Head of Finance

About The Company:

Our client is a well-established organisation operating within the education and not for profit sector, delivering a wide range of services to support its members and wider community. With a strong focus on sustainability, governance, and long-term impact, the organisation plays a key role in enhancing the experience and outcomes of those it serves.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead and develop the organisation’s finance function. Reporting to and being an integral part of the leadership team, this role will take responsibility for both the strategic direction and day to day management of finance.

The successful candidate will ensure robust financial controls, deliver accurate and insightful reporting, and play a key role in shaping financial strategy to support long term sustainability and growth. This is a senior leadership role with significant exposure to key stakeholders and involvement in strategic decision making.

Key Responsibilities:

• Financial Leadership – Lead the finance function, ensuring strong governance, effective controls, and a high performing team.


• Financial Reporting – Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and statutory financial statements.


• Budgeting & Forecasting – Lead the annual budgeting process and provide ongoing financial planning and analysis.


• Statutory & Compliance – Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements including financial reporting standards, VAT, PAYE, and charity regulations.


• Audit & Risk – Act as the key liaison for external audit, manage the audit process, and oversee financial risk management frameworks.


• Cashflow & Resources – Monitor financial performance, cashflow, and reserves to ensure long term financial sustainability.


• Stakeholder Engagement – Partner with senior leadership, trustees, and external stakeholders to provide financial insight and support decision making.


• Strategy – Contribute to the organisation’s strategic planning, including development and delivery of the finance strategy.

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)


• Significant experience in a senior finance leadership role


• Experience within not for profit, charity, or education sectors (highly desirable)


• Strong understanding of financial governance, compliance, and statutory reporting


• Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate finance teams


• Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and communication skills


• Ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders and non-finance colleagues

• Competitive salary dependent on experience


• Opportunity to lead and shape the finance function within a values driven organisation


• Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision making


• Strong organisational focus on development, governance, and long-term impact

If this role isn’t quite right for you, please don’t hesitate to register with us so that we can arrange a consultation and help you find your next career move.

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.

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