Chief financial officer jobs

The Administrators wish to appoint a Secretary and Chief Executive Officer to assist them in the management of the Fund’s affairs and the strategic development and operational oversight of its two Cemeteries.

This is a part-time position (three days per week, with flexible hours to be agreed) offering a salary of £30,000 - £36,000 per annum (£50,000-£60,000 pro rata). The role is well-suited to remote working, with regular visits to the cemeteries required.

Closing Date: 28 April 2025

About the Secular Clergy Common Fund

The Fund was established around 1701 and is a charity providing grants to support sick and retired Catholic priests in the South-East of England, who are the members of the Fund. The Fund also looks after two Victorian Catholic cemeteries in London. The six Administrators of the Fund are elected by the members and act as Trustees of the charity.

Key Responsibilities

1. To provide leadership for and line management of the Fund and its cemeteries, in line with strategies and policies developed in partnership with the Administrators.

2. Together with the Chief Administrator, to enable the Administrators to fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity and to ensure that they receive timely advice and appropriate information on all relevant matters.

3. To administer the grant making and membership activities of the Secular Clergy Common fund, in line with the rules of the Fund and in the light of the decisions of the Administrators.

Key Tasks

1. Governance

· To act as the clerk and executive officer for the Administrators of the Fund.

o To clerk meetings of the Administrators (3 or 4 per year).

o Liaison with Auditors, Investment Managers, Bankers, Solicitors, Health and Safety Adviser, Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, and others as directed or agreed with the Administrators.

o To report significant matters in a timely manner to the Chief Administrator.

· To assist the Administrators in review of their operational and strategic risks and the implementation and monitoring of measures arising from this.

· To advise the Administrators on the strategic development of the charity.

· To ensure that the charity fulfils all its legal, statutory and regulatory responsibilities

o To periodically review the charity’s arrangements for Employment, GDPR and Health and Safety other significant areas and present recommendations to the Administrators to bring them up to date.

2. Secular Clergy Common Fund (‘The Fund’)

· To maintain records of members, including correspondence for admission of new members and receipt of subscriptions.

· To liaise with the Administrators for the making of grants.

· To make payments of grants and other dues on behalf of the Fund.

· To receive donations and legacies on behalf of the Administrators.

· To maintain financial records for the Fund

o Including of investment portfolio transactions as advised by Investment Managers (HSBC Private Bank).

· To arrange the AGM and dinner.

3. St Mary’s & St Patrick’s Cemeteries

· To act as line manager for the two cemeteries and work closely with the Cemetery Manager.

· To assist the Administrators in developing a medium- to long-term strategy for the cemeteries.

· To manage the strategic development of the cemeteries as financially sustainable ‘places of rest and hope, comfort to the living, signs of their hope for unending life’.

· To assist the Cemetery Manager in development of action plans for the cemeteries, agree them with the Administrators and support their implementation.

· To ensure that all policies and procedures for the cemeteries are up to date and compliant with all relevant areas of legislation and regulation, and reflective of good practice, reviewing and developing them as appropriate and agreeing key policies with the Administrators.

· To assist with accounting and finance for the cemeteries, possibly including accounting, payments and payroll.

· To address issues concerning the cemeteries which the Cemetery Manager has been unable to resolve.

Person Specification.

The post-holder should be able to:

Work well with key stakeholders: catholic clergy and members of the public

Support the aims ethos of the charity

Advise on strategic development

Understand, develop and implement systems for regulatory compliance

Manage employees

Confidently use IT for communication and data management (Microsoft 365)

Effectively instruct and make use of professional services (accountants, surveyors etc)

Manage basic accounting processes with Xero

A successful candidate is likely to hold a good degree or equivalent professional experience.

Operational Leadership:

• Provide strategic leadership to the Senior Management Team's and it’s operational functions, ensuring efficient and high-quality service delivery.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices to enhance productivity and ensure compliance.
• Continuously streamline processes and workflows to improve operational performance.
• Deputise for the CEO when required, representing the organisation at events, meetings, and in day-to-day operations.

