Finance Director

Sussex Community Development Association

Hours
30 hours per week

About the Organisation

SCDA is an organisation which delivers a broad range of services to meet the needs of local people. Over the last twenty nine years of our operations we have successfully delivered Employability services to people furthest from the labour market; offered a range of Community Development & Health initiatives, projects and services; including youth & family inclusion activities; social enterprises; and offered Community Advice & Wellbeing focusing on welfare and access to advice; community navigation to support services; emergency and community food and affordable counselling provision.

It is an exciting time of development & growth at SCDA, and we now want to recruit a Finance Director to lead on legal and contractual compliance issues and risk, to report to the Board of Trustees enabling their financial understanding & governance, and be a senior decision maker in our organisation as well as managing the day-to-day operations of the finance department. The successful candidate will have a strong track record with preferably cross-sector experience, and ideally previous experience and sensitivity to the nuances of charity finances; a recognised accountancy or audit qualification and the credibility to further develop the excellent financial systems within our organisation.

About the role

To act as the Finance Director for SCDA, providing both strategic financial leadership and hands-on operational management. The post holder will lead financial strategy, governance and compliance, while also taking direct responsibility for the delivery of day-to-day financial management, reporting and controls. As a member of the Senior Management Team, the role will support decision-making, ensure financial sustainability and work closely with the Service Delivery teams and Board of Trustees. The role will also support the financial sustainability of SCDA’s trading and social enterprise activities, bringing a balanced approach to commerciality and social value.

Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership:

• Provide broad strategic advice and input to the Chief Executive, SMT and Board of Trustees.
• Contribute to organisational strategy, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and resilience.
• Provide clear, insightful financial analysis to support decision-making.
• Support business development along with funding strategies and bids.
• Advise on reserves, investment and financial planning.
• Support development opportunities including property, borrowing and asset management.
• Act as a strategic partner across the organisation, ensuring financial considerations are embedded in planning and delivery.

Financial Control, Compliance & Risk:

• Maintain and update as necessary robust financial controls and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and other regulatory requirements.
• Lead on the organisation’s risk management framework and risk register.
• Lead on financial aspects of audit processes and statutory reporting.
• Ensure strong audit trails and documentation across financial processes.
• Provide assurance to the Chief Executive and Board on financial governance and controls

Operational Financial & Project Reporting Management:

• Take direct responsibility for the day-to-day running of the finance function.
• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including meaningful variance analysis to form the basis of the Board report.
• Maintain cash flow forecasting and working capital management.
• Ensure timely and accurate invoicing, income collection and supplier payments.
• Oversee and support core finance processes, including:
  • Purchase and sales ledgers
  • Payroll coordination
  • Bank reconciliations
• Maintain and continuously improve financial systems (QuickBooks, payroll systems).
• Play an active role in year-end close and audit preparation.
• Ensure compliance with VAT, payroll, and statutory requirements.

Financial Management & Monitoring:

• Work closely with Programme Managers to ensure effective budget management and cost control.
• Provide financial insight and challenge to support project delivery and performance.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting to funders and stakeholders.
• Support managers across the organisation to improve financial understanding and accountability, including training where required.
• Monitor financial performance and identify risks, trends and opportunities.

Governance, Board Support & Legal:

• Support the governance of the charity through engagement with the Board and its subcommittees.
• Prepare and present clear, accessible financial reports to the Board and Finance SubCommittee.
• Translate financial data into strategic insight for non-financial stakeholders.
• Ensure all financial and legal documentation (contracts, grants, leases and legal agreements) is maintained and compliant.
• Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements are in place across all areas of the organisation and review annually.
• Support risk assessment and mitigation in relation to financial and operational activities.

Team Leadership & Collaboration:

• Provide direct line management and day-to-day support to a small finance team of 2 staff.
• Work collaboratively with the Finance Team to prioritise workloads, review outputs and ensure high-quality delivery through the application of best practice and up-to-date technical skills.
• Maintain personal oversight of key financial outputs in a lean structure.
• Build financial capability within the team and across the wider organisation.
• Foster strong working relationships across departments.
• Contribute as an active and collaborative member of the SMT.

Skills, Competencies, Experience & Attributes

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

• At least 5 years' experience.
• Wide and extensive experience in a senior finance role, preferably in both charitable and commercial settings.
• Strong experience in budgeting, financial management and reporting.
• Experience of working in a hands-on role within a small or medium-sized organisation.
• Experience of managing people and delivering through a small team.
• Experience of operating at a senior level and contributing to organisational decision-making.
• Strong knowledge of Charities SORP and charity accounting requirements.

Skills & Knowledge Required:

• Ability to operate effectively at both strategic and operational levels.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Analytical, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
• Experience applying commercial thinking within a charity and social enterprise context.
• Ability to communicate complex financial issues to non-specialists.
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, often working to tight and multiple targets.
• Ability to support the bid writing team for business growth and development along with understanding of income-generating services and financial sustainability.
• Advanced Excel skills, with the ability to build and manipulate financial models, analyse data and produce clear and insightful reporting.
• Good general IT skills and experience with financial systems (QuickBooks, Sage payroll).

Personal Attributes:

• Collaborative and approachable leadership style.
• High level of integrity and accountability.
• Hands-on, pragmatic approach with attention to detail.
• Resilient and responsive in a dynamic environment.
• Strong commitment to SCDA’s mission and values.

Required Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (CIPFA/CIMA/FCA/ACA/ACCA) or DChA (Diploma in Charity Accounting)

Working locations

• Hybrid model, working in the Newhaven office and remotely

How to apply

• Along with your completed SCDA application form, outlining your suitability for the role addressing the job description and person specification, please submit an accompanying, up-to-date CV (also via [email protected])
• To be considered for this role, you will need to apply with an online application form and send it to [email protected]
• If you have any questions that you need to have answered before making an application, or you wish to arrange a suitable time to discuss the role in more detail with either the CEO or current FD, then please contact our HR team in the first instance on [email protected]. If you are interested in what you have read, then we look forward to hearing from you.

Interviews

• Interviews will be held in Newhaven.
• 1st stage interviews Wednesday 29th July 2026
• 2nd stage interviews w/c Monday 3rd August 2026

Policies

SCDA values diversity, and we want our workforce to reflect the communities we serve. We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We would be grateful if you could complete our short equality and diversity monitoring questionnaire. For information on how we manage applicant data, please see our Privacy Notice.

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