Client Overview
Mission Without Borders is an international Christian NGO supporting poor and marginalised communities across Eastern Europe. The organisation coordinates programme delivery in six countries and fundraising across twelve countries globally, overseen by an International Board and Executive Team.
With an annual turnover of approximately £21m, Mission Without Borders requires robust financial leadership, strong donor compliance, and effective governance across multiple jurisdictions.
The Challenge
Mission Without Borders faced a critical leadership gap when their Director of Finance confirmed their departure in December 2025. The role required oversight of an international finance function, with the core finance team based in the USA.
Key challenges included:
- A tight timeline with minimal handover
- The need for specialist NGO finance expertise, including Charity SORP, donor reporting, and institutional funding
- Operating across multiple jurisdictions with complex reporting requirements
- The importance of values alignment, including the requirement for a senior leader able to sign the organisation’s statement of faith
- Ensuring continuity and stability while planning a permanent appointment
Our Approach
I initially came across the role advertised directly by Mission Without Borders on CharityJob in October 2025. I proactively reached out and connected with the COO, and through regular dialogue and insight‑gathering, I developed a deep understanding of both the organisation’s operational complexities and its culture and values.
The COO kindly agreed to meet with me, where we discussed the challenges faced by the organisation, their expectations for the role, and my approach to recruitment. Based on this conversation, I advised considering an interim Director of Finance as a risk‑managed solution.
This approach would allow:
- Immediate leadership and operational continuity
- Time to carry out a thorough, inclusive permanent recruitment process
- Space to properly assess long‑term requirements across the international finance function
- This consultative advice ensured decisions balanced short‑term urgency with long‑term sustainability.
The Solution
Because I had taken the time to fully understand the brief, the organisational context, and the values‑led nature of the role, I submitted one carefully selected candidate rather than a shortlist.
The candidate offered:
- Extensive NGO and international charity experience as a qualified Director of Finance
- Strong technical expertise in Charity SORP, IFRS/GAAP, and institutional donor reporting
- Proven leadership across multi‑country finance teams
- Clear alignment with the organisation’s mission and Christian values
The candidate was fully briefed on both the technical and faith‑based requirements, ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and respectful recruitment process from the outset.
Mission Without Borders ran a robust two‑stage recruitment process, reflecting their commitment to fairness, due diligence, and cultural alignment. Following this process, the candidate was appointed as Interim Director of Finance on a six‑month contract.
The Outcome
The interim appointment delivered immediate and lasting impact:
- Stabilised the international finance function during a period of transition
- Delivered timely and accurate management and Board reporting
- Enhanced internal controls and financial governance
- Built strong relationships with auditors, banks, and senior stakeholders
- Earned the trust of the International Executive Team and Board
Based on performance, cultural fit, and leadership impact, Mission Without Borders made the decision to appoint the Interim Director of Finance on a permanent basis.