Strategic Planning and Execution:

• Collaborate with the CEO and support, manage and develop the senior management to shape and execute the charity’s strategic plan.
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable initiatives, ensuring effective implementation and tracking progress.
• Identify opportunities for growth, cost optimisation, and improved service delivery.

Board of Trustees Liaison:

• Provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees on operational performance, strategic initiatives, and financial matters.
• Work closely with the CEO to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Board's expectations.
• Attend Board meetings and provide insights on operational challenges, opportunities, and key achievements.

Financial Management:

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring the efficient use of resources.
• Monitor financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and taking corrective actions as necessary.
• Drive cost-efficiency initiatives while maintaining a focus on quality and service outcomes.

People Management and Development:

• Line manage and develop the SMT (nine managers)
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish performance goals and metrics for staff, offering regular feedback and development support.
• Promote an inclusive, diverse work environment that values employee engagement and professional growth.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and retention strategies.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Develop and implement strategies to identify, assess, and mitigate operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards, maintaining the highest ethical standards.
• Implement internal controls and governance practices to safeguard the charity’s reputation and assets.

Birmingham Cathedral is a beautiful building with a wonderful community of worshippers, volunteers and staff. We are inspired by a strong sense of social justice, a passion for supporting those who are marginalised within the city and a commitment to celebrating all that is wonderful in our diverse city and diocese. We strive for our Cathedral to be fully representative of the richly diverse communities we serve, and have an unwavering desire to share God’s love, and the good news of Jesus Christ in a spirit of service.

Birmingham Cathedral demonstrates daily its attraction as a house of prayer to the people of the city and its international visitors. Alongside daily worship, enriched by the Anglican choral tradition, the Cathedral hosts diocesan, regional and national events and is responsive to immediate community needs for celebration and lament. With growing confidence and newly refurbished Burne-Jones windows, the Cathedral has a clear vision and strategy. The Cathedral’s strategic plan focusses on three priorities: Pray, Serve and Grow and gives Birmingham Cathedral a clear sense of purpose and direction.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is the senior lay officer in the Cathedral and has the responsibility for managing the business functions of the Cathedral and monitoring operational performance.

As COO. you will be pivotal to the delivery of the Cathedral’s vision and strategy and the development of business and operational plans to ensure delivery of the Cathedral’s strategic outcomes. You will work with the Dean and the Senior Management Team to develop and implement strategy and policy, ensuring good governance, the effective and professional administration of the Cathedral in compliance with all policies and procedures and relevant statutory legislation.

The Cathedral Chapter (our Trustee Board) is looking for a collaborative colleague who will enhance the Cathedral’s caring culture, working closely with the staff team, volunteers and the wider cathedral community. Chapter’s strategic priorities include working towards financial sustainability; reviewing the operating model of the Cathedral and managing change; working towards environmental sustainability; creating partnerships to support the Cathedral’s work with the vulnerable and marginalised and ensuring effective safeguarding.

This is an opportunity to take on a new leadership position in a unique educational charity. As part of our succession planning, Number Champions is recruiting a CEO to take on all management of the charity and to help the board define and deliver its strategy. This will be our most senior staff position.

Background - Number Champions

We train volunteers to use games and other creative activities in primary schools in one-to-one sessions with children to help them gain confidence and skills in maths. This support helps put children on track to achieve their full potential in a world where numeracy is a vital building block. Over half the children we support are from disadvantaged backgrounds, which is where the need is greatest.

Founded in 2018, we have already helped over 1,500 children. We now have 115 volunteers running weekly sessions. This year they are helping 334 children in 38 partner schools across London, and we plan to continue to grow organically every year to support more children.

Our vision is not just that we grow in scale, but that through our example other organisations copy our model, and that eventually all primary school children will have access to volunteer support in maths.

