Senior Finance Manager

About the role

Sitting within the Finance and Operations team and reporting to the Head of Finance & Operations, the Senior Finance Manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring the organisation’s financial integrity and health. An exciting mix of management accounting, business partnering, financial analysis and process improvement, this hands-on role oversees the full financial cycle of the Design Council — from managing day-to-day processes and payments to delivering accurate financial reporting, insightful analysis and supporting programme delivery and strategic decision-making.​

Working closely with internal budget holders and programme managers, external accountants and other service partners, the Senior Finance Manager ensures sound financial planning, robust controls and clear, timely reporting that drives transparency and accountability across the organisation. ​

They will be proactive in identifying opportunities for continuous improvement of financial processes and systems, utilising technology and data in supporting efficiency and transparency in everything we do.​

The Senior Finance Manager is a confident, detail-focused finance professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys both the technical and collaborative aspects of financial management. They will bring strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a proactive and creative approach to problem-solving and managing data and systems.

About you

The role requires a hands-on, flexible financial professional, used to working in a fast-paced dynamic environment and willing to learn and grow in the role. ​

You are confident managing the broad range of finance-related activities within a small charity and understand the power of data to support business decision-making and organisational outcomes. ​

You are tech-savvy, and confident working with systems and manipulating datasets to generate insights and drive action.​

You understand the importance of maintaining robust financial controls as well as timely and accurate management information.​

You are an experienced business partner with the ability to drive financial engagement across the organisation. You are also organised and confident delivering process improvement and service quality both individually and through external partners.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified or part-qualified finance professional eg AAT/CIMA/ACCA/ACA/CIPFA.​
• Experienced finance business partner, with proven track record of providing quality finance support and advice to colleagues, particularly non-finance colleagues.​
• Excellent financial accounting and reporting knowledge including UK charity SORP, accounting for grants, charity VAT rules and unrestricted vs restricted funds.​
• Confident user of accounting software packages and working digitally, preferably with working experience of Microsoft Business Central.​
• Confident and effective at delivering quality outcomes through external service partners.​
• Experience of improving and developing systems and processes.​
• Experience of maintaining a robust financial control environment.​
• Experience of working with auditors and other external advisors such as tax and legal.​
• Broad understanding current audit, tax, treasury and other regulatory requirements.​
• Confident user of MS Excel and preferably also PowerBI.

Our values and behaviours

• Boundless Curiosity. Dynamic scoping of new ideas and best working practices to create and demonstrate impact. 
• Inspire Possibility. Brilliant team and project leadership so we clearly communicate the value and impact of design. 
• Powerful Together. Role modelling how to get the best out of everyone so we all maximise our contribution to Design for Planet.

Corporate responsibilities

• Proactively identify and manage risks and financial controls in relation to the Design Council and your specific area of responsibility.
• Comply with the Design Council’s operational policies and procedures including financial and risk management, project management and evaluation processes, brand guidelines, GDPR, information security and internal health and safety policy.

Apply now

Apply for the role with your CV and covering letter:

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Download the candidate pack

The closing date for all applications to be received is 22 April 2026.​

The Design Council is fully committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation.  We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria.  If you need any additional support, please do send in an early alert to our email address below.​​

Further questions can be directed to Ishbel Allotey, Head of HR at the following email address: recruitment@designcouncil.org.uk but please note that submissions must be made via the link above. ​​