Head of finance - Sense International

Job Description

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced and strategic finance leader to join Sense International as our Head of Finance.

This is a full time, permanent position working from our Birmingham office on a hybrid basis.

This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the financial management, reporting and compliance of Sense International across both our UK operations and international programmes. Working closely with the Chief Executive of Sense International, the Director of Finance at Sense and senior leaders across the organisation, will provide expert financial leadership that supports informed decision-making and enables us to enhance our global impact.

Key Responsibilities

Lead Financial Strategy and Reporting

• Oversee the financial management and day-to-day finance operations of Sense International.
• Produce accurate management accounts, consolidated financial reports and statutory accounts.
• Provide financial insight and reporting to the Executive Team, Board and Committees.
• Lead the annual audit process and work closely with external auditors.
• Ensure high-quality financial reporting for institutional donors and funding partners.

Budgeting, Planning and Performance

• Lead annual budgeting, forecasting and business planning across UK and international operations.
• Support country teams with budget development, financial planning and forecasting.
• Produce cash flow forecasts, financial analysis and business cases to support strategic decision-making.
• Monitor financial performance, identify risks and opportunities, and recommend actions to improve sustainability.

Lead and Develop Finance Teams

• Provide leadership, coaching and support to UK-based finance staff and international finance colleagues.
• Build strong financial capability across the organisation through advice, guidance and training.
• Contribute as a member of both the Sense Finance Management Team and the Sense International Executive Team.

Governance, Compliance and Risk

• Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards, donor regulations and statutory requirements.
• Oversee financial controls, policies and procedures across UK and international operations.
• Support internal and external audits and strengthen financial governance across country programmes.
• Lead on fraud prevention, financial risk management and continuous improvement initiatives.

Build Strong Partnerships

• Develop trusted relationships with colleagues across Sense UK, Sense International and overseas country programmes.
• Work closely with programme, fundraising and operational teams to provide strategic financial advice.
• Support international financial operations, including overseas transfers, foreign exchange management and donor compliance.

About You

You’ll be a qualified finance professional with significant leadership experience and a passion for using financial expertise to support international development and social impact.

You’ll bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Significant senior‑level finance experience within the charity sector, ideally with international operations.
• Experience producing management accounts, statutory accounts and consolidated financial reporting.
• Strong knowledge of charity accounting (SORP), financial governance and compliance.
• Experience managing donor‑funded income and financial reporting for institutional funders.
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting and financial planning within a complex organisation.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at Executive and Board level.
• Strong analytical skills and confidence interpreting complex financial information.
• A collaborative approach and commitment to developing high‑performing teams.

Desirable

• Experience working with overseas programmes or international NGOs.
• Knowledge of foreign exchange accounting and international financial operations.
• Experience using SUN accounting systems.
• Understanding of charity VAT, Gift Aid and grant compliance.

Our Values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers:

• We’re creating change
• We’re always learning
• We’re better together

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone’s contribution is valued and we ensure they’re given the opportunity to realise their potential.

We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/

Closing Date

23/08/2026

Sense

101 Pentonville Road

London N1 9LG

750 Bristol Road

Birmingham B29 6NA

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