Application Guide
How to Apply for Finance Director
at React
🏢 About React
React is a unique UK charity providing rapid financial assistance specifically for children with life-limiting illnesses from disadvantaged households, focusing on comfort, dignity, and participation. Unlike other organizations, React offers unrivalled direct support to families during critical times, making it an impactful place for finance professionals who want their work to directly improve children's lives.
About This Role
As Finance Director/Officer at React, you'll lead all financial operations remotely, including managing Xero software for payroll and funds, producing monthly/annual accounts, and overseeing the grant application process that directly supports families. This role is impactful because your financial stewardship ensures resources reach children with terminal illnesses efficiently and transparently.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day involves processing payroll and fund allocations through Xero, reviewing grant applications to ensure financial viability, preparing management accounts for Board review, and liaising with external partners like auditors or HMRC—all while maintaining focus on how each financial decision impacts children's comfort and dignity.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who React Is Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with experience in charity finance, particularly managing restricted/unrestricted funds
- Proficient in Xero software for payroll processing and fund management, with experience liaising with HMRC, auditors, and pension providers
- Demonstrated understanding of grant application processes and ability to connect financial management to family support outcomes
- Empathetic professional who can balance financial rigor with the sensitive nature of supporting terminally ill children
📝 Tips for Applying to React
Highlight specific experience with charity finance, particularly managing restricted funds for disadvantaged families or children's services
Mention your proficiency with Xero software explicitly, as it's specified in the job description
Demonstrate understanding of React's unique mission by referencing how your finance skills can directly impact children's quality of life
Address the remote working aspect by showing experience with self-management and virtual collaboration
Connect your grant management experience to understanding family needs, not just financial processing
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience with charity finance and managing funds for vulnerable populations', 'Specific examples of using Xero for payroll and fund management in previous roles', 'Understanding of how financial controls directly support service delivery to children with life-limiting illnesses', 'Ability to work remotely while maintaining strong relationships with the Board and team']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → React's specific grant programs and recent family stories on their website
- → UK charity finance regulations, particularly regarding restricted funds and reporting requirements
- → The challenges facing families with terminally ill children in financial disadvantage
- → How other children's hospices or illness charities structure their finance operations
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Focusing only on corporate finance experience without connecting it to charity sector needs
- Not addressing the emotional intelligence needed for working with terminally ill children's families
- Failing to demonstrate specific Xero software experience when it's explicitly mentioned in requirements
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!