Head of Finance

Key responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and SLT to develop financial plans, forecasts and models that support delivery of the business plan and long-term sustainability.

• Develop and monitor clear financial indicators, including income, expenditure, cash flow, reserves, restricted funds and financial risk.

• Provide financial scenario forecasting, options appraisal and stress-testing to support sound decision-making by the CEO, SLT and Board.

• Advise the CEO, Treasurer, Finance and Risk Committee and Board on financial risks, opportunities, reserves, cash flow and internal controls, presenting clear recommendations to support informed decisions.

• Build financial understanding across the SLT, Trustees and budget holders so that financial responsibility is understood and embedded across the organisation.

Partnership and Subsidiary Oversight

• Act as the lead financial contact for key delivery partners, ensuring robust financial reporting and compliance across collaborative projects.

• Oversee the financial management and governance of any subsidiary companies, ensuring they meet statutory obligations and contribute to the charity’s mission.

• Conduct financial due diligence on potential new partners or commercial opportunities to mitigate risk.

Financial Management and Governance

• Hold accountability for financial operations, ensuring compliance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), charity and company law, and Citizens Advice standards.

• Design and lead the annual budgeting process, providing support and constructive challenge to internal budget holders.

• Prepare and present insightful management accounts, monthly and quarterly project reports, and variance analysis for the SLT and Board.

• Lead the annual audit process and produce comprehensive schedules to support statutory accounts preparation.

• Manage operational cash flow and lead annual reserves policy reviews with the Board.

Funding and Contract Excellence

• Provide financial oversight and internal sign-off on all grant and funding applications before submission.

• Collaborate with the SLT to develop feasibility plans for new income-generation opportunities and innovative propositions.

• Manage and provide financial sign-off for financial terms in contracts, facility leases and service subscriptions.

Team Leadership and Compliance

• Lead, support and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and strong financial practice.

• Provide financial skills development for key stakeholders and budget holders across the organisation.

• Regularly review and update financial policies, procedures and internal controls to mitigate risk.