At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a leading mental health charity.
- Company: Join a trusted charity dedicated to supporting mental health in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25+ days leave, training opportunities, and more perks.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while collaborating with a passionate leadership team.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior finance leadership experience in charitable organisations.
- Other info: We welcome diverse applicants, including those with lived experience.
The predicted salary is between 74000 - 86000 £ per year.
Chief Finance Officer We are looking for a Chief Finance Officer to lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the organisation’s financial functions. Join a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. Every year, the organisation supports thousands of people through its network of groups, services and helplines. The vision is for equality, fair treatment and maximum quality of life for everyone affected by mental illness. Help reach that goal by applying today. If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference through strong financial stewardship, then we want to hear from you! Position: Chief Finance Officer Location: London/Hybrid Hours: Full time, flexible working available Salary: £85,453 to £102,956 based on experience Contract: Permanent Closing Date: 5pm, 4 August 2025 Interviews: Interviews will be held in two stages: the first stage with the Executive Team and second stage with the Chief Executive and representatives from the Board of Trustees. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 1 and 8 September 2025. Candidates may be asked to complete psychometric assessments as part of the recruitment process. The Role As the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the organisation’s financial functions, with overarching responsibility for financial control, reporting, planning and analysis, and finance operations. You will ensure robust financial stewardship, support data-driven decision-making, and enable long-term sustainability and growth through strong financial leadership and insight. This role is a key member of that team, working alongside the Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer, and Chief Business Improvement and Technology Officer. Together, you will shape the organisation’s strategy, culture, and delivery. If you are excited by the opportunity to lead the effective management of the charity’s finances whilst helping to grow the important work of the organisation and to be part of a collaborative leadership team, then we would love to hear from you. About You You will be passionate about making a meaningful difference through strong financial stewardship and have substantial senior finance leadership experience, ideally within a charitable, social care, health, or values-led organisation. You will have/be: Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with a strong understanding of charity finance and Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements. Proven success in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and risk management in a complex, multi-stakeholder setting. Demonstrated ability to manage audits, lead financial reporting, and ensure regulatory compliance. Experience supporting income diversification, including contract-based services, fundraising, and trading subsidiaries. Strong track record of building and leading high-performing finance teams, including business partnering and cross-functional collaboration. About the Organisation Work for an organisation that research shows is one of the most trusted major voluntary sector brands. In a rapidly changing world, the charity brings together delivery of care and support services, policy influencing, and campaigning – with people living with mental illness at the heart of what they do. The charity supports tens of thousands of people every year to get through crises, live independently and feel that they do not have to face mental illness alone. For over 50 years, the charity has campaigned for the rights of people severely affected by mental illness whilst working tirelessly to ensure that the people they support have a voice at all levels of the mental health system. Benefits include: Employer funded pension Flexible working Life assurance Eye care vouchers Training opportunities 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 plus Bank Holidays Rewards, benefits and recognition platform Employee assistance programme Your birthday off Plus many more great benefits… “It feels very rewarding to be part of such a meaningful organisation where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to make a difference” Current staff member We actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds. You may also have experience in areas such as CFO, Head of Finance, Director of Finance, Head of Finance and Operations, Chief Finance Officer, Deputy CFO, Deputy Head of Finance, Deputy Director of Finance, Deputy Head of Finance and Operations, Deputy Chief Finance Officer. #INDNFP PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation
Chief Finance Officer employer: Rethink Mental Illness
Contact Detail:
Rethink Mental Illness Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Finance Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and practices relevant to charities in the UK. Understanding the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) will give you a significant edge during interviews, as it shows your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those in finance roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who can provide insights into the organisation's culture and expectations for the CFO role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in strategic financial planning and risk management in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex financial challenges in previous roles, particularly in multi-stakeholder environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation’s mission and values thoroughly. Be prepared to articulate how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of supporting mental health services, which will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Finance Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in financial leadership, particularly within charitable or values-led organisations. Emphasise your qualifications and any specific achievements that align with the role of Chief Finance Officer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your passion for mental health services but also demonstrates your understanding of charity finance and the specific challenges faced by such organisations. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your accounting qualifications (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) and any additional training related to charity finance. This will help establish your credibility and suitability for the role.
Prepare for Psychometric Assessments: Since candidates may be asked to complete psychometric assessments, consider practising these types of tests beforehand. Familiarise yourself with common assessment formats to ensure you perform at your best during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, take time to research the charity's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to mental health services will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your passion for making a meaningful difference.
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience with charity finance, including SORP requirements and strategic financial planning. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and audits in previous roles, as this will showcase your suitability for the CFO position.
✨Prepare for Psychometric Assessments
Since candidates may be asked to complete psychometric assessments, practice common assessment types beforehand. This will help you feel more confident and perform better during the evaluation process, allowing you to focus on showcasing your leadership skills.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Leadership
As a key member of the leadership team, it's essential to show your ability to work collaboratively. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered cross-functional collaboration in past roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.