Director of Finance

The Earthshot Prize is the world’s most impactful and prestigious environmental award. At the heart of our mission is a simple equation: Urgency + Optimism = Action  

Inspired by President John F. Kennedy’s moonshot challenge, The Earthshot Prize is designed to mobilise a decade of action for the planet. We identify, celebrate, and back ambitious climate leadership from every corner of the globe. From Indigenous communities to city leaders, entrepreneurs to governments, they are all working to solve our planet’s greatest challenges.  

We focus on five key Earthshots: Clean Our Air, Fix Our Climate, Revive Our Oceans, Build a Waste-Free World, and Protect and Restore Nature. Each year, we select a group of 15 Finalists and award 5 of them £1M each to help advance or replicate their work and recognise their achievement and potential.  

The Earthshot Prize is about more than recognition, it’s the world’s most ambitious network connecting innovators, funders, businesses, and communities to back climate leaders and restore confidence in our ability to save the planet. 

About the job 

The Director of Finance is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational management of the organisation's financial function. Reporting directly to the CFOO, you will provide financial stewardship across the organisation, ensuring the integrity of all reporting, the strength of internal controls, and the quality of financial insight that supports the Board and Executive team in decision-making. 

Beyond the core finance function, you will act as a key partner to the CFOO across organisational operations, providing financial oversight to operational functions and deputising as required. You will be central to the organisation's governance, preparing and presenting papers for Finance, and other committees, and ensuring that financial and operational matters are well represented at every level of the governance structure. 

Key responsibilities  

Month-End & Financial Reporting 

• Month-End Process: Oversee the complete month-end close, ensuring all reconciliations are completed accurately and on schedule 
• Trial Balance Management: Review trial balances and ensure they are audit-ready, with all reconciling items documented and approved 
• Balance Sheet Reconciliations: Sign off on all balance sheet account reconciliations, validating supporting documentation and investigating variances 
• Management Accounts: Prepare detailed management accounts including income statement, balance sheet, and key financial metrics; provide variance analysis to budget and prior year 
• Timely Delivery: Ensure month-end deliverables are completed on a timely basis to support Executive reporting and decision-making 

Governance & Committee Support 

• Committee Papers: Support the CFOO on the drafting and coordinating of high-quality papers for the Finance Committee and Board of Trustees; ensure materials are accurate, clearly written, and delivered ahead of meetings 
• Board Reporting: Prepare financial and operational reports for board meetings, management team reviews, and key stakeholders; translate complex financial information into accessible insight for non-finance audiences 
• Governance Compliance: Ensure the organisation meets its obligations to the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies; maintain up-to-date awareness of relevant governance requirements 
• CFOO Support: Provide briefing materials, analysis, and strategic input to support the CFOO in governance forums and external relationships 

 Financial Leadership 

• CFOO Deputy: Deputise for the CFOO on finance and operational matters as required, representing the function at senior leadership forums and in external meetings 
• Operational Oversight: Provide financial oversight and strategic input to operational functions, including procurement, contract management, vendor relationships, and facilities; ensure sound financial controls are embedded across all operational spend 
• Cross-Functional Alignment: Work in close partnership with operational leadership to ensure coherence between financial planning and operational delivery; identify and resolve points of friction early 
• Process Improvement: Lead improvements to financial and operational processes, embedding efficiency, automation, and strong controls across the organisation 

 Budget, Planning & Analysis 

• Budget Development: Lead the development of annual budgets and financial forecasts; coordinate across departments to ensure a coherent and well-evidenced plan 
• Variance Analysis: Prepare regular budget vs. actual analysis and manage variance explanations across the organisation 
• Scenario Planning & Forecasting: Develop and maintain financial forecasts; support financial modelling and scenario analysis to inform strategic decisions and cash flow management 
• Financial Insights: Provide clear, actionable financial analysis and KPI reporting to support management and board decision-making 
• Cash Flow Management: Monitor and forecast cash flow; support liquidity planning and treasury decisions

Audit, Compliance and Controls 

• Accounting Systems: Maintain and optimise the accounting system, ensuring data integrity, robust access controls, and that all transactions are recorded in accordance with the SORP and organisational policies 
• External Audit Liaison: Serve as primary point of contact for external auditors; coordinate audit fieldwork, prepare requested schedules, and ensure records are audit-ready at all times 
• Audit Findings: Manage remediation of audit findings and recommendations; track implementation of corrective actions to completion 
• Tax & Returns: Support preparation of tax filings, charity returns, and other regulatory submissions; ensure ongoing compliance with Charity Commission requirements 

Organisational & Programme Support 

• Donor Reporting: Prepare financial reports for donors, funders, and grant-makers; ensure compliance with all donor reporting requirements 
• Prize Winner Reporting: Review financial information related to prize winners and prize distribution 
• Due Diligence Support: Prepare financial documentation and analysis for due diligence activities 
• Payroll: Oversee preparation of the monthly payroll 
• Stakeholder Support: Work with programme, HR, and operations teams to provide timely financial insights and responses to finance queries.

Candidate criteria 

Education: Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent professional qualification) 

Experience: Minimum 7 years of finance experience, with at least 3 years in a Director of Finance, Head of Finance, or equivalent senior leadership role. Experience of operational management or cross-functional leadership is a distinct advantage. 

Leadership 

Proven ability to lead and develop a finance team 

Confident working at director level and presenting to senior stakeholders 

Experience deputising for a C-suite leader or equivalent 

Track record of driving process improvement and embedding controls 

Technical Skills 

Advanced proficiency in accounting software (QuickBooks, NetSuite, Sage, or similar ERP) 

Expert-level Excel for financial analysis and reporting 

Proficiency with FP&A tools preferred 

Comfortable using AI tools to enhance financial analysis, reporting workflows, and operational efficiency 

Knowledge 

Strong understanding of nonprofit accounting principles and SORP 

Sound knowledge of audit processes and external audit coordination 

Familiarity with charity tax, regulatory submissions, and compliance obligations