CEO role

The CEO will be a new permanent role, reporting to our founder Chair and to the board of trustees. You will take on all aspects of managing our award-winning charity and drive the board process of setting and delivering strategy. This will include financial management of the charity and involvement in fundraising. This is in the context of our succession plan, whereby our Chair will hand over the executive responsibilities which he currently exercises on a pro bono basis. This is to allow us to recruit a new Chair within two years.

You will line manage the Head of Operations - our current senior employee, who manages our other two staff. The role will be part time for the equivalent of 3 days a week.

Location

You will work mainly remotely, although you will be expected to attend periodic meetings in London. We therefore require candidates to live within commuting distance of Central London, giving maximum flexibility for both the employee and the charity.

Person specification

Candidates must be able to show previous success as a member of the Senior Leadership Team of a charity. You should be a collaborative worker able to build productive working relationships with people throughout the charity and beyond. As continuing our growth is a strategic goal, we need you to have experience in marketing.

We have a high-performing staff team, and a key requirement is that you are able to continue to develop the team. You therefore need the interpersonal skills to keep the existing staff motivated, productive, and appreciated. You will also require the confidence to implement changes you identify as important. As you will take over all the executive responsibilities of the charity’s founder Chair, you will also need the sensitivity to navigate any resultant issues.

The full role and person specification is attached to this advertisement.

If you believe you are a good candidate but you do not meet the exact requirements we have set, please do apply explaining why you are well qualified.

Potential

There is huge potential for you to develop the charity to support many more children while maintaining or improving quality of delivery. You will also have the opportunity to identify and achieve additional strategic goals.

In parallel, you will be able to progress your own career in an organisation with a positive culture, whose trustees, staff, and volunteers are passionate about improving children’s educational and life chances.

We hope that you will be motivated to apply to our role.

Overview of the International Chief Projects Officer

The International Chief Projects Officer (ICPO) will lead and oversee the Projects Department, and reports to the International Chief Executive Officer.

The ICPO will drive the strategic development, implementation and evaluation of Barnabas’ projects around the world. The ICPO will work closely with the International CEO, senior leadership team, and local project partners to identify opportunities, ensure effective and efficient resource allocation, and deliver impactful results that align with Barnabas’ mission to support persecuted and suffering Christians.

The ICPO will ensure that Barnabas’ projects are strategically aligned with the organisation’s goals, operationally effective, and financially sustainable, while maintaining the highest standards of accountability and impact measurement.

We are looking to recruit a CEO (Director) to support us in an exciting period of growth. Over the next 5 years, we will double our reach and impact. The CEO (Director) will lead us through this transformative period. 

Since 2011 Disability Africa has developed a model using playschemes as hubs to deliver essential lifesaving services to extremely vulnerable disabled children and to end their exclusion in low-income African communities. Using this model, we have worked with project partners in Kenya, The Gambia, Sierra Leone and Zambia. 680 disabled children have now attended our projects more than 90,000 times since 2011. Now the charity is planning to grow and expand with our 5-year plan (‘DA2029’) to replicate the Disability Africa Model to reach more disabled children across Africa.

By 2029 we will: 
• Start work with at least 4 new partners in Africa (as well as expected growth at our existing projects). 
• Deliver 160,000 attendances by at least 1,500 disabled children in 7 African countries. 
• Grow and reach as many disabled children as possible - we know we can’t do it all by ourselves - so we will engage other international NGOs to adopt our model of inclusion. 

Disability Africa is a four-day week employer.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Mind Over Mountains to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer. 

Mind Over Mountains is an ambitious and innovative mental health charity that enables people to thrive through therapeutic outdoor experiences. We enable people to restore and sustain their mental health and wellbeing through a highly integrated practice that brings together walking in nature, mindfulness, and professional coaching and counselling. 

