Job Description

Job description
Spotlight on Corruption has an exciting opportunity for someone who identifies with Spotlight's core mission of fighting corruption to join us in a critical role. We are looking for a highly numerate, super efficient, and enthusiastic

Head of Finance and Operations

with excellent budgeting skills, and strong people skills, who will be a core part of our senior management team.


Deadline for applications is 23.30 on Sunday 17th August

About Spotlight

Spotlight on Corruption is a small team with outsized impact that shines a light on the UK's role in corruption at home and abroad.


We build the evidence base for reform through investigative research and extensive engagement with experts and frontline staff, and act as policy entrepreneurs, developing innovative and pragmatic solutions. We disseminate our work through hard-hitting reports and briefings for decision-makers and the general public and follow through with dogged advocacy to shape the narrative, as well as working in a highly collaborative manner to build consensus for reform.


The charity's staff and budget has grown significantly in the last five years. In addition to this role, the current team consists of an Executive Director, Deputy Director, Senior Policy & Campaign Lead, Senior Advocacy Adviser, Senior Communications Advisor, and Senior Policy Researcher. We anticipate that a Senior Fundraiser and a Legal Researcher will join the team in the next few months.

What we are looking for

We are looking to recruit an experienced individual with a strong background in financial management, strategic planning and operational management, to play a central role within our small but dynamic team. The role involves helping the organisation implement our strategic plan and ensure our financial sustainability, as well as developing and overseeing the smooth running of our internal systems and processes, including our governance.


This is a busy and varied role which involves working closely with the Executive Director and other senior staff, leading on all aspects of financial management, governance and HR, line managing Spotlight's senior fundraiser, and helping with operational delivery and administration.


We are looking for an all-rounder with excellent financial skills, who will be able to support the implementation of Spotlight's future growth and organisational development, ensuring we have in place the right policies and processes, help us meet our donors' requirements, and trouble-shoot operational issues for our team.


Spotlight on Corruption is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where all staff feel respected and valued. We conduct anonymous long-listing to help promote fairness and diversity, and encourage candidates from different backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Key responsibilities:

The Head of Finance and Operations will:


Ensure that senior management and the Board can make strategic decisions on budgeting and organisational development by providing strong advice on finance and governance Maintain effective budgeting and financial management processes, manage our restricted and unrestricted funding, lead on the year-end accounts and ensure that we meet our statutory reporting requirements Line manage Spotlight's senior fundraiser and manage relationships with operational consultants (bookkeeper / payroll provider, IT provider and HR consultant) Lead on the financial aspects of grant management including writing and monitoring project budgets, optimising grant terms and conditions for Spotlight, and contributing to our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning processes Support operational implementation across the organisation, including smooth day to day management of the administrative needs of the team With the support of the HR consultant, ensure that key aspects of HR such as recruitment, induction, appraisals, staff development and pay reviews are conducted effectively and that Spotlight has in place and implements appropriate people policies Ensure we meet our obligations as a charitable company, and facilitate the effective governance of the organisation through close liaison with the Board and management and administration of Board affairs

Person specification - Essential:

Previous work experience in a finance and operations management role, and an ability to apply it to a small charity like Spotlight Demonstrable ability to produce appropriate organisational (700k+) and project-level budgets, provide strategic financial analysis and advice, and oversee the meeting of statutory reporting requirements Clear ability to manage and make the most of grant opportunities, including optimising grant application budgets, and managing restricted and unrestricted funds Demonstrable ability to provide wide-ranging operational support including preparing and managing contracts Experience of working closely with a Board on governance and strategic delivery Proven track record of working across a range of finance and operations tasks in a busy and fast-moving environment Highly organised with the ability to plan, prioritise and manage deadlines, with high standards and an acute eye for detail Demonstrable interpersonal skills and a track record of strong team working skills and managing a large workload independently Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, with the ability to communicate complex financial and operational information clearly IT proficiency and knowledge of CRM systems (Spotlight uses Beacon CRM) A commitment to fighting corruption Automatic right to work in the UK

Person specification - Desirable:

Knowledge of charity audit processes Experience of supporting organisational development during a period of growth Experience of line management and/or working with HR, finance or IT consultants Experience of working with a fundraiser

Working arrangements:

Full-time or 4 days a week (35 or 28 hours) subject to discussion with the suitable candidate. 30 days of annual leave plus public holidays (pro rata if part-time). Remote working from home required, with regular meetings in London. Flexible working, including a nine-day fortnight.

Responsible to

: Executive Director

Start date

: Beginning of January 2026