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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and ensure long-term sustainability for a community-focused charity.
- Company: YMCA Fairthorne Group, empowering children and young people across Hampshire and Isle of Wight.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, life insurance, and discounts on childcare and camps.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while shaping financial strategies for growth.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant senior financial leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Employer pension contribution
25 days holiday FTE, increasing with length of service up to a maximum of 30 days
Option to purchase additional annual leave (up to 10 days per annum)
Life Insurance
Employee Assistance Program with Health Assured
Refer a friend scheme
50% discount on nursery fees
Day camps discounts: 1 week free and 1 week at 50% per child per annum
Campsite and activities discounts at YMCA Fairthorne Manor
Cycle to work scheme
Charity Introduction
YMCA Fairthorne Group’s charitable vision is for Children and Young people to be empowered to realise their potential. As a community-based charity working across Hampshire and Isle of Wight we achieve our vision by partnering with communities so that all children, young people, and families can Belong, Contribute and Thrive. We operate 6 high quality Early Years settings, where all children who attend our settings have the very best start in life due to our exciting curriculum, engaged staff and inclusive practices. We support young people between the ages of 18 and 30 who are at risk of homelessness, allowing them to realise their true potential from foundations set in our supported housing and youthwork. In addition, we also provide much needed community facilities, including an outdoor education centre in the wider Southampton area.
Job Purpose
The Chief Financial Officer is a key strategic partner to the CEO and a central member of the Executive Leadership Team, helping to ensure the Group’s long-term financial sustainability, resilience and growth. This sits across five key priorities:
- Growth and income diversification
- Transformation
- Digitisation
- Systems change
- Leadership and people management
The CFO will support these priorities and shape organisational strategy through clear financial insight, sound risk management, and strong governance and assurance. The role carries executive responsibility for finance, IT, facilities, governance, risk, data protection and organisational assurance.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategic leadership
- Financial strategy, planning and performance
- Governance, legal, risk and assurance
- Financial control, reporting and compliance
- Leadership, people and culture
Qualifications and Experience
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
- Significant senior financial leadership experience, ideally across multi-site operations (Early Years/Youth Services/Housing/Charity or not-for-profit)
- Proven executive-level experience influencing strategy and Board decision-making
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, balancing mission with sustainability
Personal Attributes
- Genuine enthusiasm for the charity’s work
- Strategic thinker with confidence to provide constructive challenge
- Excellent communicator, able to translate complex financial information clearly
- Calm, resilient and agile, thriving in a fast-paced environment
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing high-performing teams
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service. We are an equal opportunities charity with commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion in the workplace. A copy of this policy will be made available on request.
Chief Financial Officer in Southampton employer: YMCA Fairthorne Group
Contact Detail:
YMCA Fairthorne Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who know about financial roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's mission and values. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with our vision of empowering children and young people. We love candidates who are passionate about our cause!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss how your experience in financial leadership can drive growth and sustainability for our charity. We want to hear how you can make a real impact!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Chief Financial Officer role. Highlight your financial leadership experience and any relevant qualifications, like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about our charity's work and how your strategic thinking can help us achieve our goals. Keep it engaging and personal – we love to see your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a CFO, strong leadership is key. In your application, share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and influenced strategy at an executive level. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive change within our organisation.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA Fairthorne Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Financial Officer, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the charity sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these to drive growth and sustainability in previous roles.
✨Align with the Mission
Show genuine enthusiasm for the charity’s work. Research YMCA Fairthorne Group’s initiatives and think about how your financial strategies can support their mission of empowering children and young people. This alignment will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Strategic Questions
Expect questions around strategic leadership and governance. Prepare examples from your past experience where you’ve influenced strategy or made significant decisions that impacted organisational growth. Use the STAR method to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Highlight your experience in developing high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you’ve fostered a positive culture in previous roles. This is crucial for a position that involves managing finance, IT, and governance.