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity, working with the core team and board of trustees.
• Bring commercial and fundraising leadership, including the development of new commercial partnerships and continuing the development of the charity’s fundraising function.
• Develop and maintain the charity’s national and regional partnerships. 
• Have accountability for the charity’s financial position.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion as integral to our work and values.

If you are inspired and excited by what Mind Over Mountains does, we’d love to hear from you. 

Job title Chief Executive Officer

Salary £75,000 FTE

Location Home working with travel

Employment term Permanent / flexible - 4 or 5 days per week

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an information pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks via the apply button. 

For an informal and confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nick at the above address with your contact details, and suitable times to chat.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Wednesday  14th May 2025

Both Mind Over Mountains and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Overview of the International Chief Outreach Officer

The International Chief Outreach Officer (ICOO) will assume responsibility for all international communications, outreach and emerging countries and reports to the International Chief Executive Officer
This position will ensure that the ministry is maximising its potential and impact in raising prayers, awareness and donations for Barnabas Aid, whilst upholding its distinct Christian identity.

• Resident led social housing association is looking for a Director of Finance
• An opportunity to join a sector leading organisation

About Our Client

Phoenix is a housing organisation with a difference. All housing associations talk about resident involvement. We live and breathe it every day. 

We believe this is our core strength and it's helped us earn a wide range of accolades and awards. 

We're based in south Lewisham, London, and are proud to be building new homes in our area. We've grown as a housing association, taking on the management of 1,500 more homes in late 2021 to bring our total number of homes to around 7,800. 

Our new corporate plan will help us deliver on our vision of 'together we are building a better future for our Phoenix Community', supported by strategies to refresh our approach to resident involvement, customer service, sustainability and ensuring that all residents can enjoy good quality, safe and affordable homes. 

We are the first resident-led housing association in London. Our model empowers tenants and leaseholders to take a central part in decision-making and become shareholding members. Our Management Board is led by our Resident Chair, there are five other resident Board members, four independent members and two Councillors.

We encourage all residents to get involved with Phoenix, to influence direction, services and future priorities.

We support local community initiatives to improve the environment and quality of life for everyone who lives and works in south Lewisham

Phoenix Community Housing has an exciting opportunity and are looking for an Executive Director of Finance to join the forward-thinking and customer focussed Executive Team.

You will be responsible for ensuring that Phoenix complies with all financial regulatory requirements, and that supports the delivery of the Board's strategic objectives.

This role combines the Finance, Procurement and Commercial teams at an exciting time as Phoenix looks to strengthen its strategic approach to tackling the issues faced by the sector and to deliver the homes and services our residents need to build a better future for our Phoenix Community.

This is a unique opportunity to work for an organisation that is truly resident led, ensuring that the resident voice informs all business plans and strategies. 

Following a recent restructure, this role requires a hands-on forward-looking Director of Finance, who will embed a business partnering, value added culture within the Finance team.

Job Description

Key responsibilities

• Financial stewardship - Leading business critical functions: treasury, business planning, financial accounting and processing services, procurement and commercial; strengthening Phoenix's financial position leading to the ongoing protection of its viability and investment standing
• Customer driven decisions - Being instrumental in overseeing the use of financial insight and feedback to continue supporting a customer-led approach to effective decision making
• Risk and assurance - Ensure all risks are identified, removed, minimised or balanced with appropriate rewards, and monitor risk mitigation strategies, ensuring all future plans are robust, tested and appropriate
• Treasury management - Effective negotiation and relationship-building with lenders and other bodies to obtain funding at the most beneficial rates for Phoenix, working in partnership with the Chief Executive and Executive Team.
• Procurement - Develop and deliver procurement strategies that ensure Phoenix meets all legal requirements and achieves value for money, and that are aligned with the Corporate Plan and other corporate strategies.
• Commercial - Delivery of commercial strategies that maximise income for Phoenix while aligning with our ethos and values, and with our community investment activities.

