Finance Director

Director of Finance (Financial Controller)

Location:
North Tyneside

Salary:
£60-65K

Hours:
37.5 hours per week (moving soon to a model; 30 hours per week)

Full-Time | Senior Leadership Role

Reports to:
Chief Executive

Responsible for:
Finance, Management Information, Performance & Impact, Business Improvement

YMCA North Tyneside
is a local Christian charity and registered social housing provider dedicated to transforming young lives. We run a diverse portfolio of services across housing, health & wellbeing, families & communities, and training & education—delivered across multiple sites in the North East and beyond.

We are now seeking an exceptional
Director of Finance (Financial Controller)
to join our Executive Team and provide strategic financial leadership across the organisation.

About the Role

As Director of Finance, you will lead the effective management of all financial operations, ensuring financial stability, strong governance, and maximised use of our resources. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Board, you will shape budgets, business planning, risk management and organisational strategy—helping us sustain and grow our charitable impact.

You will also play a key role in embedding and expressing the Christian ethos and values that guide YMCA North Tyneside's mission and culture.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Oversee and continually develop the Organisation's Business Plan, financial strategy and associated policies.
• Lead the Finance team and contribute to collective strategic decision-making as part of the Executive Team.
• Drive a culture of value for money and continuous improvement across the organisation.
• Provide high-level advice to the Chief Executive, Treasurer, Finance Sub-Group, Audit Committee and Board of Trustees.
• Monitor changes in policy, legislation and regulation, assessing associated risks and opportunities.

Financial Accounting & Compliance

• Prepare consolidated statutory accounts for the Organisation and its trading subsidiary, ensuring a smooth external audit process.
• Ensure full compliance with legal, regulatory, HMRC and lender covenant requirements.
• Oversee internal and external reporting, including funder reports and regulatory submissions.
• Maintain robust internal financial controls and ensure they are tested and improved regularly.

Management Information & Planning

• Lead the preparation of high-quality Management Information (MI) packs for the Executive Team and Board.
• Manage budgeting processes and support managers in financial literacy, planning and accountability.
• Improve and maintain systems relating to income/expenditure, payroll, pensions, purchase and sales ledgers.

Treasury, Business Development & Governance

• Support business development with financial modelling, appraisals, and contract negotiation.
• Oversee treasury management to ensure strong cash flow and responsible investment.
• Act as executive lead for the Board Sub-Group for Finance and Audit Committee.
• Monitor restricted funds to ensure compliance with donor requirements.

Business Performance & Quality Improvement

• Ensure business information systems meet performance and impact needs.
• Use strategic intelligence to strengthen both the Finance function and wider organisation.
• Ensure customer and service user insight shapes improvement priorities.
• Deliver effective supplier and contract management to ensure best value.

People Leadership

• Recruit, induct, supervise and develop staff within the Finance team.
• Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and provide support to maximise potential.
• Address performance concerns appropriately and work closely with HR colleagues.
• Encourage volunteer involvement where appropriate.

Communications

• Maintain strong liaison with Executive Team colleagues and the Treasurer.
• Prepare and present reports to the Board and Committees.
• Support the organisation's external profile in areas relating to finance and compliance.

General

• Ensure safeguarding awareness in all relevant activities.
• Undertake additional duties aligned with the organisation's objectives and your professional capability.

The Successful Candidate

Essential Qualifications

• Professional accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA or ACCA)

Essential Experience

• Strong business partnering experience with non-finance teams
• Management accounting and statutory accounts preparation
• Broad accounting experience including management accounts and statutory reporting
• Confident user of finance databases, reporting tools and queries
• VAT regulations knowledge
• Strong influencing and people leadership skills

Desirable Experience

• Accounting under FRS102 and Housing/Charity SORP
• Supporting funding applications and business cases
• Experience of charity VAT and partial exemption calculations

Scale, Environment & Additional Information

• Responsible for leading a multi-disciplinary Finance team
• Occasional use of external consultants
• Travel to YMCA North Tyneside sites may be required
• Senior managers may be contacted in emergencies out of hours
• Occasional evening/weekend commitments for meetings or events
• Standard office environment with low risk profile

Join Us

This is a rare opportunity to make a significant strategic contribution to a values-driven organisation that is transforming lives across the North East. If you're an experienced finance leader who is motivated by purpose, excellence and impact, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now via LinkedIn
or email your CV to
our retained executive search consultancy Castle Peak Group