Director of Finance & Corporate Services

Crystal Palace Park Trust; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity is seeking a Director of Finance & Corporate Services to lead financial management and corporate services. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership and charity finance experience, along with a recognised accounting qualification. This pivotal role supports the Trust's ambitious regeneration programs and cultural development, with a salary around £60,000 per annum and flexible working options.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Employer pension contribution

Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in charity finance, SORP, and small group accounts.
• Experience in managing HR, IT, legal, and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strong financial controls, oversee budgeting and accounting.
• Lead on compliance, risk management and secretarial duties.
• Manage HR and corporate services including recruitment and payroll.

Skills

Leadership Skills

Charity Finance Knowledge

Communication Skills

Excel Skills

Accounting Qualification

Education

Recognised Accounting Qualification

Tools

Xero

Job description

Director of Finance & Corporate Services

We are looking for a Director of Finance & Corporate Services to join the senior leadership team at this exciting stage in the charity's journey.

This is a unique opportunity to play a central role in managing one of London's most iconic green spaces and supporting the Trust as it delivers an ambitious programme of regeneration, heritage restoration and community-led cultural development.

Position: Director of Finance & Corporate Services
Location: London SE19 / Hybrid considered
Salary: c. £60,000 per annum (FTE)
Hours: 40 hours per week (inc. 1 hour paid lunch daily). Part-time considered.
Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Monday 6 October 2025, 10am
Interview Date: First round 10 October or w/c 13 October 2025

The Role

As Director of Finance & Corporate Services, you will join the senior leadership team and have overall responsibility for finance, HR, digital, legal, risk and office management. Acting as Company Secretary, you will ensure compliance with Companies House and Charity Commission requirements, while providing robust financial leadership and high-quality advice to trustees, staff and stakeholders.

You will:

• Maintain strong financial controls, oversee budgeting, accounting and reporting.
• Lead on compliance, risk management and company secretarial duties.
• Manage HR and corporate services including recruitment, staff policies, payroll and office management.
• Oversee digital systems and lead special projects such as CRM development and office relocation.
• Line manage finance and administration staff and external suppliers.
• Contribute to the strategic leadership and growth of the Trust.

This is a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth running of the Trust's corporate services, supporting the delivery of regeneration projects and enabling the park to flourish as a cultural, ecological and community landmark.

About You

We are seeking a qualified and experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for working in a charity setting.

You will bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification.
• Experience of charity finance, including SORP, restricted/unrestricted income and small group accounts.
• Experience of managing corporate services (HR, IT, legal, compliance).
• Strong financial systems knowledge (Xero desirable) and advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to advise colleagues and trustees.
• A strong moral compass and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Benefits Include:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service).
• Hybrid and flexible working.
• Employer pension contribution.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Membership of professional networks.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the key criteria and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience.

About the Organisation

This Charity is a young and growing charity established to protect, manage and improve the park for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.

Following 25 years of community campaigning, the Trust took custodianship of the park in 2023 under a 125-year lease. Today, the Trust is leading a programme of investment, restoration and cultural development that will see the park thrive as a green, historic, cultural and recreational landmark.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Finance Director, Director of Resources, Director of Corporate Services, Head of Finance & Operations, Finance & HR Director, Chief Finance Officer, Director of Finance and Resources, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.