Head of Finance

Groundwork North East & CumbriaGroundwork North East & Cumbria is a respected, long-established charity delivering hundreds of community-based projects at any one time across the region. Its work spans environmental regeneration, employability and skills, youth programmes and energy efficiency - supporting people and places that need it most, while operating with strong commercial discipline and accountability. Groundwork offers a genuinely collaborative culture where finance is seen as an enabler, not a barrier. Many senior leaders have grown their careers here, reflecting a strong commitment to development, trust and inclusion.You'll see the impact of your work clearly - in stronger governance, strong confidence in decision making, and thriving community projects across the North East and Cumbria.Nigel Wright is proud to be partnering with Groundwork North East & Cumbria to appoint a Head of Finance - a pivotal senior management role at the heart of the organisation.Head of Finance RoleReporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Executive Team, Board of Trustees and Finance & Corporate Services Committee, the Head of Finance will provide clear and accurate financial management and leadership across the charity and its wholly owned trading subsidiary.This is a hands-on, influential role combining robust financial stewardship with strategic insight. You will lead and develop a small yet established finance team, strengthen systems and controls, and act as a trusted partner to senior leaders and programme managers - helping them understand their finances and deliver projects successfully in a complex, grant-funded environment. Key areas of responsibility include:

• Provide financial leadership across the organisation, working closely with the Chief Executive, Trustees, and Senior Leaders.
• Lead on financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and financial risk management.
• Ensure robust financial controls, compliance with charity accounting standards (SORP), and oversee VAT, statutory requirements, and audits.
• Manage and motivate the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen financial systems, reporting, and automation to support operational efficiency.
• Support project managers with financial planning, grant management, and contract delivery.
• Drive improvements that support long term organisational sustainability.

About You

We're looking to speak to experienced and dynamic finance professionals who bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Experience delivering a wide range of finance duties, including management accounts, budgeting, strategic analysis, payroll and year end processes.
• Experience managing finance teams, or a desire to manage.
• Outstanding analytical, organisational, and financial planning skills.
• Excellent communication skills, able to present complex information clearly to colleagues and trustees.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to the values and mission of the charity.

Interested?If you're looking for a senior finance role with purpose, influence and visibility - we'd welcome a conversation.

3112902058