Howett Thorpe are delighted to be partnering with a respected and established not-for-profit organisation seeking to appoint a Finance Director following the promotion of the current incumbent. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board, the successful candidate will take ownership of a diverse finance function spanning six legal entities and lead a dedicated finance team of three. Offering a blend of strategic responsibility and operational involvement, this opportunity is ideally suited to a hands-on finance leader looking to make a genuine contribution within a collaborative and values-driven environment.
Job Title: Finance Director
Job Type: Permanent
Location: Farnborough
Salary: Up to £130,000
Finance Director – Benefits
- 25 days annual leave
- Hybrid working – 3:2 from home
- Life Assurance
- Private pension scheme
- Discretionary bonus
- 09.00 am – 17:00
- On-site car parking
Finance Director – About The Role
Howett Thorpe are delighted to be supporting a highly respected not-for-profit organisation with the appointment of a Finance Director. This opportunity has arisen following the promotion of the current incumbent, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to recognising talent and providing opportunities for progression.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the successful candidate will be responsible for leading the finance function across six legal entities, ensuring robust financial management, effective governance and high-quality financial reporting. Acting as a trusted adviser to the senior leadership team and Board, you will provide the financial insight required to support strategic decision-making whilst ensuring the organisation continues to operate efficiently and sustainably.
This is not a traditional board-level Finance Director position removed from the day-to-day operation. Instead, it will suit a hands-on finance leader who enjoys combining strategic influence with operational involvement. Managing a small finance team of three, you will remain close to the detail, taking ownership of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, audit management and financial controls whilst supporting wider organisational objectives.
The role offers a diverse and rewarding challenge within a complex multi-entity environment and would suit a commercially aware finance professional who values purpose, collaboration and making a tangible impact. Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the finance function across six legal entities
- Managing and developing a finance team of three
- Delivering accurate and insightful management information
- Leading the budgeting, forecasting and cashflow processes
- Producing Board reports and supporting strategic decision-making including full presentation of vision, results and actions
- Managing statutory accounts, external audits and regulatory compliance
- Maintaining robust financial controls and governance frameworks
- Supporting organisational planning and long-term financial sustainability
- Identifying opportunities to enhance systems, reporting and processes
The Successful Finance Director Will Have:
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualification
- Previous experience as a Finance Director, Head of Finance or Senior Financial Controller
- Strong technical accounting and statutory reporting expertise
- Experience overseeing audits, budgeting and financial planning processes
- Experience operating within a multi-entity environment
- A practical, hands-on approach to leadership
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- The ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery
- Previous experience within the not-for-profit, charity, membership, education or wider purpose-led sector would be highly advantageous
- A collaborative and pragmatic approach with the credibility to influence at senior level