At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and support the Club's charitable mission.
- Company: Join an award-winning charity and respected private members' club in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a high-profile leadership role.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of a vital organisation.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior financial leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 88000 £ per year.
Shape the future of an award-winning charity and one of London's most distinctive private members' clubs. The Victory Services Club (VSC) is seeking an exceptional Finance Director to join our Senior Management Team at an exciting point in our development. The Victory Services Club is one of London's most respected private members' clubs and an award-winning charity, proudly supporting serving and retired members of the UK Armed Forces, NATO, the Commonwealth and their families. Located just moments from Marble Arch, the Club combines outstanding hospitality with a strong charitable purpose. Our facilities include 200 well-appointed bedrooms, high-quality dining venues and seven versatile event spaces, generating the income that enables us to provide respite breaks and practical support for members of the Armed Forces community and their families.
Following the forthcoming retirement of our current Finance Director after a successful tenure, we are seeking an outstanding successor to help shape the next chapter of the Club's continued success. With a proud heritage, an outstanding reputation and ambitious plans for the future, this is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in the strategic leadership of our organisation.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer/Club Secretary, the Finance Director is a key member of the Senior Management Team, providing strategic leadership across Finance while also overseeing Human Resources and Fundraising. This is far more than a traditional finance leadership role. As a trusted adviser to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Honorary Treasurer, you will help shape organisational strategy, ensure long-term financial sustainability and support the continued growth and success of both the Club and its charitable mission. As a member of the Senior Management Team, you will help shape organisational culture, contribute to strategic decision-making across the Club and champion collaborative leadership. You will lead the development and delivery of the Club's financial strategy, ensuring robust financial governance, effective risk management and full statutory compliance. You will also drive business planning, budgeting, financial reporting and performance management, while identifying opportunities to enhance efficiency, strengthen commercial performance and support future investment.
Your Priorities in the First 12-24 Months
- Develop and implement a long-term financial strategy aligned with the Club's future ambitions.
- Continue to strengthen financial reporting, management information and business insight.
- Review financial systems, processes and controls to improve efficiency, resilience and decision-making.
- Ensure the Club remains financially sustainable while maximising its charitable impact.
- Contribute to organisational planning and support future growth initiatives.
About You
You are a professionally qualified finance leader with the credibility, commercial acumen and strategic insight to operate confidently at Board level. You are an engaging and collaborative leader who builds trusted relationships, inspires high-performing teams and enjoys working across multiple business functions. Equally comfortable with strategic planning and operational delivery, you combine sound judgement with a proactive approach to continuous improvement. You are commercially curious, pragmatic in your approach and confident in providing constructive challenge when required. As a visible and approachable leader, you demonstrate sound judgement, emotional intelligence and the ability to balance commercial priorities with the Club's charitable purpose. Most importantly, you are motivated by the opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful difference through an organisation whose commercial success directly supports an important charitable purpose.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic financial leadership to support the Club's long-term vision and objectives.
- Lead all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
- Ensure effective financial governance, internal controls and statutory compliance.
- Act as principal financial adviser to the CEO, Board of Trustees and Honorary Treasurer.
- Lead and develop the Finance team while providing strategic oversight of HR and Fundraising.
- Drive commercial performance through insightful financial analysis and robust decision support.
- Identify opportunities to improve systems, processes and operational efficiency.
- Manage relationships with auditors, banks, professional advisers and regulatory bodies.
- Support the ongoing financial sustainability of the organisation.
- Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
What We're Looking For
You will bring:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally within hospitality, membership organisations, charities or similarly complex commercial environments.
- Proven experience of developing financial strategy and leading organisational change.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to balance financial performance with organisational purpose.
- Experience advising Boards, Trustees or senior executive teams.
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- A commitment to high standards of integrity, governance and professional ethics.
- An appreciation of, and commitment to, the Club's charitable mission and support for the Armed Forces community.
Why Join the Victory Services Club?
This is an opportunity to make a genuine strategic impact within a successful organisation that combines commercial excellence with social purpose. In return, we offer:
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
- A high-profile executive leadership role with significant influence.
- The opportunity to help shape the future of an award-winning charity.
- A collaborative and supportive Senior Management Team.
- An iconic central London location, just minutes from Marble Arch.
- The satisfaction of knowing your work directly supports serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families.
Further information on salary and the full range of benefits will be provided as part of the recruitment process.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Victory Services Club is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to creating an environment in which everyone can thrive.
Closing date for applications: 31 August 2026. Details of the selection process, interview dates and anticipated start date will be shared with shortlisted candidates following the closing date.
Finance Director in London employer: Victory Services Club
The Victory Services Club is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategy within a prestigious charity that supports the Armed Forces community. Located in the heart of London, just moments from Marble Arch, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits, all while making a meaningful impact on the lives of serving and retired military personnel and their families. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values integrity, inclusivity, and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Finance Director in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Victory Services Club. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Finance Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Victory Services Club.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Victory Services Club's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Victory Services Club
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Victory Services Club.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Victory Services Club will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Victory Services Club employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.