At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage finance functions to support animal welfare initiatives.
- Company: Join Mayhew, a compassionate charity dedicated to animal care.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, competitive salary, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Play a key role in financial stewardship for a meaningful cause.
- Qualifications: Experience in charity finance and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Contract length: Permanent
Location: Hybrid
Hours per week: 35
Salary: ÂŁ55-60K pa depending on experience and knowledge
Closing date for applications: Sunday 22nd February 2026, we reserve the right to end the vacancy before the closing date; interested candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
First interview: First interviews will be held over Microsoft Teams.
Second interview: Candidates successful at first interview will be invited to visit Mayhew and to have a second interview in person.
We are looking for our next Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller, someone who shares our compassion for animal welfare and wants to play a central role in stewarding Mayhew’s financial resources for the greatest impact. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will work closely with senior colleagues across Mayhew—including members of the Senior Management Team—to support strong financial direction, responsible stewardship, and effective, mission‑driven decision‑making across the charity. This is a highly visible and hands‑on leadership role.
You will lead Mayhew’s day‑to‑day finance function, ensuring strong financial controls, good practice financial management, and timely, accessible financial reporting for colleagues, trustees and partners. You will be responsible for all aspects of financial planning, management accounting, statutory reporting and SORP compliance, as well as supporting operational teams with practical financial insight and advice. You will also help develop and strengthen financial systems and processes, recognising that—as a mid‑sized charity with evolving needs—Mayhew continues to refine its structures to best support our work. You will lead and support a small finance team, modelling an open, collaborative and hands‑on working style.
Our London site—our historic rescue and rehoming centre—is at the heart of our UK operations. You will collaborate with colleagues across operations, veterinary services, fundraising, people and engagement to ensure financial clarity underpins good decision‑making as we continue to care for dogs and cats in need.
In this role, you will:
- Lead, direct and deliver all aspects of Mayhew’s finance function, ensuring strong, proportionate controls and high‑quality financial information.
- Engage, influence and collaborate with senior colleagues and trustees to support the effective delivery of our strategic and operational goals.
- Provide clear financial guidance to non‑finance colleagues and act as a supportive, trusted partner across the organisation.
- Lead and support a small finance team, encouraging a positive, collaborative and hands‑on culture.
- Strengthen and improve finance systems and processes to increase efficiency, consistency and compliance.
To be successful in this role, you will bring:
- Strong charity finance experience, including Charity SORP (FRS 102), fund accounting, statutory reporting, financial planning, budgeting, and knowledge of VAT and Gift Aid.
- Hands‑on experience of month‑end accounting, financial controls, cashflow management, and management accounts preparation.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to translate financial information clearly for non‑finance colleagues and trustees.
- A collaborative, supportive and pragmatic working style, with confidence to improve processes and work flexibly within a smaller organisation.
- Experience leading and developing a small team through open, positive and supportive management.
Please note that successful candidates will be asked to evidence their Right to Work in the UK post‑job offer – we do not hold a sponsor licence therefore we are unable to provide Visa sponsorship.
Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller employer: Totalwellnessacupuncture
Contact Detail:
Totalwellnessacupuncture Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research Mayhew's mission and values, especially their focus on animal welfare. This will help you connect your experience with their goals during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to finance management and charity work. We can even help you with mock interviews to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your soft skills! As a Finance Manager, you'll need to communicate complex financial info clearly. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with non-finance colleagues.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining the Mayhew team.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Manager / Senior Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Finance Manager/Senior Financial Controller role. Highlight your charity finance experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Mayhew!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for animal welfare and explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your financial expertise and collaborative spirit.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since you'll be translating financial info for non-finance colleagues, it’s crucial to showcase your communication skills in your application. Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon to demonstrate your ability to engage with diverse teams.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the closing date to apply! We encourage you to submit your application as early as possible through our website. This way, you’ll have a better chance of being considered before we close the vacancy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Totalwellnessacupuncture
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Finance Manager or Senior Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial expertise. Brush up on key financial concepts, especially those related to charity finance like SORP compliance and fund accounting. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles.
✨Show Your Passion for Animal Welfare
Mayhew is all about animal welfare, so make sure to express your genuine interest in their mission. Share any relevant experiences or volunteer work that showcases your commitment to animal care, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and financial acumen. Think of examples where you’ve had to provide financial guidance to non-finance colleagues or improve financial processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Engage with the Team Spirit
Since you'll be leading a small finance team, highlight your collaborative approach. Prepare to discuss how you foster a positive team culture and support your colleagues. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference in team dynamics or project outcomes.