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: Competitive salary, health cash plan, generous holiday, and discounts on childcare and activities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusion and making a difference.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with significant senior financial leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 € per year.
Location: YMCA Fairthorne Group - Curbridge near Botley
Salary: £85,000 to £95,000 per annum
Hours: 40 hours per week
Benefits to you:
- Health Cash Plan (Including Medical/Dental/Online retail discounts)
- 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)
- Celebration Leave
- 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
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
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
Disclosure:
Successful applicant will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via Disclosure and Barring Service.
Equal Opportunity:
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.
Apply Now:
Please apply now for this rewarding position and be part of an amazing charity who continue to support and achieve wonderful things within the community.
Chief Financial Officer employer: YMCA
YMCA Fairthorne Group is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff, offering a comprehensive benefits package including health cash plans, generous holiday allowances, and discounts on childcare and activities. With a strong commitment to community impact and employee growth, the organisation fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture where strategic leaders can thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who know the YMCA Fairthorne Group. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with their mission to empower children and young people. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about our work!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your strategic leadership experience and how you've influenced financial decisions in previous roles. We want to hear about your successes and how you can bring that to the table at YMCA Fairthorne.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the CFO 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 express your genuine enthusiasm for our charity's work and how your strategic thinking can help us grow. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
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 lead us into the future!
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 amazing benefits!
How to prepare for a job interview at YMCA
✨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 YMCA Fairthorne Group and be ready to discuss how you've influenced financial strategy in previous roles.
✨Align with Their Mission
Show genuine enthusiasm for the charity's work. Research their community initiatives and think about how your financial strategies can support their mission of empowering children and young people. This will help you connect on a personal level during the interview.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated financial challenges or led teams through transformation. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, your ability to lead and develop high-performing teams is crucial. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've fostered a positive culture and driven team performance in previous roles.