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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team and manage financial reporting for a compassionate charity.
- Company: Children's Hospice South West, dedicated to providing care for children with life-limiting conditions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and 33 days of annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: ACA qualified with significant finance leadership experience.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and team collaboration.
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, 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.
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 & Retail, providing cover for SMT, committee and Board work where required.
About You
- ACA qualified (or equivalent) and a member of a recognised accounting professional body (e.g., ICAEW).
- Significant finance leadership experience in a similar sized organisation.
- Strong experience in:
- annual financial reporting and charity accounts
- budget preparation and financial modelling
- management accounts and KPI reporting
- financial processing functions
- internal controls and finance procedures
Ideally you will also have:
- Charity taxation experience, including VAT and partial exemption.
- Experience with Xledger.
- Experience working within a hospice, charity or large retail linked organisation.
- Knowledge of statutory grant or charitable trust reporting.
What we offer
We value our staff and offer an excellent working environment with an enthusiastic and committed team; you will also benefit from: 33 days (plus...
Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover) in London 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) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in charities or hospices. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and mission. At StudySmarter, we believe that showing genuine interest in their work can set you apart from other candidates. Tailor your answers to reflect how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial storytelling! Be ready to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. This is crucial for roles like Head of Finance where you'll need to communicate with non-finance colleagues effectively.
✨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 serious about joining the team and making a difference in the lives of children and families.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in finance leadership, charity accounts, and team development. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at CHSW!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Whether it’s successful budgeting or improving financial processes, we love to see how you’ve made a difference!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to explain complex financial concepts, as we value excellent communication skills. Remember, we’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between finance and non-finance colleagues!
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 organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Hospice South West
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial concepts. Brush up on key metrics like KPIs, cash flow management, and budgeting techniques. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated and developed your team 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 and taxation, especially VAT. Mention any relevant experience you have in this area during the interview.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to explain complex financial matters to non-finance colleagues. Practice simplifying your explanations and using relatable examples. This will show that you can bridge the gap between finance and other departments effectively.
