Head of Finance

About the DEC

The DEC is made up of 15 member charities who are experts in humanitarian aid and specialise in different areas of disaster response. They come together to speak in one voice and make fundraising more efficient when we launch an appeal. Our members fund our running costs, and we give them back the money we raise in our appeals to carry out their vital work.

About the Role

You will hold an integral role at the DEC for accurately and efficiently managing DEC s accounting function, ensuring compliance with charity and donor regulations. You will oversee budgeting, grant management, and donor reporting with transparency and accuracy. You will provide financial insights to support cross organisational projects and program delivery and hold a key role in developing and implementing financial strategies that align with our vision and strategic planning.

About You

You will be a confident communicator, who can engage with diverse internal & external stakeholders, including funders and partners, creating a collaborative approach to meet varying commitments. You must be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with senior finance leadership experience in the non-profit or NGO sector and demonstrate strong understanding of charity accounting standards and donor compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Processes

Ensure accurate income/expenditure recording, bank reconciliations, and daily donation processing.

Manage monthly accounting routines, prepare management accounts, and lead budget/forecast

reviews.

Coordinate annual and strategic budgeting, financial reporting, and analysis.

Oversee income reconciliation across multiple streams and liaise with fundraising teams.

Review and process drawdown payments to member agencies.

Maintain and update accounting systems and support procurement processes.

Financial Controls

Lead annual accounts preparation and audits; ensure regulatory compliance.

Manage pension schedules and benefits compliance.

Ensure tax compliance (VAT, Corporation Tax, Employment Taxes).

Audit gift aid claims and maintain robust financial control environment.

Update financial policies, procedures, and systems, support due diligence standards.

Financial Analysis & Reporting

Oversee appeal finances, income tracking, and fund allocation.

Coordinate governance processes (e.g., Indicator of Capacity) with member agencies.

Monitor legacy income and liaise with fundraising/legal teams.

Deliver annual report and accounts; produce reports for executive team and committees.

Leadership & Team Management

Deputise for the Director of Finance and Resources.

Prepare papers for finance committees and membership groups.

Oversee finance team members and provide leadership support.

The DEC is an equal opportunities employer and provides opportunities to learn and grow in an inclusive, supportive, and productive environment. We encourage applications from anyone who can meet the criteria, regardless of gender, race, age, disability, sexuality, or religion.

What We Offer

• Flexible working hours (outside of appeal periods)
• Hybrid working model (includes mandatory office days during appeals)
• 25 days annual leave, increasing with service
• Healthcare Cash Plan (value £1,660/year)
• Pension contribution (3%, rising to 8% post-probation)
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Discounted access for: Gym clubs, Retailers, Theatre tickets.
• Season travel ticket and hardship loans (post-probation)
• Cycle to Work and Car schemes (salary sacrifice)