FEATURED JOB | Director of Finance & Operations

Handle Recruitment; London; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK charity is seeking an experienced Director of Finance to oversee financial management and HR operations on a part-time basis in their London office. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of senior finance experience, hold a recognised accounting qualification, and possess excellent communication skills to support decision-making at the executive level. Benefits include 28 days annual leave and private health insurance.

Benefits

28 days annual leave

Private health insurance

Pension contributions at 15%

Bicycle scheme

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in senior finance and operational roles.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and compliance.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to engage with trustees.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of financial management including budgeting.
• Provide strategic financial advice to CEO and Board.
• Ensure HR policies are compliant and up-to-date.

Skills

Financial management

Strategic financial insight

HR management

Compliance with charity governance

Interpersonal communication

Education

Recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced Director of Finance to join On the Edge on a part time basis (3 days a week in their London office).

A UK charity, that leverages science and creativity, across film, television, music, events, and more to bring audiences closer to the wonder, fun, and beauty of the natural world.

Role Overview

We are looking for a values-driven, detail-oriented, strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative environment. This role is suited to a calm, pragmatic professional who leads by example, setting high standards for themselves and others. The successful candidate will need to be a natural team-player with excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Finance: Oversee all aspects of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, management accounts, statutory reporting, and audit (with support from an outsourced provider)

• Provide strategic financial insight and advice to the CEO and Board of Trustees to support informed decision-making.

• Ensure robust financial controls and processes are in place

• Oversee the preparation and monitoring of project budgets, funding reports, and grant compliance.

• HR: Oversee all HR-related matters, including recruitment, on/offboarding, contracts, performance management, staff wellbeing, and organisational culture.

• Ensure HR policies are up-to-date, legally compliant, and aligned with our values and strategic goals.

• Support a positive and inclusive workplace culture where staff feel valued and supported

• Operations: Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with all Companies House and Charity Commission requirements.

• Maintain and develop internal policies and procedures to support good governance, legal compliance, and effective operational delivery.

• Oversee office management for the London premises, including facilities, health & safety, and IT infrastructure.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in senior finance and operational roles, ideally within the charity or creative sectors (minimum of 10 years)

• A recognised accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent professional experience

• A strong understanding of charity governance, company secretariat duties, and legal/regulatory compliance in the UK.

• Deep knowledge of HR best practice and fostering positive organisational culture

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with trustees, team members and external partners and suppliers

• A proactive, solutions-focused mindset and a genuine commitment to our mission

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave (pro-rata for part-time employees) + Bank holidays

• Private health insurance

• Pension contributions at 15%

• Bicycle scheme

• 3 days in the office which is based in South Kensington

Handle actively welcomes applicants from under-represented backgrounds - we pride ourselves on attracting the best talent for every opportunity through a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.