Head of Finance

The Nelson Trust; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An award-winning charity in the UK seeks a strategic Head of Finance to lead the finance team and ensure robust financial management. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with extensive experience, particularly in the charity sector. Responsibilities include overseeing financial operations and providing strategic insights to the leadership team. This role offers a competitive salary and flexible working arrangements.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Flexible working arrangements

Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions

Employee wellbeing support

Opportunities for professional development

Qualifications

• Significant post-qualification experience in finance roles.
• Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector preferred.
• Proven track record in senior finance roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the finance team.
• Oversee all financial operations.
• Provide strategic financial advice to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Reporting

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Thinking

Excellent Communication

Microsoft Excel

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Financial systems

Job description

Are you an accomplished finance professional seeking your next challenge? Do you want to play a pivotal role in a values-driven organisation? If so, this Head of Finance position could be the perfect fit for you!

The Nelson Trust is an award winning charity supporting those facing multiple disadvantages committed to driving positive change. We are looking for a strategic and hands on Head of Finance to lead our finance team and provide a comprehensive financial management and accounting service for all aspects of the Trust.

What’s on offer?

• Competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement plus bank holidays
• Flexible working arrangements to support your work-life balance
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contributions
• Employee wellbeing support and opportunities for professional development
• A collaborative, supportive culture where your ideas are valued

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement
• Oversee all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Provide strategic financial advice to the senior leadership team and Board of Trustees
• Ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements
• Manage relationships with auditors, banks, and external partners
• Drive process improvements and support key organisational projects

What we’re looking for:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post‑qualification experience
• Proven track record in a senior finance role, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach and keen attention to detail
• Confident user of financial systems and Microsoft Excel

How to apply

If you are passionate about making a difference and have the skills and experience we are looking for, we would love to hear from you!

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) as it involves access to vulnerable adults and/or children and successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced level Disclosure & Barring Service Check.

We have become known for the quality of our work and ability to provide bespoke care and support services. While we are proud of our achievements so far, we are ambitious and want to continue to grow and diversify our workforce.

We recognise that employees from different backgrounds bring unique knowledge, perspectives, and experiences, and we are committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce and welcome applications from individuals across all sectors of society.

This position may close early if a large volume of applications is received.