Head of Finance in London

Head of Finance in London

London Full-Time 65000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Ivy Rock Partners Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead financial strategy, oversee reporting, and manage a small finance team.
  • Company: Join a leading healthcare charity making a real difference in people's lives.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working options, and potential for a 4-day week.
  • Other info: Initial 6-month fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Be part of a senior leadership team and influence strategic decision-making in a meaningful sector.
  • Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with strong charity accounting knowledge.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.

A London charity is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to join its leadership team on an initial six-month fixed-term contract.

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Head of Finance will take overall responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of the finance function. This is a broad role combining people leadership, financial management, Board-level reporting and hands-on oversight of day-to-day finance operations.

The successful candidate will lead and develop the Finance team while working closely with senior leadership, the Board and relevant committees to provide high-quality financial information, insight and advice.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Lead, manage and develop the Finance team, ensuring effective delivery across the function.
  • Lead budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
  • Oversee management accounts and provide insightful financial reporting and analysis.
  • Work closely with senior leadership, the Board and committees, presenting financial information and providing advice and challenge.
  • Lead statutory accounts and manage the external audit process.
  • Maintain strong financial controls, compliance and governance.
  • Oversee and improve finance systems, processes and reporting.
  • Partner with budget holders and senior stakeholders across the organisation.

You will:

  • Be a qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent).
  • Have significant senior-level finance experience within a complex organisation, ideally within the charity or public sector.
  • Have a strong track record of leading and developing finance teams.
  • Be confident working with executive leadership, Boards and committees, including preparing and presenting financial information.
  • Have strong experience across budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, statutory accounts, audit and financial controls.
  • Be comfortable operating through periods of change and transformation.
  • Possess excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

What's on offer:

  • 6-month fixed-term contract
  • £70,000 - £80,000 per annum DOE
  • Hybrid working, with two days per week working from home
  • London office

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Head of Finance in London employer: Ivy Rock Partners Ltd

Ivy Rock Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and supportive work culture that values innovation and professional growth. As a charity based in the UK, we provide meaningful opportunities for our employees to contribute to impactful projects while enjoying a flexible work environment that promotes work-life balance and personal development.

Ivy Rock Partners Ltd

Contact Details:

Ivy Rock Partners Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in London

Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the charity and healthcare sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role or the organisation, as personal recommendations can significantly boost your chances.

Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with Access Financials if you haven't already. Since this is a preferred system for the role, demonstrating your knowledge or willingness to learn it can set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your experience with financial controls and reporting in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've improved processes in previous roles, as this will show your capability to enhance the charity's financial operations.

Tip Number 4

Highlight your leadership skills during any discussions. Since you'll be managing a small team, showcasing your ability to coach and develop others will demonstrate that you're not just a numbers person but also a strong leader.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in London

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
Charity Accounting Knowledge
FRS 102 Compliance
Charities SORP Understanding
Financial Reporting Skills
Audit Preparation Experience
Month-End and Year-End Close Processes

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a fully qualified accountant and your experience in charity accounting. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant financial systems knowledge, particularly with Access Financials.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, explain why you are passionate about the role and how your background aligns with the charity's mission. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead a finance function and improve financial processes.

Highlight Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with financial reporting, audit preparation, and team management. Use quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact in previous roles.

Showcase Communication Skills:Since the role requires collaboration across departments, include examples of how you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders in the past.

How to prepare for a job interview at Ivy Rock Partners Ltd

Showcase Your Financial Expertise

As a Head of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong technical understanding of charity accounting and financial management. Be prepared to discuss your experience with FRS 102, SORP, and how you've successfully managed complex financial operations in the past.

Highlight Leadership Skills

This role involves managing a small team, so it's important to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've coached and developed team members, and how you foster a collaborative environment to achieve high-quality outputs.

Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect questions related to financial reporting, audit preparation, and month-end processes. Brush up on your knowledge of Access Financials and advanced Excel skills, as these will likely be focal points during the interview.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

As a key member of the senior leadership team, you'll need to support strategic decision-making. Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to financial strategy in previous roles and how you can apply that experience to enhance the charity's financial operations.