At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure accuracy in managing resources for a global charity.
- Company: Join World Vision UK, a leading charity dedicated to supporting vulnerable children worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday allowance, and a strong pension contribution.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while driving financial integrity and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant with experience in charity finance management and team leadership.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 84000 £ per year.
Goodman Masson are delighted to be partnered with World Vision UK to recruit for a high-calibre Head of Finance to drive their financial integrity and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the CFO and serving as a key member of the Extended Leadership Team, you will ensure resources are managed with unwavering accuracy, insight, and stewardship to support vulnerable children worldwide.
You will lead core operations—from transaction processing and monthly accounts to treasury, tax compliance, and statutory reporting. You will be a critical partner to the Head of Business Intelligence and leaders across Fundraising and Programmes, embedding clear policies and modern processes that amplify World Vision UK’s mission impact.
Key Responsibilities- Financial Control & Reporting: Oversee the production of high-quality monthly management accounts and deliver statutory annual accounts under Charities SORP (FRS 102).
- Modernisation & Innovation: Act as the Finance Systems owner and define a multi-year modernisation roadmap, embedding automation, AI for efficiency, and controls-by-design.
- Strategic Leadership: Lead and develop a diverse team of 12 (5 direct reports), fostering a service-oriented business partnering culture.
- Budgeting & Fund Management: Lead the annual budgeting cycle and oversee the management of cash, remittances, and foreign currency hedges.
- Governance & Risk: Ensure full compliance with UK law and Charity Commission standards, acting as the primary lead for external audit and banking relationships.
About You
You are an outcome-focused leader who balances strategic vision with operational rigour. You possess a continuous-improvement mindset and the ability to influence senior stakeholders with commercially aware recommendations.
Essential Requirements:- Qualified Accountant: ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified with significant post-qualification experience in industry.
- Sector Expertise: Proven experience in a finance management position within the Charity sector, including the management of restricted and unrestricted funds.
- Leadership Track Record: Experience leading multi-function teams with a focus on capability building and performance management.
- Technical Proficiency: Deep understanding of internal controls, technical accounting, and large-scale budgeting processes.
- Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills, with the ability to present decision-ready papers to Board committees.
Occupational Requirement: Given the leadership nature of this role and its responsibility for the spiritual nurturing of staff, there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have an active Christian faith.
Desired Skills:- Familiarity with Microsoft Business Central, Power BI, SAP Concur, Jedox, and Blackline.
Salary: Circa £70,000 per annum
Key Benefits: 7% employer pension contribution and 28 days holiday + bank holidays
Location: Hybrid: 2 days from Milton Keynes office
Application Timelines:
- Application Deadline 10th April
- 1st stage Online Interviews 21st April
- Final in person Interviews 30th April
Please click on the link to view our dedicated careers page with more details:
Head of Finance in Milton Keynes employer: Public Sector
Contact Detail:
Public Sector Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching World Vision UK and their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve driven financial integrity in past roles. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in budgeting and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your experience in financial control, reporting, and leadership in the charity sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for financial integrity and operational excellence, and don’t forget to mention your active Christian faith as it’s an important aspect for us.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams and manage finances effectively. Use metrics where possible to show the impact of your work – we love numbers!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our dedicated careers page. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to make a difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and reporting in previous roles. This will show your expertise and confidence in handling the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your experience leading teams, especially in a charity context. Think of specific examples where you’ve fostered a service-oriented culture or improved team performance. This will help illustrate your leadership track record and how you can contribute to World Vision UK's mission.
✨Understand the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the charity sector, particularly around financial management of restricted and unrestricted funds. Being able to discuss sector-specific challenges and how you’ve navigated them will set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the role’s context.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare scenarios related to financial control, compliance, and risk management. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.