The Successful Applicant

What you will need

• Leadership - Executive experience or held a senior management position with regular exposure to the Executive Team. Leading a finance and treasury team with the ability to lead and inspire a diverse workforce
• Strategic thinker - demonstrate a cross-organisational solution focused approach, having had exposure to boards and committees, helping drive organisational change.
• Qualified accountant - CCAB or equivalent qualified accountant with a proven track record of achievement

The ideal candidate will have worked in social housing or other relevant industries.

Phoenix Community Housing is a customer led organisation that truly knows how to put the customer at the heart of everything they do. This is a unique opportunity to work for an organisation that is well-run, customer-focused, and committed to continuing to serve its local community.

What's on Offer

£139,943 plus excellent benefits

Closing date for the role is 6 May 2025.

Contact
Elizabeth Campion
Quote job ref
JN-042025-6721293Z

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.

Pancreatic Cancer Action (PCA) is a pioneering UK charity dedicated to saving lives through early diagnosis, public education, and vigorous advocacy.

Despite pancreatic cancer being one of the most lethal forms of cancer, it currently attracts only 3% of overall cancer research funding. Our mission is to transform these figures and significantly improve survival rates.

Founded in 2010 by a rare pancreatic cancer survivor, our work impacts patients, families, healthcare professionals, and policymakers alike across the UK. As a leading charity in the health and cancer sectors, we are dedicated to taking action to ensure more people are diagnosed early and in time for surgery.

We are seeking a visionary Chief Executive to steer our next phase of growth and deliver strategic impact within the health and cancer sectors.

​

Chief Executive Officer – Pancreatic Cancer Action

• Lead the fight against pancreatic cancer

• Flexible, remote working options available

• Salary: £60,000 (flexible, with full-time or part-time arrangements)

​

Key role responsibilities

As our Chief Executive Officer, you will be instrumental in:

• Setting the strategic vision: Direct PCA’s long-term strategy to drive measurable change in symptom awareness, survival rates and improved patient care.

• Enhancing income streams: Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy, securing grants, corporate partnerships, and major donations to ensure financial sustainability.

• Engaging the health sector: Collaborate with the NHS, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to advocate for earlier diagnosis, improved pancreatic cancer care and higher survival rates.

• Representing the charity: Serve as the public face and spokesperson for PCA, cultivating strategic partnerships and raising awareness across media and stakeholder groups.

• Leading the Team: Inspire and manage a high-performing, inclusive team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Ensuring Financial Resilience: Oversee budgeting, risk management, and financial planning to secure PCA’s future.

​

About you

We are looking for a dynamic, strategic leader with a proven track record in the charity sector. Ideal candidates will have:

• Significant leadership experience (as a CEO, Director, or senior leader within a charity or third sector organisation).

• Robust knowledge of the health sector, ideally with experience working alongside the NHS, healthcare charities, or public health initiatives.

• A strong history of fundraising success, including securing grants, corporate sponsorships, and major gifts.

• A demonstrated ability to develop and implement strategic plans that drive growth and impact.

• Expertise in managing change and transforming organisational practices.

• Excellent communication skills, with confidence in media engagements, public speaking, and advocacy.

• Sound financial acumen and experience in budget oversight and risk management.

• A deep commitment to improving early diagnosis and survival rates for pancreatic cancer.

If you are an experienced Chief Executive seeking a flexible, part-time arrangement, we are open to tailored opportunities that balance leadership excellence with work-life balance.

​

What we offer

• Salary: up to £60,000 FTE, based on experience

• Work-life balance: Flexible working arrangements, including remote working, available for both full-time and part-time roles

• Holidays: 25 days per year (FTE), plus public holidays, employee’s birthday, and closure between Christmas and New Year’s Day

• Pension: Employer contribution of 3%

• Inclusive culture: A supportive working environment that values professional development and employee wellbeing

Ready to make a real impact in driving change in the fight against pancreatic cancer? To receive an Information Pack for this role with full details on how to apply, please send an expression of interest and (optional but appreciated) a CV or professional profile in confidence to our consultant, Jenny Hills at Harris Hill via the apply button. For an informal and confidential conversation about this position, please contact Jenny with suitable times to speak.

