At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and administration, ensuring strong financial controls and managing a team.
- Company: Join World Horse Welfare, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of horses.
- Benefits: Enjoy a generous pension scheme, health plan, 31+ days holiday, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be part of a compassionate team making a real impact in the charity sector.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with charity finance experience and strong IT skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid role based in Norfolk with occasional travel for events.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a self-motivated and results driven individual to join World Horse Welfare in a newly created role reporting to the Director of Finance, IT & Administration, line managing three members of the Finance and Administration team.
In this vital role, you will ensure strong financial controls across all areas of the charity, manage income and expenditure, and lead on statutory accounts preparation, payroll, VAT, pensions, and tax compliance. As a key business partner, you will work closely with budget holders of all levels, providing data and analysis on the performance of charity operations, including the four Visitor Centres, to ensure excellent financial foresight and planning, as well as enabling the senior leadership team to make timely strategic decisions.
You’ll also oversee governance responsibilities such as annual statutory filings, insurance, fleet management and reporting on the annual carbon footprint.
We are looking for a qualified accountant who has experience of charity finance at a similar level, an in depth understanding of charity VAT and experience running in-house payroll processes. You will have the ability to explain financial information and produce financial reports for a wide variety of audiences. A high level of IT skills particularly around data manipulation and Microsoft Excel is essential. As a line manager to three members of staff, you’ll have previous experience in managing a team in a supportive and effective manner. Experience of a retail environment, familiarity with fundraising methods and regulations, and experience of finance system implementation is highly desirable.
The role is based in Norfolk and is currently a hybrid split of 2 days in our head office in Snetterton and 3 days at home. You may be required to attend events around the UK so the ability to travel occasionally is necessary.
World Horse Welfare takes great pride in being realistic, compassionate and forward-thinking, and you will be expected to share these values.
Benefits include a generous pension scheme and cash health plan, paid employee sickness absence scheme, death in service of 4 x annual salary and a minimum of 31 days’ holiday (including bank holidays and mandatory shutdown between Christmas and New Year).
World Horse Welfare is committed to championing equality and diversity in all aspects of employment and in the services that it provides. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
To Apply please click the Fast Apply button. Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Contact Detail:
WORLD HORSE WELFARE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Administration
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements for charities, especially around VAT and payroll. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity finance sector. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others who may provide insights or even referrals that could help you land the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams effectively. Think of specific examples where you've supported team members and how that has led to improved performance or morale.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills, particularly in data manipulation and Microsoft Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used these skills in previous roles to enhance financial reporting and analysis.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Administration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Head of Finance and Administration position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in charity finance, team management, and financial reporting.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your qualifications as an accountant and any previous roles in charity finance. Include specific examples of how you've managed financial controls, payroll processes, and statutory accounts preparation.
Showcase IT Skills: Given the importance of IT skills in this role, particularly with Microsoft Excel, be sure to mention any relevant software proficiency. Provide examples of how you've used data manipulation to support financial decision-making.
Align with Company Values: World Horse Welfare values realism, compassion, and forward-thinking. In your application, reflect these values and demonstrate how your personal ethos aligns with the organisation's mission and commitment to equality and diversity.
How to prepare for a job interview at WORLD HORSE WELFARE
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Head of Finance and Administration, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of charity finance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial controls, statutory accounts preparation, and in-house payroll processes. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your expertise.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to explain complex financial information to various audiences. Practice simplifying financial jargon into clear, understandable terms. During the interview, focus on how you can convey important data and analysis to budget holders and senior leadership effectively.
✨Highlight Team Management Skills
Since you'll be managing a team, share your experiences in leading and supporting staff. Discuss your management style and how you foster a positive work environment. Providing examples of how you've successfully guided your team through challenges will showcase your leadership abilities.
✨Align with Company Values
World Horse Welfare values realism, compassion, and forward-thinking. Research these values and think about how they resonate with your own professional philosophy. Be ready to discuss how you embody these principles in your work and how you would apply them in this role.