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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and budgeting for a dynamic organisation.
- Company: Join Chester Zoo, a unique and inspiring workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while supporting a charitable mission.
- Qualifications: Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant with leadership experience.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and values-driven Head of Finance to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in supporting the organisation by providing strong financial leadership across a complex and diverse operation.
Responsibilities
- Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasting, working collaboratively with budget holders to ensure robust planning and effective challenge.
- Oversee day‑to‑day cash flow management and longer‑term forecasting of income, expenditure and capital investment.
- Provide financial challenge and guidance on commercial and non‑commercial initiatives, ensuring decisions are financially sound, compliant and aligned with Chester Zoo’s values and mission.
- Oversee organisation‑wide tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT, Gift Aid and other statutory obligations, working with advisers where appropriate to ensure compliance and best practice.
- Support Chester Zoo’s ongoing digital transformation, including the development and integration of finance systems such as Microsoft Business Central.
- Work closely with the Financial Accountant to ensure statutory and group accounts are produced in line with Charity SORP, FRS102, the Companies Act and UK GAAP, supporting a clean external audit.
- Strengthen internal controls and financial processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
- Support business development by providing financial insight and challenge on new initiatives, helping to ensure sustainable growth aligned with our charitable mission.
Qualifications
- Be a qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant.
- Have post‑qualification experience in a commercial or complex organisational environment.
- Have experience of leading and managing a finance team.
- Be an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to produce clear, high‑quality financial reports.
- Be confident building positive working relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
- Have strong systems knowledge and be comfortable working with finance and reporting systems.
- Be an advanced Excel user, able to manage and analyse large datasets.
- Have strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, Charity SORP, Gift Aid and VAT.
- Be comfortable working in a deadline‑driven environment, with a high level of attention to detail and sound professional judgement.
- Experience of using Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reports would be an advantage, but is not essential.
Benefits
In addition to a salary of 65,000 per annum, we offer a wide range of benefits, including generous leave, pension contributions, wellbeing support and the opportunity to work in a unique and inspiring environment.
Head of Finance in Chester employer: Chester Zoo
Contact Detail:
Chester Zoo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Chester
✨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 company thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to discuss your past experiences in leading finance teams and managing budgets. Use specific examples that highlight your skills and how they align with the role of Head of Finance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining us at Chester Zoo and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Chester
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 your ACA, ACCA, or CIMA status, and any relevant experience in financial leadership.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about finance and how your values align with Chester Zoo’s mission. Be sure to mention your experience with budgeting and compliance.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since effective communication is key for this role, make sure your application showcases your ability to produce clear financial reports. Use straightforward language and structure your documents well to demonstrate your writing skills.
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, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chester Zoo
✨Know Your Numbers
As a 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 the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to lead financial planning processes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you’ve successfully managed a team or influenced stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you build relationships with senior leaders.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Chester Zoo has a mission and values that guide its operations. Familiarise yourself with these and think about how your financial strategies can align with them. Be ready to discuss how you can support their charitable mission through sound financial practices.
✨Be Tech-Savvy
With a focus on digital transformation, it’s crucial to show your comfort with finance systems. If you have experience with Microsoft Business Central or similar tools, mention it! Discuss how you’ve used technology to improve financial processes and reporting.
