Chief Finance Officer (Interim), BOOKMARK READING CHARITY in London

This role is for an Interim Chief Finance Officer at Bookmark Reading Charity, offering a 12-month fixed-term contract with a salary of £70,000-£80,000. Hybrid work location; two days per week in London.

Overview

Bookmark Reading Charity – we exist to change children’s life stories through the joy of reading. As a leading reading charity for primary school children, we partner with schools to develop whole school reading cultures and provide one-to-one reading support. We are now growing fast and expanding into new areas, in addition to increasing our service lines. We have delivered the first year of our three-year strategy, where we are working towards partnering with 1,000 primary schools, where 500,000 children will benefit from a Bookmark literacy programme. Following an internal interim promotion, we are seeking a Chief Finance Officer (interim) to join the team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The CFO role is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the foundations of the core functions in the Charity. The individual will lead a varied portfolio, whilst also supporting the wider organisation to reach our ambitious targets. This role will suit someone who is able to provide strategic support, see the big picture, improve processes and get hands-on in the detail.

Responsibilities

• Finance – Responsible for the day-to-day financial and commercial excellence of Bookmark. This is a varied role which will require you to be hands-on with the numbers and processes.
• Maintain and improve financial policies and procedures, internal controls, corporate governance and risk management frameworks.
• Responsible for cash management, and cash and reserves forecasting.
• Oversee delivery of monthly management accounts, annual financial statements and financial compliance for all entities.
• Preparation of financial reports for the Board of Trustees and Finance & Risk Committee including Bookmark’s Treasurer.
• Financial planning - maintenance of rolling forecast projections (including operating model) to forecast future financial performance, prepare business cases and sensitivity analysis, and update the 3-year business plan on an annual basis.
• Advising on SORP and other financial accounting issues.
• Managing external relationships with auditors, payroll providers and bankers.
• Responsible for tax, gift aid reclaims, VAT and company secretarial matters.
• Commercial, legal and fundraising matters – Maintain and develop improvements to reporting on the ongoing cost of a reading session; lead and support the team on the charity’s commercial agreements, including school contracts, grant and other donor contracts, commercial participator agreements, professional fundraiser agreements, IP licenses and all associated guidelines; manage relationships with external lawyers for all legal matters; work with the fundraising team to develop a case for support for donors and specific funding bids.
• Data and operations – Matrix leadership, accountable for operational excellence and contributing insights into key business drivers and KPIs; work with the Data and Impact Analyst to inform innovation and prioritisation; increase richness and value of data and management information; build a Target Operating Model with SLT and lead transformation for the next strategic period; identify opportunities to improve processes across the charity.
• Technology – Support the technology team with day-to-day management; collaborate with the CRM & Technology Manager to ensure cost-effectiveness and fit-for-purpose technology; act as Data Protection Officer in collaboration with the Technology team.
• HR – Support the HR Manager with delivery of day-to-day HR services; ensure HR processes are efficient, consistent and compliant; oversee payroll processes in conjunction with HR and Finance.
• Governance and policies – Responsible for all statutory filings; lead robust reporting to the Trustee Board, Finance & Risk Committee and Operations Board; maintain the policy log and update policies on a rolling basis.
• General responsibilities – Direct line management of four individuals (wider department of six); member of the Senior Leadership Team; act as Health and Safety Officer and oversee practices as appropriate.

Person Specification / Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with proven success in a commercially focused finance role.
• Commercially astute, technically strong, hands-on, dynamic, insightful and an influential leader with the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels.
• Robust understanding of financial systems (Xero), CRM platforms, business intelligence systems and target operating models.
• Service delivery focused with a desire to achieve targets and objectives.
• Excellent IT, organisational and interpersonal skills with the ability to develop open and collaborative relationships.
• Flexible, adaptable, tenacious and thrives in a fast-paced growth environment.
• Structured problem-solving approach with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including strong presentational skills.
• High integrity with a commitment to good governance.
• Passionate about our vision and mission; willingness and suitability to work with children and young adults.

Contract & Location

• Contract type: Fixed-term contract (12 months), full-time.
• Start date: ASAP.
• Salary: £70,000-£80,000.
• Location: Bookmark Reading Charity, London (minimum two days per week at the Bookmark office).
• Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer (interim).

Application

Application deadline: rolling with active shortlisting and interviews; applications are submitted.