Job Description
Groundwork North East & Cumbria
Groundwork 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 Role
Reporting 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.