, additional annual leave purchase scheme; company matched pension; company sick, maternity, paternity & adoption pay; Employee Assistance Programme, active and engaged networks to join (including Equity, Diversity & Inclusion) and access to Charity Worker discounts.
Closing Date: 12noon on Wednesday 8 July 2026 (We may close this role early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.)
First stage interviews (virtual): Wednesday 15 July 2026
Second stage interviews (in-person): w/c 27 July 2026
There will also be a short, values-based phone interview between Stage 1 and 2.
About the Role
As a key member of the Executive Team, you will partner closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees to develop and deliver a financially resilient and scalable organisation, supporting both the charity’s and its growing national network of independent Youth Zone charities. You will lead the organisation’s finance, systems and data capability ensuring strong financial stewardship, high-quality insight for decision-making, and efficient, innovative ways of working. This is a rare opportunity to shape the financial and operational model of one of the UK’s most ambitious youth charities, with influence extending across a growing national network.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Financial Strategy & Sustainability
- Financial Leadership & Governance
- Systems, Data & Insight
- Network Support & Influence
About You
You will be a fully qualified accountant (CCAB recognised) with strong leadership skills and the ability to develop team members to their full potential. You will have experience of:
- Working at a senior level in a finance role with responsibility across the whole finance function (ideally also including responsibility for the systems function)
- Substantial financial leadership across scaling organisation or multi-entity structure spanning organisational planning, analysis and improvement, ideally a national-level charity
- Effective collaborative working with senior colleagues at Executive and Board Level
Above all, you’re motivated by purpose and excited by the opportunity to help deliver spaces that enable young people to thrive.
About the Organisation
A national charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to discover their passion and their purpose that fund and build state-of-the-art, multimillion-pound youth centres called Youth Zones in the country’s most economically disadvantaged areas. The organisation trains the amazing people that run them and offers continuing support to youth zones nationwide through a national network of independent youth charities. It’s about opportunity.
You may have experience in areas such as Accountant, Business Account, Finance Manager, Director of Finance, Head of Finance, Finance and Systems, Director of Finance and Systems, Finance and Systems Manager, Finance and Systems Lead.
Director of Finance and Systems in London employer: OnSide Youth Zones
Join a forward-thinking national charity that prioritises the development of young people and offers a dynamic work environment with hybrid flexibility. As a Director of Finance and Systems, you will benefit from a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside generous annual leave, a matched pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth within a mission-driven organisation. This role not only allows you to shape financial strategies but also to make a meaningful impact across a network of independent Youth Zones, fostering resilience and innovation in the charity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Systems in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like OnSide Youth Zones. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Systems in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to OnSide Youth Zones.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on OnSide Youth Zones's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at OnSide Youth Zones
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with OnSide Youth Zones.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at OnSide Youth Zones will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former OnSide Youth Zones employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
