Financial Director/ Senior Finance Manager

Institute of Imagination

Are you a wizard with numbers? A maestro of budgets? The kind of person who hears the word reconciliation and feels excited? Well then, you might just be the magical human we need.

We re seeking a strategic, and financially-savvy senior finance manager or director to lead and oversee all aspects of charity financial management. This role works closely with the CEO, is a Senior Leadership Team member, and focuses on securing the resources we need to realise our bold vision for children and families.

About us

Welcome to the Institute of Imagination (iOi), where we believe imagination is the superpower of the 21st Century. We collaborate with children, parents, teachers, academics, and community leaders on research and designing and delivering creative learning experiences across STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Our mission focuses on supporting children from underserved communities by breaking down barriers, empowering their voices, and giving them access to transformative opportunities and essential skills for whatever their future holds. We believe every child can imagine and achieve their fullest potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all aspects of financial planning, budgeting, reporting, and cash flow.
• Develop and implement financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks aligned with UK charity and tax legislation.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts, management reports, and statutory accounts.
• Work closely with the CEO on commercial deal-making and closing partnerships.
• Lead business modelling and strategic financial planning.
• Support internal reporting to the Board and Finance Committee.
• Oversee risk management including insurance, data protection, IT systems, and the risk register.
• Collaborate with bookkeeper and oversee financial record-keeping.
• Liaise on client and partnership contracts and ensure strong governance in financial matters.
• Annual Audit and Annual Report (submission to Companies House and The Charity Commission)

Key Internal Relationships

• Chief Executive
• Bookkeeper
• Senior Leadership Team
• Chair and Vice-Chair
• Chair of Finance Committee

Key External Relationships

• Auditors, lawyers, accountants, and Coutts (bank)
• HMRC, Charities Commission, Fundraising Regulator
• Donors and commercial partners
• Professional membership bodies

Person Specification

We re looking for someone who aligns with the values and mission of iOi and brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on operational experience. This role may suit someone with a portfolio career, working across charity, consultancy, or social enterprise sectors.

• Proven experience managing the finances of an SME (charity or commercial), including reporting and advising senior leadership.
• Track record in income generation and developing enterprise strategies.
• Strong background in business planning, modelling and commercial viability assessment.
• Experience of managing organisational risk, contracts and supplier relationships.
• Skilled at working with Boards, Trustees, or Non-Executive Directors.
• Able to operate comfortably at both strategic and operational levels.
• Knowledge of charity financial management and regulatory reporting.
• Understanding of commercial trading within a charitable context.
• Experience in scaling or supporting start-up or early-stage organisations.