Interim Director of Finance

About this role

Farm Africa is recruiting an Interim Director of Finance on a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months, potentially extending to 18, as the charity prepares its next four-year strategy. The post holder oversees day-to-day finance operations, maintains robust controls and reporting, and leads the December year-end and annual audit, which may be the first conducted with a new audit partner. Working closely with the Chief Executive, the role produces timely reporting for the Board and its committees, translating figures into clear risks and recommendations, and directs budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial planning across UK and international operations. It also stabilises a finance team that has recently seen changes in personnel, works with fundraising colleagues on unrestricted income, and partners with the Programme Director on delivery.

The Interim Director further reviews systems and structures to strengthen the finance function and long-term sustainability. Applicants must hold a recognised accountancy qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA, with significant senior finance experience, ideally in an international development charity or grant-funded organisation. Experience of statutory reporting, year-end processes, robust controls, regulatory compliance, Board reporting and leading finance teams through change is essential, as are strong analytical and modelling skills. Experience working across Africa is particularly advantageous, as is knowledge of restricted and unrestricted funding, institutional donors and multi-country programme delivery.

Farm Africa is a development charity founded in 1985 that works on sustainable agriculture, environmental protection and rural business development across Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The post is based in London with about two days a week in the office and travel to East Africa once or twice a year, paying 85,000 to 93,000 pounds. Interviews are expected in the week commencing 2 November, and the successful candidate should be able to start by early December. Applications close on 1 November 2026.