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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, budgeting, and reporting for a charity making a real impact.
- Company: Join Action for Carers, a values-driven charity supporting unpaid carers.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, 28 days holiday, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial systems skills and line management experience.
- Other info: Collaborative team culture with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 49000 £ per year.
Location: Based at our offices in Burpham, Guildford with option to work from home.
Salary: £46,000 - £49,000 (full time equivalent)
Hours of Work: 20-22 hours per week, ideally across four days to support coverage.
Role Overview
The Head of Finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, including budgeting, reporting, payroll, and financial governance. The postholder will also line manage the Finance Officer, ensuring effective support for transactional finance tasks and smooth day-to-day processes. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, you will help ensure sound financial management and contribute to strong internal controls and compliance. This is a part-time role, ideal for a finance professional looking to work in a values driven and flexible environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Support the delivery of the Strategic Plan
- Prepare management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial reports for the CEO and Trustees
- Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor performance against budgets
- Oversee bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, and ensure accurate financial data entry
- Manage the year-end process and liaise with external auditors
- Maintain and improve financial procedures in line with best practice and charity regulations
- Analyse financial performance data and present management information to non-finance managers in a transparent and clear way
- Line Management
- Provide day-to-day line management, support and supervision to the Finance Officer
- Delegate and oversee routine financial tasks, ensuring accuracy and timely completion
- Support the professional development of the Finance Officer and foster a collaborative team culture
- Payroll & Pension
- Process monthly payroll and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations
- Oversee pension contributions and reporting
- Conduct payroll checks and audits to ensure data integrity
- Bids and Grants
- Provide detailed financial input and support with bids and grants for external funding
- Oversee the disbursement of grants to carers ensuring there are robust processes and procedures in place
- Governance & Compliance
- Support the CEO and Trustees in financial governance and risk management
- Maintain and update the organisational risk register
- Maintain up-to-date financial policies and ensure regulatory compliance
- Prepare financial papers for Board meetings and Finance Committee, and attend as required
- Manage insurance coverage and oversee financial aspects of contracts and leases
Person Specification
Essential:
- Qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA)
- Strong IT and financial systems skills (knowledge of Xero preferable)
- Experience with payroll and pension processing
- Line management or supervisory experience
- High attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Evidence of ongoing professional development
- A clear commitment to the values of Action for Carers Surrey
- A can-do, collaborative and curious approach.
Desirable:
- Working knowledge of charity accounting, SORP
- Experience supporting Trustees or working within a governance framework
- Experience of writing / supporting bids for external funding and contracts
- Understanding of unpaid carers and the challenges they face
Why Join Us
- A meaningful role making a real difference to unpaid carers
- Flexible, part-time working to support your work-life balance
- Supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven team
- Annual staff conference to collaborate with colleagues
- Annual summer get-together
- 28 days holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service
- One paid volunteer day per year
- One week of paid carers leave per year
- Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
- Health plan via Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF)
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Action for Carers, please do not hesitate to apply.
Head of Finance in Guildford employer: Action for Carers
Contact Detail:
Action for Carers Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity's mission and values. Show us how your financial expertise aligns with their goals, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their strategic plan.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your experience with budgeting, reporting, and compliance. We want to hear how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you can bring that knowledge to the Head of Finance position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your qualifications, especially if you're a qualified accountant, and any relevant experience in financial management or charity accounting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about working with Action for Carers. Share specific examples of how your previous roles have prepared you for this position and how you align with our values.
Showcase Your Financial Skills: Since this role involves budgeting, reporting, and payroll, be sure to mention your proficiency with financial systems like Xero. We want to see your expertise in action, so include any relevant achievements or projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Carers
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also apply them strategically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves line management, prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you supported your team through them. This will highlight your ability to foster a collaborative culture.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with charity accounting and regulations, especially SORP. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the unique financial challenges faced by charities. This will show your commitment to the values of Action for Carers Surrey.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about their financial governance and how they support unpaid carers. This demonstrates your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
