Interim Head Of Finance

Grafton Banks Finance Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Grafton Banks Finance is partnering with a Kent-based charity to recruit a Head of Finance on a 12-month fixed-term contract. You will lead the finance function, strengthening governance, reporting and strategic financial planning during a period of transition.

The role requires an ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualification and extensive senior-level experience in the charity sector, with a hands-on, development-focused leadership style. Hybrid working is offered.

Qualifications

• Senior-level finance experience within a charity or not-for-profit environment.
• Experience leading teams and driving organisational change.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and reporting capability.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching and development to the finance team.
• Ensure compliance with charity accounting regulations including SORP and fund accounting.
• Lead financial oversight, governance, risk management and controls.
• Review and improve financial systems, reporting and processes for efficiency and transparency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial modelling.
• Support funding applications and grant reporting for sustainability.
• Build relationships with trustees and executive stakeholders, offering financial insight.
• Develop and implement a transformation plan for the finance function.

Skills

Finance leadership

Governance

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic finance

Education

ACA

ACCA

CIMA

Job description

Grafton Banks Finance is delighted to be partnering with a charity based in Kent, in the recruitment of a Head of Finance on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a key leadership appointment, offering the opportunity to make a lasting impact within an organisation. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the successful candidate will provide financial leadership and stability during an important period of transition. Working closely with the executive team, trustees and wider leadership group, you will ensure robust financial governance, improve operational effectiveness and strengthen the finance function for the future.

The Interim Contract:

This role will suit a hands-on and strategically minded finance leader who enjoys driving improvement, developing teams and creating structure within complex organisations. You will be responsible for leading and developing the finance team, improving systems and controls, enhancing reporting processes and providing the financial insight required to support informed decision-making across the charity.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, coaching and development to the finance team, creating a high-performing and accountable finance function.
• Ensure compliance with charity accounting regulations, including Charities SORP, fund accounting and statutory reporting requirements.
• Lead financial oversight, controls, governance and risk management activities across the organisation.
• Review and improve financial systems, processes and reporting to increase efficiency, accuracy and transparency.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial modelling activities.
• Support funding applications, grant reporting and financial sustainability initiatives.
• Build effective relationships with trustees, senior stakeholders and operational teams, providing meaningful financial insight and constructive challenge where required.
• Develop and implement a clear transformation plan that leaves a positive and sustainable legacy within the finance function.

The successful candidate:

We are seeking a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant senior-level finance experience, ideally gained within the charity or not-for-profit sector. You will bring strong technical accounting expertise alongside a proven track record of leading teams, improving performance and delivering organisational change.

Key Skills:

• Strong knowledge of charity accounting, Charities SORP, fund accounting and statutory reporting.
• Experience leading finance transformation, process improvement and systems development projects.
• Excellent financial planning, budgeting and forecasting skills.
• The ability to build credibility and influence at board, trustee and executive level.
• A hands-on, resilient and solutions-focused approach with a commitment to delivering positive outcomes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a values-led organisation where you can make a genuine difference. As Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening financial governance, developing people and helping the charity maximise the impact of its resources and services. Due to the Contract nature of this job opportunity candidates available at short notice will take preference. This is offering hybrid working.

To discuss this opportunity in confidence, please contact Emma Bavin at Grafton Banks Finance.