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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and control, shaping strategic direction and ensuring financial strength.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation focused on making a lasting social impact across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, visibility, and the chance to influence key investment decisions.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-profile role that directly improves lives while working with senior leaders.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with significant experience in senior financial leadership roles required.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion; your unique perspective is welcomed here.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Ready to lead financial planning and control in an organisation where your insight shapes strategic direction? Seeking a role with greater visibility, autonomy, and strategic responsibility? Looking to apply your expertise in a context where financial leadership supports lasting social impact? As Head of Financial Planning & Control, you'll take on a high profile, strategic role with broad scope and senior-level influence. You'll lead the organisation's planning, forecasting, reporting, and internal control functions ensuring financial strength and governance are embedded across all aspects of delivery. Working in close partnership with the CFO and Executive team, you'll help shape investment decisions, guide resource planning, and ensure our financial position supports ambitious, long-term transformation. You'll operate with real autonomy and visibility, bringing clarity and assurance to Executive and Board-level discussions, while contributing to work that directly improves people's lives across the UK.
What you'll be doing
- You will lead and develop two core functions: Finance Business Partnering and Financial Control with responsibility for forecasting, performance reporting, internal assurance, and statutory compliance.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide trusted analysis and recommendations that support informed, forward-looking decisions at Executive and Board levels.
- Leading annual and long-term financial planning processes, aligned to strategic priorities.
- Delivering scenario modelling, cost-efficiency planning and cash flow forecasting to support financial resilience.
- Overseeing the production of timely, accurate management accounts and insight-led reporting for the Executive and Trustees.
- Managing the external audit process and year-end statutory accounts preparation, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and Charities SORP.
- Ensuring robust internal controls, reconciliations and balance sheet management, maintaining a state of continuous audit readiness.
- Providing strategic financial input into transformation programmes and system improvements.
- Acting as a senior representative for Finance across internal forums and governance groups, deputising for the CFO as required.
About you
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally within complex or regulated environments such as financial services, banking, or not-for-profit sectors. You combine technical excellence with sound judgement, commercial awareness, and a clear sense of purpose.
You will bring:
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning, and performance reporting.
- Strong working knowledge of financial controls, governance, and statutory compliance.
- A track record of managing audit and assurance processes in line with regulatory standards.
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including Executives and Board members.
- A proactive, insight-driven approach to financial leadership, with the ability to operate strategically and manage complexity.
- A values-led mindset, with a commitment to transparency, quality, and continuous improvement.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion: Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We're always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It's not just about the professional experience you bring - we're interested in who you are and your potential. If there's an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they'll be happy to help.
Head of Financial Planning & Control employer: StepChange Debt Charity
Contact Detail:
StepChange Debt Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Control
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial sector, especially those who have experience in senior roles. Attend industry events or webinars where you can connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the strategic challenges they face.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in financial planning and control, particularly in the not-for-profit sector. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples where your insight has led to improved financial outcomes or strategic decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to articulate how your personal values align with ours, especially regarding social impact and continuous improvement, as this will resonate well during discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial leadership roles, particularly in budgeting, forecasting, and compliance. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead high-performing teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for financial planning and control, and how it aligns with the organisation's mission. Highlight your strategic mindset and provide examples of how you've contributed to long-term financial resilience in previous roles.
Showcase Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) and any relevant certifications. Emphasise your technical excellence and experience in regulated environments, as this is crucial for the role.
Demonstrate Cultural Fit: Reflect on the organisation's commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in your application. Share experiences that showcase your values-led mindset and how you can contribute to a culture of belonging within the team.
How to prepare for a job interview at StepChange Debt Charity
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Planning & Control, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to shape strategic direction. Prepare examples of how your financial insights have influenced decision-making in previous roles, particularly in complex environments.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
This role requires leading high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and provide specific instances where you've successfully developed team members or managed cross-functional collaborations.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions on budgeting, forecasting, and financial controls. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance with regulations like UK GAAP and Charities SORP.
✨Demonstrate Your Values
The organisation values transparency, quality, and continuous improvement. Be prepared to share how these values resonate with you and how you've applied them in your professional life, especially in fostering an inclusive workplace.
