Fractional Finance Director

To deliver the high ambition policy we need to tackle climate change, we have to broaden and preserve consensus on action. Pathways works with local experts to co-design strategy, launch new initiatives and create conditions that favour action on climate.

About this Role

We are seeking an experienced Finance Director to join us on a fractional basis, to lead on end to end financial management of our growing UK based non-profit.

The Finance Director will provide both high-level strategic vision and leadership, as well as day-to-day management of our internal finance function and reports to the Director of Operations. 

This is an excellent opportunity for a senior finance professional seeking a flexible, high-impact role within a growing organisation doing meaningful work at scale.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the development and maintenance of multi-year financial forecasts and financial modelling to support strategic decision-making
• Implement and manage upgraded financial management systems, based on current and future-trajectory financial needs
• Advise the Operations and Executive Directors and board on financial strategy, risk, and sustainability
• Develop and implement financial policies and procedures appropriate to the organisation's scale and complexity, including policies on overhead rates, delegation of authority, and reserve and currency management
• Present clear, timely financial information to the leadership team (and at times to the Board of Directors) to support governance and operational decisions

Financial Reporting and Compliance

• Oversee the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts
• Lead the annual statutory accounts process in compliance with the Companies Act 2006 
• Manage the external audit process and act as the primary point of contact for auditors
• Ensure compliance with all UK tax obligations, including corporation tax, VAT (if applicable), and PAYE/payroll taxes in coordination with payroll providers
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial records across all funds, grants, and projects

Grant and Fund Management

• Oversee the financial management of a complex multi-funder grant portfolio, including restricted and unrestricted funds
• Develop and review budgets for grant proposals, ensuring compliance with funder requirements including overhead/indirect cost policies and pass-through fund management
• Prepare donor financial reports and ensure timely, accurate reporting to all funders
• Manage financial due diligence and reporting requirements for sub-grants and partner organisations

Cash Flow and Treasury

• Manage organisational cash flow, ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet operational and programmatic obligations
• Support organisation in developing a healthy reserves approach and funds
• Monitor foreign currency exposure and advise on risk mitigation where relevant

Team Management and Capacity Building

• Support the Operations Manager to deliver financial management workstreams and mentor them to develop further financial management skills, providing structured support and feedback
• Identify training and development opportunities for the Operations Manager and support progression
• Foster a culture of financial literacy and accountability across the organisation

Governance and Board Support

• Prepare board-level financial reports, including management accounts, budget vs. actuals, and forecast updates, and attend board meetings as required
• Ensure the board has the financial information needed to fulfil its legal and fiduciary responsibilities as directors of a UK company limited by guarantee

• Must live in and work from a +/- 3 hours to GMT timezone
• Significant experience in a senior finance role within the UK non-profit sector, including experience with companies limited by guarantee
• Strong working knowledge of UK non-profit and CLG financial reporting standards
• Benefit if you have some Charity SORP, FRS 102 experience as well, but not entirely required
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-funder grant portfolios, including restricted funds and pass-through grants
• Experience preparing and presenting financial reports to boards and non-financial audiences
• Demonstrated ability to develop multi-year financial forecasts and scenario models.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior finance or operations staff
• High level of personal integrity and commitment to financial transparency and accountability
• Alignment with our mission and ready to think outside the box on how we advance climate policy progress

• Contract type: Fixed-term, 12 months (with possibility of extension subject to funding and organisational need)
• Maximum daily rate of £700 
• Hours: Equivalent of 60% time /// 3 days per week

Working with us

Pathways is an equal opportunity employer, committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and without discrimination. 

We are building a dynamic, entrepreneurial and collaborative workplace. We foster a trust-based environment where diverse thoughts and perspectives are not only encouraged but essential to our success. 

Our small, but growing global team is united by a shared commitment to our mission, and we support each member to find the balance they need to excel both personally and professionally. While we work remotely, we recognise the importance of connection and collaboration. 

With Pathways, you will have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to our mission, in your own unique way, together with a team of highly experienced political and climate strategists who are dedicated to making a real difference in the world.

To Apply

• Please upload your resume and answer the 3 questions (in lieu of a cover letter)
• All applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
• Deadline to apply is Monday, July 13th, 2026