Job Title

Chief Financial Officer (Volunteer)

Job Type

Volunteer

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic financial leadership for the Independent Federation for Safeguarding (IFS), ensuring financial sustainability, effective stewardship of resources, robust financial governance, and compliance with charity, regulatory, and accounting requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and implement the organisation's financial strategy.
Advise the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior leadership team on financial matters.
Support long-term organisational planning and sustainability.
Contribute to strategic decision-making and risk management.

Financial Management

Lead annual budgeting and forecasting processes.
Monitor financial performance against budgets and strategic objectives.
Ensure effective financial controls and reporting systems.
Oversee cash flow management and investment strategies.

Governance and Compliance

Ensure compliance with charity law, financial regulations, and accounting standards.
Lead preparation of statutory accounts and annual reports.
Manage external audits and regulatory reporting.
Maintain robust financial policies and procedures.

Risk Management

Identify and mitigate financial risks.
Develop financial contingency and resilience plans.
Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements are maintained.

Leadership and Management

Lead and develop the finance function.
Promote financial awareness across the organisation.
Build strong relationships with trustees, funders, auditors, and regulators.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

Senior financial leadership experience.
Budget management and financial planning experience.
Experience of governance and compliance responsibilities.
Experience producing statutory accounts and managing audits.
Experience managing teams and developing staff.

Essential Knowledge

Financial reporting standards.
Risk management and internal controls.
Strategic financial planning.

Essential Skills

Strategic thinking and commercial awareness.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Strong communication and influencing skills.
Leadership and people management.
High levels of integrity and attention to detail.

Desirable

Experience within the charity, safeguarding, public, or not-for-profit sectors.
Experience working with trustees and governance boards.
Knowledge of UK charity finance and governance.
Knowledge of grant-funded programmes and restricted funding.
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)
Evidence of continuing professional development.

Additional Requirements

Right to work in the United Kingdom.
Ability to work remotely with access to suitable broadband and IT equipment.
Willingness to undertake relevant training and development.

About IfS

The Independent Federation for Safeguarding (IfS) is a professional body dedicated to empowering those who protect children and vulnerable adults. We exist to ensure every individual with safeguarding responsibilities—particularly Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs) and their teams—has the knowledge, skills, and community support they need.

Safeguarding Statement

The Independent Federation for Safeguarding is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. All staff are expected to share this commitment and to work in accordance with the organisation's safeguarding policies and procedures.

Equal Opportunities

The Independent Federation for Safeguarding is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

How to Apply

To apply for this role, please submit:

• A current CV detailing your qualifications and experience

• A supporting statement (maximum two sides of A4) demonstrating how you meet the person specification and expressing your willingness to volunteer.

Applications should be submitted by 8 July 2026 to info@ifs-safeguarding.co.uk

Independent Federation for Safeguarding

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Chief Financial Officer (Volunteer)