Interim Head of Finance & Operations
Hours: Full time 35 hours a week
Term: Six months fixed-term contract
Salary: £60,000 per annum
Location: Home-based with some travel to meetings in South East England
Closing date: Midnight 4 February 2026
Interview date: w/c 9 February 2026
Download th full job description
Action Medical Research is the leading UK-wide charity dedicated to funding vital research to help sick babies and children. We’re on a mission to save and change children’s lives through medical research, developing treatments, vaccinations and cures. A UK-wide charity, we’ve been funding medical breakthroughs for over 70 years, helping to beat polio, fight meningitis, prevent stillbirths and develop ultrasound scanning in pregnancy. Our work is now needed more than ever. To help achieve this, we are seeking to recruit an experienced Interim Head of Finance & Operations to provide strong financial and operational leadership during a key transition period.
Reporting to the Interim CEO, you will ensure robust financial management, effective governance, and organisational resilience. You will lead the finance function, overseeing budget monitoring, forecasting, management accounts, financial modelling, and compliance, while working closely with senior leaders to support income generation, grant management, and strategic decision-making. Alongside this, you will oversee core operational functions, including assisting with company secretarial duties, contracts management, data protection, and business continuity planning.
You will be a fully qualified CCAB accountant with significant senior finance leadership experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector, strong governance knowledge, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach. Experience of leading teams, working with auditors and suppliers, and supporting fundraising activity is essential.
Applications should be by CV with a supporting statement showing how you meet the skills and experience in the person specification. These should be sent to bsheridan@action.org.uk by midnight on 4 February but you are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis and we will close the role before the closing date should a suitable applicant be found. If you have not heard from us by 9 February then unfortunately you have not been shortlisted.
First interviews will be held w/c 9 February.
Benefits include 25 days annual leave per annum and a Group Flexible Retirement Plan.