​

Closing date for applications: 9am, Tuesday 22nd April.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We’re looking for a Finance Officer who will be responsible for maintaining accurate financial records and supporting financial planning and reporting. This role is critical in ensuring smooth financial operations and regulatory compliance for the organisation. Healthwatch Islington is a small, but effective and friendly team. More information about the role can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

The Grand plays a vital role in the community delivering a Healthy Living Centre programme and a Dynamic Youth Programme (GYG)

We are looking for an exceptional leader to work alongside our Board of Directors to uphold the values & ethos of our organisationwhile providing strategic and operational leadership to our staff. 

This is more than a leadship position, it is an opportnuity to transform lives and have a significant impact on the health & wellbeing of the community in Gravesham. 

The CEO will:

● Empower individuals and families by ensuring accessible, high-quality health and wellbeing services.

● Support young people by expanding programmes that nurture confidence, creativity, and future aspirations.

● Strengthen community resilience by addressing social inequalities and engaging those most in need.

● Nurture long term partnerships and strategic relationships with cross sector stakeholders to provide high quality provision across a range of activities.

● Secure the future of The Grand, positioning it as a model of excellence in community.-led initiatives across Kent 

Who We’re Looking For We need an experienced, passionate and driven individual with:

● A deep understanding of the challenges faced by people of all ages in areas of multiple deprivation, ideally in the Kent region.

● Proven leadership and strategic planning experience, ideally within the charity, public health, or community development sectors. 

● Strong financial acumen and the ability to manage budgets, fundraise from a diverse range of sources, and compile grant applications .

● Excellent relationship-building skills to work with partners, funders, and the wider community, able to manage multiple, and often conflicting needs with diplomacy and a respect for all. 

Wonderseekers, the charity behind Winchester Science Centre, is seeking a senior leader to drive the charity’s financial strategy and operational effectiveness. As a key member of the Executive Team, the role will provide strategic oversight of financial operations, risk management, and key support services, ensuring the charity's long-term sustainability. The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership and trustees to align financial and operational goals with the charity’s mission of engaging children with science to improve their lives and contribute to a sustainable future. This leadership position will also focus on the efficient delivery of essential support functions, ensuring compliance with governance, legal obligations, and safety standards, and fostering a culture of excellence across all areas.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role at a charity with a powerful purpose and a solid financial foundation. Following a period of remarkable transformation, we are poised for even greater impact—investing in sustainability, expanding our reach, and enhancing our impact-driven science engagement experiences. If you’re passionate about leveraging financial leadership to create a better future for children and the planet, we’d love to hear from you.

Job details

Hours: 37.5 per week.

Work pattern: Usually Monday to Friday working during office hours with occasional weekends and out of hours work, however we do operate very flexibly.

Salary: Between £60,000-£70,000 per annum depending on experience (full-time)

Contract: Permanent

Line manager: CEO

Responsible for: Head of Finance, Head of Estates and Sustainability, Head of Digital Infrastructure

Holiday: 28 days per annum plus bank holidays (full-time). Option to buy/sell some leave and gain additional days for continuous service after four years. The post-holder will not usually be expected to work bank holidays however when duties require, time off in lieu will be available.

Location: Between both sites - Winchester Science Centre, Winchester, SO21 1HZ and Wonderseekers HQ, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE. Some remote working is possible however an onsite presence is required for most of the role.

Benefits: Cash health scheme, life assurance, buy/sell annual leave, long service holiday bonus, café and shop discount, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, free tickets to WSC and partner attractions, family friendly leave, wellbeing policy, mental health first aiders, charity workers discount scheme, cycle to work scheme, financial loans, flexible IT, casual dress, staff events, enhanced pension contribution and pension salary sacrifice scheme, inflationary pay rise subject to charity performance and more.

