Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Full-Time 59400 - 72600 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial planning, analysis, and team management in a purpose-driven organisation.
  • Company: Established not-for-profit in Leeds focused on making a difference.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to impact community initiatives.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative environment dedicated to charitable values and continuous improvement.
  • Why this job: Combine strategic finance with hands-on leadership to drive meaningful change.
  • Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong financial planning and team leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 59400 - 72600 £ per year.

A long standing not-for-profit organisation in Leeds is seeking an experienced and commercially minded finance leader to take responsibility for its financial planning, analysis and wider finance function.

This is a broad senior role requiring someone who can combine strong technical accounting knowledge with a forward-looking, strategic approach.

You will lead the finance team, provide meaningful financial insight to senior stakeholders and trustees, and identify opportunities to improve financial performance, maximise income and manage costs.

Key responsibilities Lead financial planning and analysis, including budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and long-term financial planning.

Produce and present monthly and quarterly management information, providing clear insight to support strategic and operational decisions.

Advise senior leadership and Trustee Board on financial performance, risks and opportunities.

Identify cost-saving opportunities, improve financial efficiency and assess the financial viability of major projects and investments.

Support income generation and the development of new funding and revenue streams.

Lead, manage and develop the finance team, overseeing accounting, payroll, VAT, grants and HMRC activities.

Maintain robust financial controls, reporting systems and processes, driving continuous improvement.

Take responsibility for statutory accounts, compliance and the annual audit process.

Work closely with other departments and external stakeholders, supporting budget holders and ensuring effective financial management across the organisation.

The Person You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) Strong financial planning and analysis experience, with the ability to interpret complex data and provide commercial insight.

A proven track record of leading and developing a finance team.

Excellent technical accounting knowledge and experience overseeing financial reporting and controls.

A commercial mindset, with the confidence to challenge existing processes and identify opportunities to improve performance.

Strong Excel and financial systems skills, with experience working alongside IT teams.

The ability to communicate financial information effectively to non-finance stakeholders and senior decision-makers.

A proactive, analytical and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to manage competing priorities.

An appreciation of the organisation's charitable purpose and values.

This is an excellent opportunity for a strong finance leader who enjoys combining strategic financial planning with hands-on leadership and making a tangible difference within a purpose-led organisation.

If you are interested in this Head of Finance opportunity or would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact Richard Warwick at IPS Finance.

IPS Finance has 45 years experience in the Yorkshire accountancy recruitment market.

We have built our business on long term relationships with both individuals and clients in all sectors, bringing real benefits to all concerned.

Please visit the IPS Finance website to view the latest accountancy / finance and practice opportunities.

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Head of Finance employer: IPS Group

Join a dynamic and supportive team at our well-established insurance brokerage, where your expertise as an Account Executive/Account Director will be valued and nurtured. We offer a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional development, providing you with opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career in the thriving commercial insurance sector. Located in a vibrant area, our company also promotes a healthy work-life balance, ensuring that you can thrive both personally and professionally.

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Contact Details:

IPS Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance

✨Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

✨Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

✨Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like IPS Group. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance

Financial Planning and Analysis
Budgeting
Forecasting
Cash Flow Management
Long-term Financial Planning
Financial Reporting
Technical Accounting Knowledge

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to IPS Group.

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on IPS Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Group

✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with IPS Group.

✨Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

✨Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at IPS Group will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

✨Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former IPS Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.