Global Head of Finance

Afid; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Afid is seeking a fully qualified accountant to lead international finance operations on a 12‑month fixed-term contract. The Global Head of Finance will provide strategic financial leadership, partner with senior stakeholders and support a growing consultancy serving purpose-driven organisations.

The role combines high-level financial governance with hands-on accounting, team development and client relationship management, with a predominantly remote working model and UK as the preferred

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with at least 5–6 years’ experience in senior finance roles.
• Strong technical accounting skills in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, reporting and audits.
• Experience in charities, NGOs, international development or multi-entity organisations is highly desirable.
• Strong business partnering and client relationship skills; able to advise senior stakeholders while hands-on with financial work.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams across international locations.
• Proficiency with accounting systems such as QuickBooks or Xero; interest in automation and AI.
• Warm, personable communicator who builds trust and supports clients.
• Proactive, adaptable with strong organisation and judgement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to a portfolio of clients and senior stakeholders.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management and analysis.
• Oversee management accounts, monthly/annual processes, reporting, audits and controls.
• Manage and develop a small international bookkeeping team and ensure timely reporting.
• Identify improvements to systems, processes and reporting, including automation and AI.
• Collaborate with colleagues to balance client requirements and deliver high-quality financial support.
• Support client relationships and discuss financial needs and opportunities for further support.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Business partnering

Client relationship management

People development

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

QuickBooks

Xero

Power BI

Job description

An exciting opportunity for a qualified accountant to lead international finance operations, advise purpose-driven organisations and support a growing consultancy on a 12-month contract.

Our partner is an ambitious, growing consultancy working with a range of purpose-driven organisations. They are seeking a Global Head of Finance to join their small, collaborative team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role offers considerable variety, balancing strategic financial leadership with hands-on financial management, team development and client relationship management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership and advice to a portfolio of clients, building trusted relationships with senior management, Boards and other stakeholders.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, cash-flow management and financial analysis, providing meaningful insights to support decision-making.
• Oversee management accounts, month-end and year-end processes, statutory reporting, audits, financial controls and grant or donor reporting where relevant.
• Manage and support a small international bookkeeping team, reviewing their work, resolving technical queries and ensuring accurate, timely financial reporting.
• Identify and implement improvements to financial systems, processes and reporting, including exploring opportunities to use automation, Power BI and AI to improve efficiency.
• Work closely with colleagues across the consultancy to manage client requirements, balance competing priorities and deliver high-quality financial support.
• Support new and existing client relationships, contributing to discussions around financial needs, potential assignments and opportunities for further support.

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with at least 5–6 years’ experience in senior finance roles.
• Strong technical accounting skills, with experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, controls and audit.
• Experience within charities, NGOs, international development or complex, multi-entity organisations would be highly desirable.
• Strong business partnering and client relationship skills, with the confidence to advise senior stakeholders while remaining comfortable with hands-on financial work.
• Experience managing and developing finance teams, ideally across international locations.
• Good knowledge of accounting systems such as QuickBooks, Xero or similar, with an interest in technology, automation and AI. Experience implementing improvements to financial processes or reporting would be particularly welcome.
• A warm, personable and approachable communicator who listens well, builds trust naturally and helps clients feel supported and confident.
• A proactive, practical and adaptable approach, with strong organisational skills, sound judgement and the ability to take ownership and find solutions.

The organisation operates a flexible, predominantly remote working model, with the UK as the preferred location, although candidates based internationally may also be considered. This is a 12 month fixed-term contract.