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- Tasks: Lead finance and business support to enhance performance in West Forest District.
- Company: Join Forestry England, where we grow forests for everyone, for life.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on forest management and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in finance leadership and strong collaboration skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career advancement in a vital environmental sector.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Head of Finance and Business Support will drive improved business performance in West Forest District through the leadership of the finance and business administration team, and supportive collaboration with the functional delivery teams – Estates, Forestry & Land Management and Recreation & Engagement. Together we are Forestry England, we grow forests for all, for life.
Where you’ll work… You will be at Bank House, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8BA, which is the district office for West Forest District in the Forest of Dean.
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
- Team leadership
- Lead the district finance and business support team, supporting effective and efficient delivery through a culture of team working and mutual support and collaboration.
- Act as line manager for the district’s Finance Manager and Business Support Manager.
- Engage with the district’s strategic leadership team, shaping our district strategy and associated delivery plans.
- Take lead responsibility for business planning and monitoring discussions.
- Foster a positive team working relationship between district and national finance officers.
- Proactively liaise with the internal engagement officer to report on business performance.
- Business improvement & project development
- Collaborate with heads of function and operations managers to support strategic financial planning.
- Engage and challenge managers to evidence the link between programme delivery and both expenditure and income.
- Ensure projects are financially sound and will improve business performance.
- Challenge projects that will add to the long-term cost burden of the district.
- Ensure all projects prepared for external funding include full-cost recovery.
- Collaborate with operational managers to identify areas of work that can be converted to funded projects.
- Lead the development of business planning in the district.
- Support the Business Administration Manager in managing the district administration team and other office support services.
- Engage with operational managers and commercial services to support procurement of goods and services.
- Management accounting
- Support the Finance Manager in maintaining accurate and timely financial processes.
- Assist in completing end of year processing accurately and timely.
- Work collaboratively with the Finance Manager and functional teams to add value to monthly business monitoring.
- Provide oversight to identify and act on potential fraud and compliance with financial systems.
And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager. The district operates an out of hours emergency duty officer Rota and the postholder will be expected to join the Rota and be eligible for on-call payments accordingly.
Head of Finance and Business Support employer: Government Recruitment Service
Contact Detail:
Government Recruitment Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Business Support
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the finance and business support sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand how your skills can contribute to their mission of growing forests for all, for life. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can showcase your leadership and collaboration skills effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. Mention something specific from the interview that resonated with you, and reiterate why you’d be a great fit for the Head of Finance and Business Support position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Forestry England. Let’s grow together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Business Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Finance and Business Support, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, it’s important to demonstrate your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with others to drive business improvement or manage projects.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and fit for the role.
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 company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Government Recruitment Service
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance and Business Support, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial principles. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them to drive business performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team, so be prepared to share examples of your leadership style. Think about times when you've fostered collaboration and supported your team through challenges. Highlight how you can create a positive team culture.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Forestry England's mission and the specific challenges they face. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to improving business performance in the West Forest District.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare for scenarios related to financial planning and project development. Think about how you would approach challenges like budget overruns or project funding issues, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
