Director of Finance and Technology

Royal Pharmaceutical Society

Hours
35 hours per week

Salary
£119,000 -  £120,000 per year

About the Organisation

Royal Pharmaceutical Society, the professional leadership body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, has a proud history of supporting its members and advocating on behalf of the profession. In its transition to The Royal College of Pharmacy (RCPharms), incorporated by Royal Charter, it will become a registered charity with a public benefit purpose while remaining focused on supporting its members to deliver great patient care, develop their capability through education, assessment, and credentialling and advancement in the science, research, and practice of pharmacy. We have nearly 250 employees and total revenues of more than £25million. The surplus on ordinary activities before taxation was £1,259,000 in 2024. This role leads the 20+ employees across our finance and technology teams

About the role

The Director of Finance and Technology reports to the Interim CEO and, as a key member of our Executive Team, will share corporate accountability for the development and achievement of the RCPharm strategic plan and overall leadership and management of the College. Working to an agreed set of performance objectives and attending meetings of the Board of Trustees and, as required, the Senate and other relevant committee and sub-committee groups, this role will lead. The Finance and Technology functions manage our property and investment portfolio to deliver against the Objects of the College.

Responsibilities

Specific Transition Accountabilities

• Overseeing the key technology projects, preparing for the Royal College
• Developing the finance team, particularly in terms of their knowledge and understanding of finance within a charter body with charitable status.
• Advising on and managing our property and investments, including, but not limited to, administering and implementing our investment strategy
• Manage the transition of activity as we move to become a royal college, this is likely to include advising our Financial & Investment Committee (FIC) and Audit & Risk Committee (ARC)

Strategic Leadership & Governance:

• Provide financial leadership within the strategic and accountability frameworks set by the Board of Trustees.
• Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making as a member of the Executive Committee.
  • Develop and maintain transparent and robust costing models to inform the allocation of resources
• Support the CEO in developing and delivering the College’s Finance Strategy, including five-year forecasts and strategic financial projects.
• Ensure the financial viability of the College is maintained and that all activity (including major projects) is compliant with statutory requirements:
  • Ensure the college follows best practice in terms of financial governance and delivery of value for money
  • Ensure that financial regulations and underpinning polices are complete and fit-for-purpose
  • Review, maintain, and develop appropriate financial and risk management systems and procedures
• Represent the College externally with banks, investment managers, tax authorities, and advisors.
• Support the Board of Trustees in fulfilling their governance and financial oversight responsibilities, including, as part of this, contributing to finance-related committees, including as the executive responsible for the Finance and Investment Committee, an advisory body to the Trustee Board.

Financial Management & Compliance:

• Lead the Finance Department to deliver a high-quality, professional service delivered as a shared service
• Promote financial awareness and understanding of charitable status across the College.
• Participate in developing the annual financial internal audit programme and support audit processes

Technology & Digital Strategy:

• Ensuring that technology is able to support the college's ambitions through the provision of appropriate skills and capabilities in a cost–effective manner.
• Ensures robust cyber security measures are implemented across the College’s digital estate, developing and implementing strategies to mitigate risks.
• Work collaboratively, cross-functionally with product teams to ensure the College continues to develop its technology delivery to meet the needs of its members and other users of its services.
• Leading our technology function so that the college remains abreast of developments in technology, sourcing insight/ expertise as necessary to ensure that our approach to technology remains current.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

• Working at a senior level in the Charity sector in a strategic finance role and with a proven record of achievement in organisational development.
• Prior leadership experience at the Executive level of Finance and Technology functions
• Excellent understanding and experience of how technology can be deployed to support organisational goals
• Understanding of royal charter and charitable organisations.
• Developed and led diverse, high-performing, multi-disciplinary teams, leading by example to embed an inquisitive and continuous improvement approach.
• Demonstrates commercial awareness, financial acumen, and business management skills in the running of a charity with a vision for considered growth, innovation, and an appropriate degree of risk.

Required Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent with relevant experience

Compensation & Benefits

• 30 days holiday (plus bank holidays), with the option to purchase additional annual leave
• A day off for your birthday
• Contributory pension scheme with a matching contribution scheme
• Life Assurance MediCash and Private Medical Insurance conditions apply
• Ride2work and interest-free season ticket loans
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Learning budget and personal development time
• A commitment to your wellbeing, with access to our EAP service, mental health first aiders, and other initiatives

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the London office and remotely

How to apply

• To apply, please send a CV or Profile and a supporting statement answering the question below via our vacancy link here by 5 p.m. on 8th September 2025. We are committed to making the application process inclusive.
• Briefly describe how your skills, experience, and personal qualities make you a good candidate for this role. Refer to the role description and person specification for inspiration. (800-word limit)

Interviews

• Candidate will be shortlisted based on merit, and interview and appointment selection will be strictly based on the agreed selection criteria.
• Panel Interview: 19th September 2025

Policies

The Equality Act 2010 permits reasonable adjustments that may give preferential treatment to an individual with a disability. 

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