At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and operations, driving strategic decisions and impactful projects.
- Company: Join the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, a leading body in healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, generous pension, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and commitment to equity, diversity, and belonging.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior-level finance and operations experience.
The predicted salary is between 66913 - 81783 £ per year.
£78,131 - £87,344 FTE per annum (dependent on experience)
Full time, 35 hours per week
Permanent contract
This role is available as a job share, subject to appointing two suitable candidates.
About the role
London-based roles: London-based contract with the option of hybrid working between the office and home. An exciting opportunity to join the leadership group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), helping shape how we use our resources to maximise our impact for members and the patients and communities they serve.
As Assistant Director, Head of Finance and Operations, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across finance, facilities, operations and procurement, ensuring the CSP has the insight, capability and infrastructure to deliver its strategy and remain financially and operationally sustainable. This is much more than a traditional finance leadership role. You will be a key strategic partner to the Director of Corporate Services and Infrastructure and the wider Leadership Team, providing constructive challenge, clear financial and operational insight, and practical recommendations to support confident decision-making.
You will lead business partnering across the organisation, ensuring resources are aligned to priorities, opportunities and risks. You will lead financial and operational planning, including budgets, forecasts and management accounts, while maintaining strong controls, compliance and risk management. You will also lead significant organisation-wide projects and programmes of change, including procurement, business continuity, operational resilience and improvements to systems, processes and ways of working.
You will lead a team of around 10 colleagues, creating a culture of trust, empowerment, accountability and continuous improvement, while working across the organisation through matrix leadership. We are looking for a qualified accountant with significant senior-level experience across finance and operations, a track record of transformation and systems improvement, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly. Above all, you will be an inclusive, collaborative leader, motivated by the opportunity to work in a values-led organisation and help the CSP make the greatest possible difference.
Working arrangements
Hybrid working: The CSP operates a hybrid working model, allowing employees to work between their home and the office. While we do not stipulate the number of days in the office, employees can decide, through discussions with their line managers, how, when, and where they work best, balancing the needs of the CSP, the team, and themselves. Employees are still expected to attend the office for in-person meetings when required for their role and the organisation. Homeworking is subject to meeting homeworking assessment requirements, which include a minimum broadband speed of 18Mbps and a dedicated space to work from.
Flexible working: We currently have employees working part-time, job share, compressed hours, adjusted start and finish times, and other non-standard working patterns. We are open to considering alternative arrangements and would welcome discussion with successful candidates about any specific flexibility they may require, subject to organisational needs.
Why work for the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy?
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) is the professional, educational and trade union body for the UK's 67,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and support workers; and one of the largest representative bodies in healthcare. At the CSP, our goal is to create a culture characterised by innovation, respect, encouragement, passion and teamwork. We all strive for continuous improvement and to deliver the best possible outcomes for our members. We aspire to work in a way that embodies our values of learning, courage, inclusivity and integrity. Our shared values are part of our organisational DNA, reflecting the expectations we have of ourselves and others. They guide what we do and how we do it, to have the greatest impact for our members.
We offer an excellent benefits package, including:
- 27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Office closure between 25 December and 01 January
- A generous pension scheme with 12% employer contribution
Closing date: 10am, 1 October 2026. Shortlisting outcome: w/c 5 October 2026. First-round interview date: w/c 12 October 2026.
Equality, Diversity and Belonging
Accessibility and adjustments: To support an equitable and accessible recruitment experience, we actively encourage candidates to let us know if they require any reasonable adjustments during the application or interview stages. Please contact HR, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
Disability Confident Scheme: As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, candidates who declare a disability and meet the six essential criteria we have selected will normally be shortlisted for interview. There may be occasions, such as having a high volume of applications, where it is not possible to interview all Disability Confident candidates who meet the six selected essential criteria for the role. We may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both candidates with and without disabilities. In these circumstances, we will ensure that a proportionate number of disabled candidates are shortlisted for interview.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and belonging: The CSP is committed to equity of opportunity, aiming to provide a working and learning environment free from discrimination. We are taking appropriate steps to create a workforce that reflects the diverse society in which we work and live in. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from candidates under-represented in the CSP’s workforce, including those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, those with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ people. Please note, all candidates will be expected to actively demonstrate their commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Belonging throughout the application and interview stages.
Assistant Director, Head of Finance in London employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
Age UK Bradford District is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of older people within the community. With a flexible and hybrid working environment, a supportive team culture, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees can thrive while building lasting relationships and partnerships that drive community engagement. Join us in creating a positive change and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your work truly matters.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
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