Overview

The Role

CoppaFeel! is looking for a Head of Finance and Contracts to support the organisation’s growth by overseeing all aspects of financial management and contractual compliance across the charity. This is a hands-on role responsible for managing and developing the small finance team, leading budgeting, funder reporting and forecasting, and ensuring contracts comply with best practice and regulatory requirements. This is a hybrid role with attendance at the London office 2 days per week, plus quarterly team meetings, department meetings, and in-person training with notice provided for required presence.

Responsibilities

Duties And Responsibilities

• Leadership & Team Management
  • Line manage the Finance Officer and Finance Assistant, providing guidance, support, and performance oversight.
  • Participate in Leadership Team meetings and contribute to strategic objectives.
  • Develop the team structure, drive delivery, accountability and continuous improvement.
  • Provide data-driven insights and strategic recommendations for long-term decision-making and business growth.
• Financial Strategy & Reporting
  • Lead annual budgeting and reforecasting processes aligned with strategic priorities.
  • Oversee monthly management accounts; monitor spend with Heads of Department and assess impact.
  • Support preparation of draft statutory accounts and coordinate audit queries.
  • Conduct financial analysis with HoDs to assess ROI across key projects and income streams.
• Operational Finance
  • Manage VAT returns in compliance with requirements.
  • Assess risk mitigation approaches balancing financial safeguarding with organisational objectives.
  • Oversee monthly payroll processing with the payroll agent and resolve queries.
  • Ensure smooth day-to-day finances and policy adherence; review cashflow and working capital documents.
• Funding & Grants
  • Provide financial oversight and input for grant and corporate funding applications.
• Governance, Legal Oversight & Contracts
  • Attend Finance Committee meetings as needed and support reporting materials.
  • Work with the Director of Operations and legal advisers to review contracts for grants, fundraising licenses or procurement, especially where risk or value is high.
  • Oversee supplier, corporate partnership and grant contracts, coordinating with solicitors for high-complexity matters.
  • Develop, implement and maintain financial policies and procedures to ensure robust internal controls.
  • Stay informed on changes to financial, legal and regulatory requirements affecting the charity sector.

Essential Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Proven experience in charity finance, including budgeting, financial reporting and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead and manage teams effectively.
• Strong knowledge of UK charity and company law.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experience managing or coordinating audits, payroll processes, and implementing robust financial controls.
• High integrity, accountability and strong attention to detail.
• Technical proficiency in financial systems and data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, accounting software).

Desirable

• Understanding of impact and ROI evaluation in a charity context.
• Experience supporting funding applications for grants and corporate partnerships.
• Experience working in a small charity environment and creating new systems or processes.

Application information

Applications will close on 29 September 2025 with shortlisting tests as applications are received and interviews in the week commencing 6 October. CoppaFeel! reserves the right to close the vacancy early if a high number of applications are received.

Main Benefits And Terms & Conditions

Annual Leave entitlement: 22 days plus 3 days off at Christmas, public holidays, a day off for your birthday and for Kris’ canceriversary.

Benefits

• Wellbeing fund
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Self Space training and 1:1 therapy
• Core working hours 10am – 4pm
• Enhanced Maternity and Paternity Leave
• Flex Friday; every other Friday off, with the option to be available in emergencies

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

CoppaFeel! supports a diverse range of communities and believes diversity within the team is central to meeting the needs of the young people we serve. We encourage applications from Black and people of colour, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, men, and those with lived experience of cancer to increase representation.

We promote equality, diversity and inclusion in recruitment decisions and will match the charity’s needs with candidates’ skills and experience, irrespective of age, disability, gender, gender identity, race, religion or belief, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. In the event of a tie between equally suitable candidates, we may select a candidate with lived experience of our issues.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and will offer an interview to all applicants with disabilities who meet the required criteria. If you have accessibility requirements or need adjustments for the interview process, please get in touch.