Finance Director, Charity

Well-Regarded Charity | ACA / ACCA / ACMA qualified | 4 or 5 days considered

Are you a senior-level finance professional looking for a meaningful role where your expertise can have a real impact?

We’re supporting a well-regarded independent charity in Cumbria in their search for a Finance Director. This values-driven organisation is a leading grant maker, working to improve lives across the county by supporting grassroots projects tackling poverty, health inequalities, and social disadvantage.

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you’ll lead on all aspects of finance, governance, and operations. This is a hands-on and strategic role with a wide scope, including:

* Strategic financial leadership:

* Lead on budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning.

* Support business planning and decision-making as a key member of the SLT.

* Day-to-day financial management:

* Oversee all financial operations, ensuring timely and accurate management accounts, cash flow, and statutory reporting.

* Prepare year-end accounts and lead the audit process.

* Manage the payroll and pension schemes.

* Governance and compliance:

* Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with Companies House and the Charity Commission.

* Support Trustee meetings, including preparation of agendas, papers, and minutes.

* Lead on risk management and regulatory compliance (GDPR, data security, etc).

* Team management:

* Line manage two finance/operations staff, ensuring high performance and development.

* Foster a positive, collaborative working culture aligned with the charity’s values.

* Investment and fund management:

* Support the Investment Committee and manage relationships with external investment managers.

* Monitor and report on endowed fund performance, including unitisation.

* Operational leadership:

* Maintain and improve office systems and IT infrastructure.

* Oversee the charity’s CRM and data systems to ensure effective grant tracking and reporting.

* Collaboration and support:

* Provide financial insight and support across the organisation, including grant-making, fundraising, and programme delivery teams.

* Contribute to funding applications and reporting to donors.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

* A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, ACMA or equivalent).

* Experienced in senior finance roles, ideally with knowledge of the charity or not-for-profit sector.

* Commercially astute, detail-oriented, and confident advising senior stakeholders.

* A strong communicator, with the ability to explain finance to non-finance colleagues.

* Collaborative, values-driven, and motivated by the opportunity to support a cause with real impact.

* Comfortable with a hands-on approach in a small, agile leadership team.

What’s on Offer

Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience

Flexible working – 30-37.5 hours per week considered

Hybrid model 60/40 with office base in Cumbria

26 days holiday + 8 bank holidays + 2 extra days at Christmas

Pension scheme with up to 7.5% employer contribution

Health Care Assistance Plan with added employee benefits

A supportive, inclusive culture with a commitment to personal development

Closing date 6th February 2026