Executive Director of Finance (London)

This role is initially for 12months, however there is an opportunity to go permanent after this period.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Job Title to play a pivotal role in our Service in location.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As the Executive Director of Finance, you will lead a team of 15 and oversee the day‑to‑day management of Hestia's financial operations, ensuring full compliance with statutory requirements, best practice, and the safeguarding of organisational assets. You will develop and implement effective financial policies and procedures, maintain robust systems for accurate and timely internal and external reporting, and support the Housing Management Director with rent and service charge setting. With responsibility for financial KPIs, long‑term financial planning, and the oversight of investments and cash balances—including liaison with investment advisers—you will also provide the financial framework for assessing new business and fundraising opportunities, working closely with Business Development, Fundraising, and Operations. You will manage key external relationships, including auditors, bankers, and professional advisers, and offer expert guidance to the Board of Trustees on all finance matters. In addition, you will oversee procurement to ensure value for money, manage Head Office provision, and ensure appropriate insurance cover is in place. As part of Hestia's senior leadership team, you will attend Board meetings, lead organisational risk management, and act as Secretary to the Finance and Fundraising Sub‑Committee.

What do I need to bring with me?

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with substantial senior‑level finance leadership experience, ideally gained within a complex or multi‑service organisation. They will bring a strong track record of leading and developing high‑performing finance teams, alongside extensive expertise in financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and long‑term strategic financial management. They will have proven experience developing robust financial policies and controls, managing statutory accounts, audits and external reporting, and ensuring full regulatory compliance. Strong analytical skills, excellent judgment, and the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non‑financial audiences are essential. The successful candidate will also demonstrate experience in investment and cashflow management, procurement best practice, insurance oversight, and working with external partners such as auditors, bankers and tax advisers. Experience supporting business development, tenders and fundraising through sound financial evaluation is highly desirable. As an effective senior leader, they will have experience working with Boards, contributing to organisational strategy, overseeing risk management, and supporting governance committees. Personally, they will be strategic, collaborative, resilient and values‑driven, with excellent communication skills and a commitment to continuous improvement and to Hestia's mission.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.