Head of Finance

Are you a qualified accountant looking to use your expertise to make a global impact? Goodman Masson are partnered with The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) to recruit for a Head of Finance to lead their accounting function and play a pivotal role in the UK's national response to major humanitarian crises.

Since 1963, the DEC has been a unique force in the charity sector, bringing together 15 of the UK's leading humanitarian agencies–to raise over GBP2.5 billion for disaster–affected communities worldwide. When a humanitarian emergency warrants a national response, they launch high–profile appeals that save lives and protect livelihoods.

We are looking for an experienced, qualified accountant to lead the DEC's finance function, ensuring accurate day–to–day accounting and robust financial controls, and delivering high–quality management and statutory reporting. The Head of Finance oversees budgeting and forecasting across the Secretariat, leads the annual audit and year–end accounts production, and provides clear financial insight to budget–holders and senior stakeholders.

During the DEC public appeals, the role plays a critical part in processing and reconciling high–volume donation income at pace, maintaining strong controls across multiple channels, and supporting timely reporting and allocation of funds to members.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial Leadership: Oversee the accounting function, including management accounts, budgets, and the annual audit.
• Appeal Management: During emergency appeals, ensure the accurate daily processing of high–volume income and produce critical "FinSit" reports.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Coordinate the "Indicator of Capacity" (IoC) process with member agency Finance Directors to ensure fair allocation of funds.
• Compliance & Control: Maintain a robust financial control environment, ensuring compliance with tax (VAT, Gift Aid), legal, and regulatory requirements.
• Team Management: Line manage and support the development of the Financial Accountant and Finance & Administration Officer.

Who You Are

• Qualified Expert: You are a CCAB qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with proven post–qualification experience in the charity sector.
• Systems Savvy: You have experience using database accounting systems (Sun Accounts/Infor SunSystems Cloud is a plus).
• Strong Communicator: You can translate complex financial data for non–financial colleagues and build strong relationships across diverse teams.
• Adaptable & Resilient: You thrive in a fast–paced environment and are ready to work flexibly when a global emergency strikes.
• Mission–Driven: You are committed to the values of collaboration, transparency, and humanitarianism.

Salary is cricaGBP65,000 per annum + Excellent Benefits. London based with very flexible hybrid working arrangements.

You can find out more details by visiting our dedicated careers site here: .

Application deadline is Friday 5 June.