Head of Finance

A respected UK-based humanitarian organisation is seeking a Head of Finance to lead its finance function at a critical and high-impact time. This is a senior leadership role within a small but influential organisation that plays a central role in coordinating large-scale responses to international humanitarian emergencies.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant to provide strategic financial leadership in a fast-paced, values-driven environment where financial stewardship directly supports life-saving work around the world.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Resources, the Head of Finance will be responsible for overseeing all financial processes, controls, analysis and reporting across the organisation. You will lead a small finance team and ensure the accuracy, integrity and transparency of financial information, while supporting senior leadership, trustees and external stakeholders.

The organisation experiences significant fluctuations in income during emergency appeals, and this role plays a key part in ensuring financial readiness, strong governance and effective allocation of funds. You will oversee budgeting for both core activities and large-scale appeals, manage audits and statutory reporting, and provide clear financial insight to inform strategic decision-making.

This role combines operational oversight with strategic influence and requires someone comfortable working in a dynamic environment with high levels of accountability and public scrutiny.

• Oversee month-end, quarterly and year-end financial reporting and management accounts
• Lead budgeting and forecasting for core activities, appeals and longer-term strategic planning
• Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and audit readiness
• Manage appeal-related financial processes, including income tracking and allocations
• Prepare high-quality financial papers for committees, trustees and senior leadership
• Support donor, regulator and statutory reporting requirements
• Lead, motivate and develop the finance team, setting clear standards and priorities
• Deputise for the Director of Finance & Resources as required

We are seeking an ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant.

You will bring:

• Strong experience in financial leadership, reporting and control in complex organisations
• Sound knowledge of charity accounting standards and regulatory compliance
• Experience managing audits, budgets and financial governance processes
• The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• A collaborative leadership style with experience managing and developing teams
• Resilience and adaptability in fast-moving, high-pressure environments
• A strong sense of integrity, accountability and commitment to mission-driven work
• You will be comfortable balancing operational detail with strategic thinking and motivated by contributing to work that supports communities affected by crisis.