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- Tasks: Lead finance, HR, IT, and compliance for a national lifesaving charity.
- Company: Join the Royal Life Saving Society UK, a leader in water safety education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, private health insurance, and enhanced sick pay.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a charity that saves lives and promotes water safety.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior charity experience and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Strategic Finance and Operations Director leading finance, HR, IT and compliance for a national lifesaving charity and its commercial subsidiaries.
Hours: 0.8 - 1 FTE
Benefits: 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and discretionary birthday day off; private health and life assurance; Life Assurance Scheme; Enhanced Society Sick Pay
Are you a strategic finance leader ready to shape the future of a national charity? Do you have the experience and will to lead finance, HR, IT and compliance with authority and clarity?
Charisma Charity Recruitment has partnered with Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) to appoint a new Director of Finance and Operations. RLSS UK saves lives by leading in water safety education, lifeguarding and drowning prevention, with a thriving commercial directorate and a new 2025–2030 strategy.
Reporting to the CEO and leading the corporate services directorate, you will hold accountability for financial stewardship across the charity and its subsidiaries, ensuring strong governance, regulatory compliance and operational resilience.
You will:
- Lead financial strategy, budgeting, reserves and risk to secure long-term sustainability
- Prepare annual accounts under Charity SORP and report at Board level
- Lead HR, IT, compliance and facilities, driving performance and accountability
- Strengthen corporate governance and regulatory relationships
- Contribute as a key SLT member, shaping strategy and major projects
We are seeking a qualified accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA) with senior charity experience, commercial acumen and the credibility to operate at Board level.
Your application should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.
Closing date: Tuesday 24 March 2026
Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by: EOD Thursday 2 April 2026
Interviews with RLSS UK: w/c 13 April 2026 onwards
Director of Finance and Operations employer: Royal Life Saving Society UK
Contact Detail:
Royal Life Saving Society UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance and Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Director of Finance and Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching RLSS UK and their new strategy. Show us that you’re not just a finance whiz but also passionate about their mission. Tailor your responses to highlight how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for financial stewardship and operational resilience. We want to hear how you plan to lead HR, IT, and compliance with authority and clarity.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at RLSS UK and making a difference in water safety education.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance and Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Finance and Operations role. Highlight your strategic finance leadership and any relevant charity experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role, showcasing your commercial acumen and ability to lead across finance, HR, IT, and compliance.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Quantify your successes where possible, like how you improved financial processes or led successful projects, to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through the Charisma website. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and supporting statement, ensuring you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Royal Life Saving Society UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Director of Finance and Operations, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the charity sector, such as budgeting, reserves, and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these areas in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership across finance, HR, IT, and compliance. Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and driving performance. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while maintaining accountability.
✨Understand the Charity Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current trends and challenges in the charity sector, especially around governance and regulatory compliance. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will show your commitment and understanding of the role's impact on the organisation.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your interest in the charity’s mission and future strategy. Ask about their 2025–2030 strategy and how the finance and operations team can contribute to achieving those goals.