Head of Finance

We’re looking for a qualified finance professional for this Head of Finance role in an established and growing charity. If you are enthusiastic about working for a worthwhile cause and can bring energy and drive, this would be an exciting opportunity.

Overview

Our client is a registered charity that has developed an innovative model of care-based support for adults with Learning Disabilities. The charity provides a valuable and popular service which aims to enhance the lives of some 170 trainees each week who are referred by social services, charitable trusts, and private individuals. Established since 1990, they operate from 4 sites, with offices in Berkhamsted and Watford.

Over the past 5 years, the organisation has doubled its annual turnover and they expect to continue to grow. They currently employ approx. 70 staff and have a number of volunteers.

The Role

This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact in a mission-driven organisation dedicated to making a difference for people with learning difficulties. Reporting to the Chief Finance and Admin Officer, this hands-on role oversees all aspects of the finance function and plays a key part in shaping the financial operations and business strategy.

• Support the CFAO in preparing financial reports and insights to the Board of Trustees and Finance Committee.
• Prepare and oversee payroll, pensions, and other financial administrative functions.
• Supervision of Finance Assistant (currently 3 days per week) providing guidance, support, and professional development opportunities.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure proper reconciliation processes are in place.
• Producing meaningful monthly management reports.
• Recommending and implementing cost-saving measures.
• With the CFAO, manage the annual audit process and maintain contact with the accountants.
• Production of financial information for contract negotiations and monitoring, funding bids, tenders, and to support the generation of new income for the charity.
• Managing the charity’s investment strategy to ensure that it receives maximum investment income from its reserves.
• Develop and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard the charity’s assets.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations and standards including the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), ensuring that all activities are carried out in a manner which follows best practice, meets quality standards (IIP), and contractual requirements.
• Managing the main office including the day-to-day workings.

The Candidate

Essential

• Formally qualified (CIMA, ACCA, ACA), or qualified by experience with significant relevant experience.
• Experience of running payroll and knowledge of PAYE, NI, and pensions.
• Strong communicator, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate finance to non-finance professionals.
• Able to work on own initiative, introducing new solutions, system changes, and innovative ways of improving working procedures.
• Strong team player, self-starter, and ability to be an active member of the senior management team.
• Excellent IT knowledge.
• Current driving license and own transport.
• Must be willing to be flexible in working times and arrangements.
• Strong time management skills – ability to prioritise tasks effectively, manage multiple deadlines, and ensure timely completion of financial reports and projects.

Desirable

• Experience of Quickbooks.
• Experience of online payroll systems.
• Experience of tendering, contracting, income generation, and grant funding.
• Understanding of the issues facing people with learning disabilities and their carers.
• Charity governance.
• Good understanding of the current funding and social care agenda within the voluntary sector.
• Office management experience.

The Terms

• Minimum 30 hours per week (worked across 4 or 5 days) up to full-time (37.5 hours per week). Please indicate your preferred working pattern on application. Job sharers will be considered.
• Salary between £40k FTE* and £50k FTE* dependent on experience.
• The role will be based on site in Berkhamsted (free parking available).
• 25 days holiday plus Bank holidays (pro-rated for part-time hours).
• Pension – 5% matched contribution.

If you are a hands-on finance professional, with a desire to work for a purposeful charity, please apply today!

*Full time equivalent – actual salary will depend on hours worked.

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