Head of Finance
location: London
practice area: Charity and Public Sector
job type: Fixed Term Contract
salary: £77,000.00 - £81,000.00 per annum pension
сonsultant: Leanne McCullough
date posted: 06/02/2026
Are you an experienced senior finance leader ready to make an immediate impact in an international, mission-driven organisation? We are seeking a strategic, hands-on Interim Head of Finance to lead the finance function for a dynamic international NGO with a significant US presence. This is a rare opportunity to guide finance operations across multiple jurisdictions, including the UK and US, and support frontline programmes tackling critical global challenges.
About the role
Reporting to the MD for Finance & Operations, you will provide decisive, calm leadership to a high-performing finance team, ensuring robust financial stewardship across the organisation. You will take ownership of financial operations, controls, reporting, and audits, working closely with senior leadership and the Board. Your strategic insight will help shape financial planning and reporting, while your collaborative approach will build confidence in finance across the organisation.
Key responsibilities
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the finance team across the UK and overseas branches
- Ensure accurate, timely reporting and compliance with statutory and donor requirements
- Oversee audits in multiple jurisdictions, including US and UK accounts
- Manage budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning
- Build and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and processes
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of six finance professionals, including managers
- Act as a key partner to the senior leadership team and Board, providing financial insight to support strategic decision-making
What we're looking for
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
- Proven senior finance leadership experience in an international charity, NGO, or grant-funded organisation
- Strong experience managing US accounts, audits, and compliance processes (a significant portion of the organisation's income comes from US donors)
- Hands-on experience with UK Charity SORP, statutory accounts, restricted/unrestricted fund accounting, and donor reporting
- Experience overseeing finance operations for overseas entities or branch offices
- Strong people management skills, including managing managers
- Able to operate confidently at senior leadership and Board level
- Comfortable stepping into complex, fast-paced environments and delivering immediate results
Personal qualities
You are pragmatic, solutions-focused, and able to balance operational detail with strategic oversight. You communicate clearly and effectively with finance and non-finance colleagues alike, building trust quickly and inspiring confidence across the organisation.
Why join?
This is a unique opportunity to influence the finance function of a mission-driven international NGO protecing the rights of the most vulnerable. You'll gain hands-on experience with US accounts, multi-jurisdictional audits, and high-level reporting, all while working alongside a collaborative, values-driven leadership team.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday public holidays 3 additional Christmas holidays
- 10% non-contributory pension scheme
- Season ticket loan and cycle scheme
- Flexible and hybrid working (2 office days per week)
If you are a senior finance professional with international experience, ideally including US operations, who thrives in fast-moving, high-impact environments and are available from mid-end of March, please apply today!
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