At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategies and support the charity's mission to provide compassionate care.
- Company: Join St Nicholas Hospice, a local charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, life cover, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative culture that values continuous improvement and community service.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive and innovative team environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with leadership experience in a charity or similar setting.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 70000 £ per year.
Head of Finance opportunity for Charity in Suffolk
Up to £70,000 p/a + excellent benefits including attractive annual leave and hybrid / flexible working
Permanent Bury St Edmunds
Hays Senior Finance is proud to be working in partnership with St Nicholas Hospice, who are looking to appoint a Head of Finance. This is a pivotal appointment where you will lead and deliver on financial aspects of their ambitious plans.
St Nicholas Hospice Care is a local charity, which strives for something better in the provision of high-quality, specialist palliative care, emotional and practical support, so that no-one in West Suffolk and Thetford has to face dying, death and grief alone. St Nic’s supports thousands of local people. Hospice support is there not just for patients, but for their families and friends too, offering everything from specialist medical and bereavement care to practical help. They aim to provide the very best experiences for those facing dying, death and grief, with actions and behaviours promoting the charity’s values of compassion, accountability, respect, and equity.
The charity and its trading subsidiary have a combined annual turnover of circa £9m. The Finance Department has responsibility for delivering all finance functions across the group. In addition, the Finance team plays a strong and increasingly strategic business-partnering role across the organisation, working closely with directors, heads of departments and managers to provide financial insight, challenge, and support decision-making, enabling effective operational planning, financial sustainability, and alignment with the charity’s strategic objectives.
The Head of Finance is responsible for the leadership and performance of the Finance team to provide sound financial information and specialist advice to directorate and committees to facilitate the Hospice’s strategic and operational business plans, ensure the effective management of financial resources and to support change and enable improvement.
The Role:
- Strategic Leadership: Drive the financial direction and long-term viability of the hospice and contribute to the financial health of the charity.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee the finance function, ensuring sustainable planning, budgeting, and financial management.
- Team Collaboration: Be a visible member of the Senior Leadership Team, enhancing our positive, values-based culture.
What They’re Looking For:
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, or equivalent.
- Experience: Proven leadership in finance within a charity or similar organisation.
- Skills: Strong financial acumen, stakeholder communication, and team management.
You will also fulfil the role of Company Secretary for the charity and the trading company, whilst operating as a senior leader within the Charity. St Nicholas Hospice has a collaborative and supportive team culture, so it is essential that you have the ability to “roll up your sleeves” and be involved in the day-to-day operations. In addition, a key element of the role will be leading and influencing others to continue to innovate and improve their financial processes.
Why Join the St Nicholas Hospice?
- Impactful Work: Play a central role in developing and delivering financial plans to support in an environment where everyone is encouraged, energised and enabled to play their part in delivering the Hospice's vision.
- Supportive Culture: Join a collaborative team that values innovation and continuous improvement in its service of local communities.
- Great Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive annual leave, life cover, and flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.
Ready to Make a Difference? If you have the drive, passion, and enthusiasm to help them to achieve their mission and vision, we want to hear from you! For more information about the role and organisation please contact Senan Pierce, Senior Business Director at Hays Senior Finance who is the retained consultant working in partnership with St Nicholas Hospice.
Closing date for all applications: 28th June, 2026. Interviews will take place: 7th and 8th July, 2026.
What you need to do now: If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Head of Finance employer: Hays
St Nicholas Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead the finance team in a charity dedicated to providing high-quality palliative care in Suffolk. With a supportive and collaborative work culture, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements, competitive salaries, and a strong focus on personal and professional growth, all while making a meaningful impact in the local community. Join us to be part of a compassionate team that values innovation and strives for excellence in service delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who might know someone at St Nicholas Hospice. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the charity’s mission and values. Show them you’re not just about numbers; you genuinely care about their cause. Tailor your answers to reflect how your financial expertise can support their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your leadership style aligns with their collaborative culture. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led finance teams in similar environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you’re enthusiastic about the role and appreciate the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your leadership in finance, especially within a charity context, to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the charity sector and how your financial expertise can contribute to St Nicholas Hospice’s mission. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you’ve driven financial success or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people quickly. Plus, it shows us you’re proactive and keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research St Nicholas Hospice thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in providing palliative care. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Financial Leadership
Prepare examples from your past experience that demonstrate your leadership in finance, especially within a charity or similar organisation. Be ready to discuss how you've driven financial strategy, managed budgets, and supported decision-making processes that align with an organisation's mission.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Since the role requires strong collaboration with various departments, think of instances where you've successfully worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight your ability to communicate financial insights clearly and how you've influenced others to improve financial processes.
✨Prepare Questions That Matter
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the charity's future financial strategies, team dynamics, and how they measure success. This shows you're not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their long-term vision.