Deadline: Monday 12th May 2025 9am

1st round interviews: 20th and 21st May 2025 at Winchester Science Centre

2nd round interviews: w/c 9th June

Please contact us if you’d like to arrange an informal chat or have any questions about the role before applying.

About our Charity

Wonderseekers (the Charity behind Winchester Science Centre) strives to engage all children with science so they can live happier, healthier and more sustainable lives and contribute to improving life on earth. The Charity runs Winchester Science Centre - a vibrant, hands-on experience for young children. Promising an exciting day out for families, with curriculum-linked trips for schools and an evening events programme, the Science Centre welcomes over 170,000 visitors every year. Through our magnificent planetarium and live science experiences, science is brought to life in imaginative, fun and accessible ways that means everyone is included.

Key Objectives

• Finance Leadership: Be the architect of and execute a strategic vision for the charity's financial growth and long-term sustainability, ensuring resilience in financial operations.
• Risk Management: Lead and drive the strategic management of risk within the Charity, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in risk practices.
• Health, Safety, and Safeguarding: Promote and ensure a culture of excellence in Health and Safety and Safeguarding practices, maintaining the highest standards across the charity
• Infrastructure Development: Champion the development and implementation of robust systems and infrastructure to enable the charity to fulfil its mission efficiently and effectively.
• Leadership: Lead the Charity Support Services team, ensuring seamless and proactive support for the organisation’s operations and strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Executive leadership and strategic contribution

• Report directly to the CEO, providing regular updates on financial performance, risk management, and operational efficiency. Additionally, the CFRO will present detailed financial reports, risk assessments, and progress on strategic goals to the Board of Trustees, ensuring transparency and alignment with the charity's long-term objectives.
• As a key member of the Executive Team, actively contribute to the development and refinement of the charity’s overall strategy, aligning financial and risk management goals with broader charity objectives.
• Play a leading role in setting and delivering the goals and targets defined in the charity’s business plan, ensuring financial health and operational efficiency.

Financial strategy and governance

• Develop, implement, and continually refine the charity’s financial strategy, policies, and practices in alignment with best practices and the organisation’s overall strategic goals.
• Provide financial leadership and oversight, ensuring the charity’s financial health by managing the planning, budgeting, reporting, and monitoring processes.
• Manage and oversee the preparation of accurate, timely financial statements, budgets, and forecasts that support decision-making by the Executive Team and Board.

Risk management and mitigation

• Lead the development and implementation of an enterprise-wide risk management framework that identifies, assesses, and mitigates risks across all operations.
• Oversee regular risk assessments and report on risk management performance, ensuring that all areas of the organisation are proactively managing risks.
• Foster a culture of risk awareness across the charity, ensuring that risk management is embedded in all key decision-making processes.

Operational efficiency and support services

• Lead and drive the efficient delivery of essential charity support functions, including IT, facilities management, health and safety, and safeguarding, ensuring that they are effectively resourced and aligned with the charity’s strategic needs.
• Ensure these functions operate in a seamless and ‘invisible’ manner, enhancing the operational efficiency of the charity while supporting its mission delivery.

Compliance and regulatory oversight

• Ensure full compliance with charity governance, statutory reporting, and all relevant legal obligations, including charity law, tax regulations,, financial reporting standards and data protection. The postholder will also act as our Data Protection Officer.
• Ensure that the charity adheres to all relevant health and safety regulations, creating and maintaining a safe working environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.

Leadership and team development

• Lead, manage, and inspire the Charity Support Services team, ensuring a high level of collaboration and providing the resources needed for effective performance.
• Champion a culture of continuous improvement, supporting the professional development of staff and encouraging innovative problem-solving.

Stakeholder management and reporting

• Engage with the Board of Trustees and external stakeholders on matters relating to financial performance and risk management.
• Provide regular reports to the Board, senior leadership, and key stakeholders on financial status, risk assessments, and performance against strategic goals.

