Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled and strategic Finance Director to join the charity, helping us build on the great work we’re already doing and achieve even more. This is an exciting and pivotal time to join as we grow and scale, supporting communities in areas of high deprivation to give children and young people the best possible start in life.

The Role

The Finance Director will be both hands-on and strategic, ensuring the charity makes the greatest possible use of its resources. You will lead the finance team (currently 2 FTEs) and work on financial planning, management and reporting, feeding into the organisation’s goals and working closely with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership and Leadership Teams to provide effective financial direction to the Finance Committee and the Board of Trustees.

This role will see you:

• Provide strategic financial leadership, advising the CEO, SLT, and Trustees on key financial matters.
• Lead on financial management and control, ensuring high standards across reporting, forecasting, and compliance.
• Produce accurate financial reports and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including Charity SORP.
• Oversee budgeting and reserves management, ensuring the organisation maintains appropriate financial sustainability.
• Support programme and fundraising teams with financial insights, templates, and reporting.
• Lead financial risk management, procurement, and oversight of contracts and grant agreements.
• Manage, motivate, and develop the finance team, ensuring clear accountability and high performance.

If you are passionate about strategic leadership, financial excellence, and helping communities deliver better outcomes for children and young people, we would love to hear from you.

About You (Qualifications and Experience)

We are seeking a proactive, experienced, and qualified finance professional with:

• 5+ years of demonstrable senior leadership experience in a charity or commercial setting.
• A recognised finance qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
• A proven track record in financial management, risk management, budgeting, and reporting.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with the ability to develop high-performing teams.
• Experience in implementing system improvements and managing organisational change.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-financial audiences.
• Knowledge of Charity SORP (or willingness to develop this).
• Advanced Excel skills and experience using Xero, Sage, or similar systems.

Benefits

• 27 days annual leave (plus bank holidays)
• Group life assurance
• Flexible working arrangements
• Commitment to wellbeing and professional development

Application Process

Please upload your CV and a supporting statement outlining your motivation for applying and how you meet the criteria of the role (no more than 2 sides of A4).

About the Organisation

The charity works with communities in areas of high deprivation to remove barriers to education and create better outcomes for children and young people. Since launching in 2015, we’ve supported over 50,000 children and young people across 10 communities. We collaborate with schools, colleges, and local authorities to build inclusive education systems and improve literacy. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from those with lived experience of the challenges our programmes address. As a Disability Confident employer, we will provide support in the recruitment process.

Advertised on behalf of NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Additional Information

Location: Manchester area / Flexible working from office with home working options. Closing Date: 3:00pm, Tuesday 30 September 2025. Interview dates: 6 October 2025 (First stage) and 9 October 2025 (Second stage).