Head of Finance - The Youth Trust

Isle of Wight Youth Trust; Newport; On-site; GBP 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A local charity in Newport seeks a Head of Finance to manage all financial function operations. This role includes responsibility for strategic financial management, operational accountability, and leading a small finance team. Candidates should have extensive experience in financial reporting and a specific background in fundraising or purpose-driven sectors. This fixed-term position offers a competitive salary of £51,585 FTE, with flexibility in hours.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial reporting and operations.
• Experience in a fundraising charity or purpose-driven organization.
• Proven ability to manage financial operations effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of the financial strategy and implementation plan.
• Ensure financial transactions and accountancy matters are handled to a high standard.
• Provide clear financial information to support strategic decision-making.

Skills

Financial reporting

Operational management

Leadership

Collaboration

Education

Qualified accountant

Job description

Head of Finance

Isle of Wight Youth Trust is an independent local charity, working in our local community for over 40 years, delivering confidential, professional counselling, therapeutic and wellbeing services for children and young people. If you want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people, we want to hear from you.

Purpose:Working within the Operations Team (CEO office), have responsibility for the delivery of a financial strategy and implementation plan that provides leadership for financial sustainability and effective operational delivery of the finance function. The postholder will also have line management responsibility for the Finance Controller, and all aspects of operational financial management and accountancy functions, ensuring day-to-day operations and reporting are completed to a high standard in line with financial procedures and in a timely manner. This includes overall responsibility for control of all financial transactions and accountancy matters, including audit systems, ensuring that the regulatory requirements of all statutory bodies are met.

Experience:We are seeking to appoint a highly experienced, qualified and senior accountant, with broad experience in financial reporting and operations, ideally gained within a fundraising charity or purpose-driven organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for a well-rounded, experienced finance professional to shape financial practices and maximise resources, to directly support life-changing mental health services. Robust financial management is vital to delivering our mission to improve mental health and wellbeing. The Head of Finance will play a central role in ensuring our financial and operational resources are managed effectively, while nurturing a culture of transparency, accountability, and financial stewardship. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Head of Finance will lead on all financial matters; providing clear, timely, and insightful financial information to support strategic decision-making and the sustainable growth of the Charity. You will bring proven experience in running financial operations, with the confidence to work collaboratively, and lead a small finance team. We are looking for someone who will thrive in a collaborative environment and contribute positively to the culture of our organisation.

How to apply: If you want to join our dedicated team, please visit our recruitment portal to view the full job description and person specification and apply, submitting both your CV and a full covering letter. You must outline how you meet the requirements of the post against the person specification in your covering letter. Applications not made via the Youth Trust recruitment portal, or incorrectly/incompletely submitted will not be considered. If you have any issues with uploading your documents please contact [e-mail]

Contract type:Fixed Term – initially until 31/3/26, with hope this may continue, if funding is achieved

Hours:15-22.5 hours (2-3 days) to be negotiated

Salary:£51,585 FTE (pro-rated)

Applications close: Friday 15th August 2025 at 12pm

Interview dates:Tuesday 26th/Thursday 28th August 2025