Chief Finance Officer

NFP People on behalf of Rethink Mental Illness; London; Hybrid; GBP 85,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness seeks a Chief Finance Officer to oversee strategic financial management and enhance organizational financial functions. This role offers a chance to make a significant impact in a charitable environment supporting mental health initiatives. Ideal candidates will hold a relevant accounting qualification and have experience in charity finance, contributing to decision-making and sustainable growth.

Benefits

Employer funded pension

Flexible working

Life assurance

Eye care vouchers

Training opportunities

25 days annual leave, rising to 30 plus Bank Holidays

Rewards, benefits and recognition platform

Employee assistance programme

Your birthday off

Qualifications

• Passionate about financial stewardship with substantial leadership experience in charity finance.
• Proven success in budgeting and managing audits.
• Experience leading finance teams and supporting income diversification.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic financial functions and operational excellence.
• Ensure robust financial stewardship and data-driven decision-making.
• Shape the organisation’s financial strategy alongside the executive team.

Skills

Strategic financial planning

Risk management

Financial reporting

Regulatory compliance

Income diversification

Team leadership

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Job description

Chief Finance Officer

We are looking for a Chief Finance Officer to lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the organisation’s financial functions.

Rethink Mental Illness is a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. Every year, we support thousands of people through our network of groups, services and helplines. Our vision is for equality, fair treatment and maximum quality of life for everyone affected by mental illness. Help us reach that goal by applying today.

If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference through strong financial stewardship, then we want to hear from you!

Position: Chief Finance Officer

Location: London/Hybrid

Hours: Full time, flexible working available

Salary: £85,453 to £102,956 based on experience

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 5pm, 4 August 2025

Interviews: Interviews will be held in two stages: the first stage with our Executive Team and second stage with the Chief Executive and representatives from our Board of Trustees. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 1 and 8 September 2025.

Candidates may be asked to complete psychometric assessments as part of the recruitment process.

The Role

As the Chief Finance Officer, you will lead the strategic direction and operational excellence of the organisation’s financial functions, with overarching responsibility for financial control, reporting, planning and analysis, and finance operations. You will ensure robust financial stewardship, support data-driven decision-making, and enable long-term sustainability and growth through strong financial leadership and insight.

This role is a key member of that team, working alongside the Deputy Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, Chief People Officer, and Chief Business Improvement and Technology Officer. Together, you will shape the organisation’s strategy, culture, and delivery.

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead the effective management of our finances whilst helping to grow the important work of the organisation and to be part of a collaborative leadership team, then we would love to hear from you.

About You

You will be passionate about making a meaningful difference through strong financial stewardship and have substantial senior finance leadership experience, ideally within a charitable, social care, health, or values-led organisation.

You will have/be:

• Qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) with a strong understanding of charity finance and Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.
• Proven success in strategic financial planning, budgeting, and risk management in a complex, multi-stakeholder setting.
• Demonstrated ability to manage audits, lead financial reporting, and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Experience supporting income diversification, including contract-based services, fundraising, and trading subsidiaries.
• Strong track record of building and leading high-performing finance teams, including business partnering and cross-functional collaboration.

About the Organisation

Work for an organisation that research shows is one of the most trusted major voluntary sector brands. In a rapidly changing world, the charity brings together delivery of care and support services, policy influencing, and campaigning – with people living with mental illness at the heart of what they do. The charity supports tens of thousands of people every year to get through crises, live independently and feel that they do not have to face mental illness alone. For over 50 years, the charity has campaigned for the rights of people severely affected by mental illness whilst working tirelessly to ensure that the people they support have a voice at all levels of the mental health system.

Benefits include:

• Employer funded pension
• Flexible working
• Life assurance
• Eye care vouchers
• Training opportunities
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 30 plus Bank Holidays
• Rewards, benefits and recognition platform
• Employee assistance programme
• Your birthday off
• Plus many more great benefits…

“It feels very rewarding to be part of such a meaningful organisation where everyone is valued and has the opportunity to make a difference” Current staff member

We actively encourage and welcome applications from everyone, including applicants with lived experience, those who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer (or questioning), Intersex and (asexual) (LGBTQIA+), people with a disability, and people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

You may also have experience in areas such as CFO, Head of Finance, Director of Finance, Head of Finance and Operations, Chief Finance Officer, Deputy CFO, Deputy Head of Finance, Deputy Director of Finance, Deputy Head of Finance and Operations, Deputy Chief Finance Officer