Head of Finance, Middridge

Groundwork North East & Cumbria is a charity that delivers community projects across the region.

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 lead financial management and provide strategic insight across the charity and its trading subsidiary.

• 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.

We’re looking for experienced 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.

We welcome a conversation with senior finance professionals interested in a role with purpose, influence and visibility.