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- Tasks: Lead the finance team, manage budgets, and ensure financial compliance.
- Company: Children’s Hospice South West, a charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and the chance to impact lives.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and lead financial strategies that support vital care.
- Qualifications: Senior finance experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Flexible hours considered; opportunity for career growth in a meaningful role.
The predicted salary is between 66351 - 74000 £ per year.
Salary: £66,351 FTE (pending April 2026 pay award)
Hours: 37 hours per week (part time hours may be considered for the right candidate; if applying for part-time working, please add this to your supporting statement)
Contract: Fixed-term maternity cover (anticipated 9 months, with possible extension)
Location: Hybrid – Based anywhere in the South West, with travel to local hospice sites as required. This is a hybrid role, with the flexibility to work from home and attend your nearest hospice—Charlton Farm (Bristol), Little Bridge House (Barnstaple), or Little Harbour (St Austell)—as needed.
Make a real difference every day. At Children’s Hospice South West (CHSW), we provide vital, compassionate care for babies and children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Our work is only possible thanks to our dedicated teams who share our passion, values and commitment to excellence.
We are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Finance to lead our finance function during a period of maternity leave. This is a key leadership position within CHSW, ensuring that our financial reporting, control environment and strategic planning continue to support outstanding care delivery. If you are a senior finance professional who enjoys leading people, improving systems and delivering high-quality financial information that informs organisational decision making, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a charity that truly changes lives.
About the Role
- Lead, motivate and develop the Finance team to deliver a professional, supportive and efficient service
- Oversee monthly and quarterly management accounts, KPIs and performance reporting
- Lead on budgeting, reforecasting, cashflow and short- to medium-term cash management
- Produce annual statutory accounts for CHSW and its subsidiary, and work closely with external auditors
- Oversee payroll processing and statutory compliance (pensions, HMRC, P11Ds etc.)
- Ensure accurate VAT and tax accounting, working closely with specialist advisers
- Maintain effective financial controls, policies and system governance
- Act as the finance lead on cross-functional projects and internal committees
- Work closely with senior leaders and operational colleagues, promoting strong financial stewardship across the organisation
- Support the Director of Finance
CHSW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover) employer: Children's Hospice South West
Contact Detail:
Children's Hospice South West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to former colleagues or acquaintances. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Head of Finance role.
✨Ace the Interview
When you land that interview, make sure to showcase your leadership skills and experience in financial management. Prepare examples of how you've improved systems and led teams in the past. Remember, they want to see how you can make a real difference at CHSW!
✨Tailor Your Approach
Don’t just apply for every job under the sun. Focus on roles that align with your skills and values, like this one at CHSW. Tailor your application to highlight your passion for making a difference in the charity sector and your expertise in finance.
✨Apply Through Our Website
We recommend applying directly through our website for the best chance of success. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and makes it easier for us to track your application. Plus, you’ll get all the latest updates on the position!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance leadership. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Impact: When detailing your previous roles, focus on the impact you've made. Share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or led teams to success—this is your chance to shine!
Be Clear About Your Availability: If you're interested in part-time hours, don't forget to mention this in your supporting statement. We want to know what works best for you, so be upfront about your availability.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Hospice South West
✨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 used them in past roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with numbers but can also leverage them for strategic decision-making.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and developed finance teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to foster a supportive environment.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Since this position is within a charity, it’s crucial to understand the unique financial challenges they face. Familiarise yourself with charity accounting standards and be ready to discuss how you can ensure compliance while supporting the organisation's mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation’s financial strategies and how the finance team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
