HEAD OF FINANCE

About the Role

The Head of Finance will support the Director of Finance and Resources in providing strategic financial leadership across the charity. They will oversee day-to-day financial operations, ensure robust financial management, and deliver timely and accurate financial reporting to support decision-making. The postholder will play a key role in safeguarding the charity s financial sustainability and compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Planning

• Preparation of annual budgets and long-term financial plans.

• Provision of financial analysis to inform strategic and operational decision-making.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee the production of monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and cash flow forecasts.

• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of year-end accounts and the coordination of external audits.

• Provide regular financial reports and analysis in accordance with organisational timetables set by the Director of Finance & Resources.

• Monitor restricted funds ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, and other statutory requirements for filing of accounts.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of charity finance regulations, SORP, VAT, and tax issues relevant to the sector.

Systems, Processes & Controls

• Ensure that financial processes and procedures are fit for purpose, up to date and efficient.

• Lead the development and maintenance of efficient financial systems, policies, and procedures.

• Ensure effective internal controls are in place across the organisation to facilitate accurate and timely delivery of reporting to support organisational decision making.

• Oversee grant reporting and donor compliance.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Develop and support the finance team to deliver a high-quality service.

• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the finance function.

• Work collaboratively with non-finance managers across the organisation to build financial awareness and accountability.

Person Specification

Essential

• A relevant professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).

• Experience gained in a financial management role within a small or medium-sized organisation.

• Experience in business planning, performance management and impact reporting.

• Significant experience in managing a high-performance team.

• Strong IT skills, particularly with accounting software and Excel.

• Understanding of charity finance and accounting practices.

• Strong understanding of charity law, governance best practices, and regulatory frameworks.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong interpersonal with an ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work collaboratively across teams.

• Ability to work independently, prioritise workload, and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Significant experience in financial management within the charity, not-for-profit, or public sector.
• Experience of working with restricted funds and grant reporting.
• Knowledge of charity tax, VAT, and fundraising income streams.
• Experience of implementing new financial systems or process improvements.

We welcome people of all ages and abilities, including those with physical and learning disabilities, sensory impairments, long-term health conditions, and neurodiversity.