At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance initiatives, improve systems, and manage a dynamic finance team.
- Company: A well-established charity focused on impactful change.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 4-day work week, 25 days leave, and a matched pension.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in finance while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong technical accounting skills.
The predicted salary is between 52500 - 58250 £ per year.
A leading and well-established charity is looking for an experienced Head of Finance / Senior Systems Accountant to join their Finance team during an exciting period of change and improvement. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced finance professional who enjoys a hands-on accounting role combined with systems, process improvement and change management.
The organisation offers an excellent work-life balance, including a 4-day, 30-hour working week, flexible hybrid working, a 7% matched pension contribution and 25 days' annual leave.
The successful candidate will take a hands-on role across financial and systems accounting while leading initiatives to improve financial processes, systems and reporting. You will also have responsibility for supporting and developing the finance team, managing projects and identifying opportunities to introduce greater automation and new technology.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake hands-on financial and systems accounting activities, including VAT returns.
- Oversee and support the month-end process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.
- Manage, support and develop members of the finance team.
- Review and improve existing finance systems, processes and controls.
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes, reduce manual work and improve efficiency.
- Lead finance-related projects, including the implementation of new systems, processes and enhancements.
- Improve financial reporting and management information.
- Work closely with finance and non-finance stakeholders to understand requirements and implement improvements.
- Explore opportunities for automation, AI and other emerging technologies to improve financial management.
- Provide strong financial and systems expertise during a period of organisational change.
About You
To be considered, you will ideally be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), although candidates who are qualified by experience (QBE) will also be considered.
You will need to demonstrate:
- Strong experience in hands-on technical accounting.
- Previous experience improving finance systems, processes and reporting.
- Proven project management experience, including implementing new systems, processes or system enhancements.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Experience managing, supporting and developing a finance team.
- The ability to work both strategically and hands-on, getting into the detail when required.
- A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Ideally, an understanding of automation and AI within finance and how technology can be used to improve efficiency and reporting.
Head of Finance - Charity in London employer: Ashdown Group Careers
Join a forward-thinking global business in Surbiton, Surrey, where innovation and collaboration are at the heart of our work culture. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal environment for passionate Business Analysts eager to drive digital transformation. Experience a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions and encourages continuous learning as you play a key role in delivering impactful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance - Charity in London
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Ashdown Group Careers. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Ashdown Group Careers.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Ashdown Group Careers. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance - Charity in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Ashdown Group Careers and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Ashdown Group Careers how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ashdown Group Careers
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Ashdown Group Careers.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Ashdown Group Careers's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
