Head of Finance

Organisation: Global Rugby Players Foundation
Salary: £60,000 pro rata
Location: This role is home based
Contract type: Permanent (Part time)
Closing date: 21 September 2025
Interview date: 29 September 2025
Job Description: Head of Finance, Global Rugby Players Foundation
Candidate Brief and Job Description

Who We Are
The Global Rugby Players Foundation is a registered charity set up to support players’ smooth transition into their life beyond the game. The Foundation has been created by our eleven Founders (Alicia Lucas, Conrad Smith, Census Johnston, Dan Carter, Jonny Wilkinson, Kristine Sommer, Richie McCaw, Rachel Burford, Sharni Williams, Siya Kolisi and Thierry Dusautoir), in partnership with World Rugby and International Rugby Players.

Our Ambition
By the players, for the players; the Global Rugby Players Foundation seeks to empower rugby players, who shaped and contributed to the success of our sport, to achieve their full potential beyond the game. It sets out to reframe the perception of leaving the game as a positive challenge and an opportunity to forge new careers, build new connections and expand players’ identity.

Our Purpose
• Support players in navigating their transition from rugby while empowering them to face the challenges associated with the loss of identity that accompanies leaving the game.
• Promote the physical, mental, and social wellbeing of players after rugby, by offering comprehensive support services and proactive mental health programmes.
• Prevent the social exclusion of the most vulnerable players, including those facing challenges such as unemployment, financial difficulties, physical or mental illness, substance abuse, or dependencies, by providing necessary support and resources.
• Encourage players to use their capacity as role models to create positive change in their communities.
• Advocate the importance of supporting players throughout their entire life, and not just their playing careers.

Our Services
In line with our ambition, we aim to provide local solutions to the global challenges faced by players after leaving the professional game. This transition can be a challenging and transformative time in their lives as they move from the structured routines and intense competition to a new phase that often involves finding new purpose, ways of living, interests and identities. The Foundation will deliver programmes of support across five pillars providing much needed support to players based on their own needs and priorities, regardless of location.

1. On The Ground Funding is provided to RPAs or trusted partners to develop programmes of support, tailored to local needs.
2. Central Programmes allow us to develop and deliver programmes centrally to support all players across the globe. The recent launch of our online learning platform is just the beginning of our central provision.
3. Coaching in areas such as career and business will be delivered individually or in groups, supporting players to define their future.
4. Community will be fostered via a bespoke app in addition to promoting face-to-face connection. In addition, we will provide opportunities for training to develop mentorship skills to support player mentorship programmes.
5. Partnerships with sponsors and third parties to fund, develop and deliver programmes or opportunities to former players are essential to the success of the Foundation.

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Job Title: Head of Finance
Reports to: Director of Operations and Business Development
Location: Home Based
Salary: £60,000 pro rata
Hours: Part Time - 2 days per week (or equivalent)
Contract: Permanent
Start date: ASAP

Role Overview
The Head of Finance is a standalone role and will be the organisation’s go-to expert on finance and accounting compliance.

As our senior financial officer, you shall provide direct financial support and challenge to the Chief Executive and Board, ensuring the Foundation has the financial resilience, insight, and systems to achieve rapid international growth. Operationally, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and control of the Foundation’s finances, this includes leading on financial advice, process, strategy, compliance, reporting, and operational finance.

This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with inspiring founders and world-class athletes and high-level leaders. You’ll be part of a dynamic team that is passionate about driving positive change.

Flexible and home working arrangements provide the balance you need, whilst you contribute to a cause that truly matters.

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Leadership
● To act as the senior financial adviser to the CEO and Board providing financial insight and analysis to inform strategic decision-making.
● To create and lead a fit-for-purpose finance function, designing systems and controls that reflect the needs of a scaling international charity.
● To provide robust analysis and modelling to guide strategy, investment decisions, and international growth.
● To support the CEO in preparing funding proposals and grant applications with accurate financial data.
Operations & Reporting
● To manage day-to-day transactions and all core finance functions, including payroll, cashflow, reconciliations, and statutory accounts.
● To prepare accurate and timely monthly and quarterly management accounts, forecasts, and financial reports for the CEO and the Audit, Governance & Risk Committee.
● To maintain accurate financial records in line with accounting standards and organisational policies.
● To manage cash flow and ensure appropriate reserves are maintained.

Compliance & Governance

● To ensure compliance with UK charity accounting standards, tax requirements, and funding agreements.
● To manage multi-currency transactions and oversee international financial compliance, where relevant.
● To lead on the annual audit, ensuring transparency and accountability.
● To maintain effective internal controls and risk management processes.
● To ensure an effective external audit process is in place with regular reporting to the Board.
● To assist with monitoring and reporting on grant/project budgets to funders

Support for Growth

● To partner with fundraising and partnerships teams to develop budgets, provide financial data for bids, and ensure sound stewardship of funds.
● To prepare the organisation for income growth, scaling from start-up to multi-million-pound turnover.

The Ideal Candidate

Experience

● Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).
● Substantial experience in a standalone and senior finance position preferably in a charity, start-up, or growth-stage organisation.
● Strong technical knowledge of charity accounting and financial compliance.
● Experience of international and multi-currency financial management.
● Proven track record of building systems and functions from scratch.
● Experience of working collaboratively with others from a remote base.

Skills and Abilities

● Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and month-end processes.
● Excellent communicator, able to translate finance for non-financial audiences to influence at Board level.
● Entrepreneurial and proactive, comfortable leading in a start-up environment.
● Strong business acumen and ability to strategise and solve problems.
● Independent, confident, and able to act as the sole senior finance voice.
● Integrity-driven, with a commitment to accountability and transparency.
● Flexible and collaborative, with the ability to operate across cultures and jurisdictions.

Equality and Diversity

● At GPRF we champion diversity and inclusivity in our workforce and values, and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
● We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments candidates may need during the recruitment process and will ask whether you require any during the recruitment process at the application stage.

Reasonable Adjustments

We will endeavour to make any reasonable adjustments that are necessary to support applicants during the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any of the following adjustments during the recruitment process:

● Extra time during tasks or video applications.
● Assistance if the test or assessment is on a computer, such as closed captions
● Option to interview without the camera on
● Sharing interview questions on screen (or on paper if interviewing in person)
● Have an accessible car parking space reserved.
● Hold the interview at a specific time of day (please suggest during the application stage).
● A British Sign Language interpreter.
● Anything else (please describe during the application stage).

Working Conditions

We do not have a central office and our workforce is remote. This role is fully remote; therefore you must be comfortable leading and working effectively as part of a virtual team.

What We Offer

● A senior standalone role at the heart of a new, high-profile international foundation.
● The opportunity to design and lead the finance function from the ground up.
● A dynamic, mission-driven environment with global reach.
● Flexible remote working arrangements.
● Competitive pro-rata salary and benefits package.
● 27 days annual leave.
● Pension.
How to apply: To apply for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you wish to join us, the exceptional skills and experience you bring, and the value you can add to our growing organisation to hr@rugbyplayersfoundation.com. Closing Date – Sunday 21 September 2025 Stage 1 interview date – week commencing 29 September 2025 Stage 2 interview date – weeks commencing 6 and 13 October 2025