Working in Finance for a Charity - Post 1#

By Rob Hayter,
Director, TPP Not for Profit and Chairman, National Childbirth Trust

Rob specialises in recruiting at a senior level in the not-for-profit, charity, voluntary and public sectors. Rob has recruited to senior local government posts including two large-scale, multi-vacancy campaigns. He is currently leading the growth and development of the executive division at TPP Not for Profit, a specialist, national third sector recruitment consultancy. Rob Hayter was appointed as a trustee of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) in June 2008, chair from June 2010. 

Why work as an accountant in  the Charity sector ?

There are currently over 180,000 registered charities in Britain; all of whom are in need of financial support, in one form or another.  As is the case with any other organization, a charity too needs a strong financial and technical infrastructure, with a high calibre of staff to help increase the organisation’s efficiency and effectiveness.  Consequently, there is a constant flow of finance opportunities and a demand for accountants who have a genuine interest in the charity sector.

Many finance professionals who work in the charity sector list  job satisfaction, a good work life balance and the chance to give something back to society among the top perks that keep them motivated and happy in their roles. The Charity sector includes a wide range of organisations with different working environments, some of which can be just as demanding and fast paced as the commercial sector. This sector requires dedicated accountants who are seeking recognition for their work and would like to see their achievements make a difference to the organisation.

The charity sector (also called the third or not for profit sector) encompasses a large number of organisations, ranging from relatively small to large established international NGOs (Non-governmental Organisations).  These often include universities, schools and voluntary organisations, the majority of which are registered with the Charity Commission.  Organisations in the charity sector are separate from business and government and do not distribute their profits to shareholders.  A charity’s main aim is to carry out activities that are beneficial to the public, and many major charities have become well known public names. If you’d like to know more about salary ranges within the financial department of charitable organizations, watch this space for Working in Finance for a Charity POST 2#

Note to editors:

TPP Not for Profit has over 14 years of experience of providing a wide range of specialist recruitment services to organisations in the third and not for profit sectors. TPP has eight distinct divisions: Fundraising & Development; HR, Learning & Development; Senior Appointments; Marketing & Communications; Office & Specialist Support; Finance, & Accountancy; Medical & Social Care and Education & Training - covering a wide range of roles at all levels - both temporary and permanent.