Mackie Myers
Head of Finance and Operations

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Summary
An exciting opportunity for a hands-on Head of Finance & Operations to join Design Council, leading finance, business partnering, systems, Systems and operational excellence across a purpose-driven organisation. Ideal for an ambitious professional with experience of both finance and business operations within a dynamic and fast-paced workplace.
Our Client
The Design Council is the UK's national champion for design, helping organisations, communities and government harness the power of design to create positive change. A Royal Chartered charity with a team of around 30 employees, it is committed to making life better by design and supporting a more sustainable future.
The Role
Reporting to the COO, the Head of Finance & Operations will play a pivotal role in supporting organisational strategy, financial sustainability, and operational effectiveness.
- Lead the finance function
- Manage systems, IT suppliers, and operational infrastructure
- Deliver insightful reporting, forecasting, and business partnering
- Drive process improvement, controls, and risk management
- Manage and develop key finance and operations staff
- Member of the senior management team, business partnering with all departments and being the key point of contact for finance, IT, and operations
Main Duties
The role offers a broad remit across finance, operations, systems, and organisational leadership.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
- Own budgeting, forecasting, cashflow, and financial reporting
- Partner with budget holders to improve performance and decision-making
- Lead management of Business Central and related systems, IT, and office services
- Custodian of IT landscape, ensuring fit-for-purpose systems and optimising application use and licensing
- Support governance, compliance, procurement, and risk management
- Manage external providers including payroll, bookkeeping
- Member of the senior leadership team (SMT), and line manager of Senior Finance Manager (part-time) and Senior Operations & Special Projects Manager
- Working with the Chief Operating Officer to develop and implement strategy
The Successful Candidate
- Part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent) or qualified by experience
- Proven experience in an operations role managing functions that sit outside of finance.
- Strong business partnering, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting skills
- Experience of designing and implementing systems, and managing user / access requirements and navigating various data architectures
- A proactive, commercially minded individual who enjoys working in a hands-on environment and supporting organisational growth and impact
- Understanding of charity-specific policies & procedures, including Data Protection, Financial Regulations, SORP, IT & Governance Frameworks, and Health & Safety


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What’s on Offer?
- Salary of £57,000 - £65,000 per annum
- Hybrid working with offices in Central London (Clerkenwell) - 2 days in the office
- Opportunity to join a collaborative and mission-led organisation with a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and positive social impact
- Broad leadership role with significant visibility across the organisation and the opportunity to shape strategy, systems, and operational excellence
- Supportive and values-led culture centred around curiosity, collaboration, and driving meaningful change
- 28 annual leave days pro rata (plus ability to buy up to 5 additional days)
- 2 additional days for Christmas closure and Birthday day off
- 5% employer pension contribution (up to 7.5% if matched)
- Private healthcare insurance through BUPA
- Hybrid working policy (working in our office at least 2 days per week)
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
We believe that diverse teams drive innovation and success. That's why we're committed to promoting equality of opportunity and creating inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively seek out talent from all backgrounds and strive to reflect the rich diversity of the global workforce in every role we recruit for.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Location