Person Specification:

Education:

• Essential: A recognised accountancy qualification (preferably ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Desirable: Management/leadership qualification or significant professional experience at a senior level in the charity sector.

Experience and knowledge:

Essential:

o A minimum of three years' experience in a senior management or leadership role.

o Proven track record of managing finance for a medium to large charity.

o Experience as a member of a Senior Management Team, contributing to strategic decision-making and organisational leadership.

o Expertise in financial management, including producing management accounts and monitoring cash flow for organisations with an annual turnover exceeding £2 million.

o Experience in business planning and long-term financial forecasting to support strategic goals.

o Strong experience in team management, including motivating staff and overseeing performance to drive high levels of engagement.

o Demonstrable experience of managing budgets, safeguarding processes, and risk management.

o Experience in the production and implementation of policies for example those related to finance, risk, health and safety, safeguarding and data protection within a charitable context.

Desirable:

o Familiarity with managing complex cash flow monitoring processes in a dynamic, mission-driven organisation.

Skills and Abilities:

Essential:

o Advanced IT skills, particularly in Excel, for financial analysis and reporting.

o Strong numeracy and attention to detail, ensuring accurate and high-quality outputs.

o Excellent time management and the ability to prioritise tasks to meet deadlines effectively.

o Outstanding verbal and written communication skills in English, with the ability to present complex financial and risk-related information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.

o Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, with a hands-on and proactive approach.

o Personal integrity, intellectual agility, and the capacity to influence stakeholders at all levels within the organisation.

o Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trusting relationships across diverse teams and external partners.

o A professional, flexible, and resilient approach, maintaining composure in high-pressure environments.

Desirable:

o Ability to work effectively in a customer-facing organisation, ensuring financial and risk practices align with service delivery.

o Energetic, self-starting, and results-driven with a focus on continuous improvement and organisational impact.

o A positive and collaborative attitude towards contributing to a team culture that supports the charity’s mission.

The post-holder will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check.

Interview Process:

We look forward to getting to know you through our friendly and welcoming interview process. The interview is likely to include a pre-interview task and questions from our panel. Interview questions will be circulated in advance.

We can’t wait to hear from you! Please contact us if you’d like to arrange an informal chat, or have any questions about the role before applying.

Ready to Apply?

When you are ready to apply, please submit your application through our recruitment portal.

You will be asked to submit your contact details and answer a few questions so we can get to know you. Please keep your responses concise, this is your opportunity to really stand out. After answering these questions, please upload your cover letter and CV.

Need information in a different format or would like to apply in an alternative way? Just get in touch via our website.

No recruitment agencies, thank you.

Harris Hill is delighted to be working with Shropshire Youth Support Trust (SYST) to recruit its new Chief Executive Officer.

SYST is a registered Charity that provides a wide range of support for young people in Shropshire, including Telford and Wrekin, aged between 16 – 30 years, who are not in education, employment, or training.

SYST supports and empowers young people across Telford & Wrekin, Shropshire to identify their unique strengths and passions, whilst giving them the tools to sustain emotional and financial independence.

We are seeking an exceptional leader to guide our organisation through a time of change and opportunity.

As Chief Executive, you will:

• Lead, motivate and manage SYST in a manner which supports the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• Represent SYST as an ambassador across the wider industry and at key events in an engaging and compelling way.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for growth.
• Develop and implement SYST’s strategy

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for empowering young people, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Chief Executive

Salary: £55,000 p.a.

Location: Telford, Shropshire

Employment term: Permanent or Interim contract

How to apply:

If you would like to receive an information pack on how to apply, please send a CV in confidence to Nick Shanks at Harris Hill via the apply button.

For an informal and confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nick at the above address with your contact details, and suitable times to chat.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 9th May 2025

Both SYST and Harris Hill operate an equal opportunity policy and commit to treating all of our candidates and jobseekers fairly. We welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.