At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning, management, and reporting for a global charity.
- Company: Join IAPB, a leading charity dedicated to eliminating avoidable blindness worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in global eye health while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: ACCA, ACA, or CIMA qualified with significant experience in charity finance.
- Other info: Home-based role with occasional UK travel; applications close on 15th August 2025.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 Β£ per year.
Position: Head of Finance
Organisation: International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)
Location: Home-based, with occasional travel within the UK
Salary: Β£65,000 to Β£75,000 per annum
Closing date: 12.00 noon on 15th August 2025
About Us:
IAPB is the global alliance for the eye health sector, uniting the worlds leading non-profits, philanthropists, public bodies, and private organisations to eliminate avoidable blindness and vision impairment. Representing a network of partners across more than 100 countries, IAPB holds trusted relationships with international bodies including the United Nations and World Health Organization. As an organisation, we advocate that eye health is not a luxury it\βs essential to every persons ability to learn, earn, and thrive.
We are a growing, well-funded UK-registered charity, underpinned by membership subscriptions and a strong international footprint. With the launch of a bold new 3-year strategic plan, we are entering an exciting new chapter in our journey expanding our global impact and reach with a nimble, supportive, and values-driven team.
Join Our Team:
We are looking for an experienced and visionary Head of Finance to lead our Finance team and oversee all aspects of financial planning, management, and reporting. You will be a key part of the Senior Leadership Team, acting as a trusted advisor and strategic partner across the charity. With a hands-on and collaborative approach, you will ensure that the finance function is a dynamic enabler of IAPBs mission combining financial rigour with operational agility.
Key Responsibilities:
- Deliver accurate monthly financial reporting, forecasting, and analysis to a range of stakeholders including Trustees, project leads, and senior leaders.
- Lead the budget setting process and maintain delegated budgets on behalf of the CEO.
- Oversee year-end statutory accounts preparation for the charity and its subsidiaries.
- Ensure timely payments and receivables processes.
- Maintain rolling cashflow forecasts and support investment/treasury management.
- Provide financial leadership across the organisation and embed effective internal controls.
- Act as lead on financial risk management, supporting wider organisational risk practices.
- Collaborate with HR on people planning and oversee monthly payroll processes.
- Manage Finance team members and foster a culture of excellence, integrity, and continuous improvement.
Ideal Candidate:
- Professionally qualified (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) with significant post-qualification experience.
- Technically adept with charity accounting (SORP), VAT, and FRS102 requirements.
- Proven track record in strategic financial management and business partnering.
- Experience of international finance and managing charity subsidiaries.
- Collaborative leader with the ability to communicate financial insights to diverse audiences.
- Familiarity with Xero, ApprovalMax, and integrated financial systems (preferred).
- Commitment to equity, integrity, and impact-driven operations.
Recruitment Timetable
- Closing date for applications: 15th August 2025 12 noon
- 1st Stage Interviews: 21st August 2025
- 2nd Stage Interviews including presentation: 27th August 2025
Contact Us:
For more information and a detailed job description, please contact John Lavictoire, Director at Seymour John Public Services
All third-party applications will be redirected to our retained executive search partners at Seymour John Public Services.
JBRP1_UKTJ
Head of Finance employer: Seymour John Public Services (Midlands) Limited
Contact Detail:
Seymour John Public Services (Midlands) Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with IAPB's mission and values. Understanding their focus on eliminating avoidable blindness will help you align your financial strategies with their goals, showcasing your commitment to their cause during interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those with experience in finance roles. Engaging with current or former employees of IAPB can provide valuable insights into the organisation's culture and expectations.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with charity accounting and international finance in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets and financial reporting in similar organisations.
β¨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership style and ability to foster a collaborative team environment. Think of examples where you've led finance teams effectively, as this will be crucial for the Head of Finance role at IAPB.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Organisation: Familiarise yourself with the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB). Understand their mission, values, and the impact they aim to achieve in the eye health sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your professional qualifications (ACCA, ACA, CIMA) and significant post-qualification experience. Showcase your expertise in charity accounting, strategic financial management, and any relevant international finance experience.
Demonstrate Leadership Skills: As the role requires a collaborative leader, provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams and communicated financial insights to diverse audiences. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of excellence and integrity within your team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure your application is specifically tailored to the Head of Finance position. Address the key responsibilities and ideal candidate attributes mentioned in the job description, demonstrating how your skills and experiences align with IAPB's needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Seymour John Public Services (Midlands) Limited
β¨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you have a solid grasp of IAPB's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their strategic plan and how the finance function supports their goals. This will show your genuine interest in the role and alignment with their objectives.
β¨Prepare for Financial Scenarios
Given the nature of the Head of Finance role, be ready to discuss specific financial scenarios or challenges that the organisation might face. Think about how you would approach budgeting, forecasting, and risk management in a charity context, and be prepared to share relevant examples from your past experience.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a collaborative leader, it's important to convey your leadership style during the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you manage teams, foster a culture of excellence, and communicate financial insights to diverse audiences. Highlight any experiences where you've successfully led a team through change or improvement.
β¨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions. Inquire about the current financial challenges IAPB is facing, or how they envision the finance function evolving in the next few years. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and genuine interest in contributing to their success.