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- Tasks: Lead the finance team and ensure financial reporting supports outstanding care delivery.
- Company: Join a compassionate charity making a real difference for children and families.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, enhanced sick pay, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be a key leader in a charity that changes lives every day.
- Qualifications: ACA qualified with significant finance leadership experience.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with travel to local hospice sites.
The predicted salary is between 66351 - 74000 ÂŁ per year.
Salary: ÂŁ66,351 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 role is hybrid, 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. Our client provides vital, compassionate care for babies and children with life‑limiting conditions and their families. Their work is only possible thanks to their dedicated teams who share their passion, values and commitment to excellence. They are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Finance to lead their finance function during a period of maternity leave. This is a key leadership position within the organisation, ensuring that their 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 the charity 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 they offer
- 33 days (plus bank holidays) holiday entitlement, which increases with service
- Enhanced sick pay scheme rising up to 6 months full and 6 months half pay
- Personal pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
- Family‑friendly policies, with enhanced maternity/adoption pay
- Occupational health, wellbeing and counselling services and employee assistance programme
- Group life insurance scheme
- Training and development opportunities
- Environmental and green agenda
- A supportive and inclusive environment
- A chance to make a real difference
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the role requirements. If you are looking to relocate prior to taking on this post or are interested in part‑time hours, please specify this in your supporting statement.
Closing date: 15/02/2026
Interview date: Anticipated initial telephone screening 19/02/2026 and face‑to‑face meetings at their Hospice near Bristol on 26/02/2026
Please note: They may close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received; therefore they recommend you apply early.
CHSW Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement: They are 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. They welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover) in Bristol employer: Hireful
Contact Detail:
Hireful Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover) in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in charities or similar organisations. 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. Since this role is all about making a difference, be ready to discuss how your financial expertise can support their compassionate care for families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved financial systems in your previous roles. This will demonstrate that you're not just a numbers person, but a true leader.
✨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 a team that makes a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover) in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial reporting, budgeting, and team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your experience meets the role requirements. Don’t forget to mention if you're interested in part-time hours or relocating – we’re flexible!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key leadership position, we’re keen to see examples of how you’ve led and developed teams in the past. Share specific instances where your leadership made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Early!: We recommend applying as soon as possible since we might close the vacancy early if we find suitable candidates. Head over to our website and get your application in – we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hireful
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and management. Brush up on key metrics like KPIs, budgeting processes, and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led financial teams and improved systems in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities, so think of examples where you've motivated and developed finance teams. Prepare to share specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in a charity or similar environment. Highlight your proactive approach to problem-solving and managing multiple priorities.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with the unique financial challenges faced by charities, particularly in areas like VAT and charity accounts. Being able to explain complex financial matters in simple terms will be crucial, so practice articulating these concepts clearly. Show your passion for making a difference in the charity sector during the interview.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the organisation's financial strategies and goals. Ask about their approach to financial stewardship and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
