Interim Head of Finance

Interim Head of Finance

Full-Time 48000 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a finance team, develop strategies, and ensure effective financial controls.
  • Company: Join RHS Wisley Gardens, a historic charity promoting gardening and plant care for over 200 years.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and complimentary tickets to RHS shows.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a vibrant organisation dedicated to connecting people with plants.
  • Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified with experience in charity finance and team management.
  • Other info: 4 to 6 month contract with opportunities for professional growth in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.

Interim Head of Finance for RHS Wisley Gardens. ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant.

I am delighted to be exclusively partnering RHS Wisley Gardens recruiting for an Interim Head of Finance candidate on a 4 to 6 month contract basis. For more than 200 years, the RHS has been a power for good, influencing everything from window boxes to landscaped gardens worldwide and creating places and experiences for every visitor to enjoy. We believe in caring for every plant and for every one of our 1,200 like-minded colleagues and 2,000 volunteers with support, training, qualifications and an environment like no other.

Description:

  • You will be leading a team of 30 staff members with 9 direct reports.
  • To work with the Director of Finance to develop a financial strategy and organisation that will support the future ambitions of the Society.
  • To ensure that financial policies, procedures and controls are effective throughout the charity and its two trading subsidiaries.
  • To work with Senior Managers to improve financial awareness, creating realistic financial targets and aid the business to deliver the set targets, identifying areas of concern and recommending remedial action.
  • To manage the financial accounting and processing for the group, setting and maintaining high standards, including the timely and accurate production of management accounts and the preparation of the statutory accounts in line with current accounting standards and practice.
  • Responsible for the monthly, forecast and budget reporting plus commentary for the entire Group, encompassing the day-to-day trading and charitable activities of the Society.
  • Provide guidance and manage the SFBP's to provide additional business analysis to the Society to ensure that each division has the required added value information to enable them to drive towards budget goals and strategy.
  • Ensure that strong financial controls and reconciliations are performed regularly, diligently reviewed and approved.
  • To ensure the efficient management and monitoring of the assets owned by the group, including fixed assets, investments and cash. Ensure cash flow and investment statements are prepared regularly.
  • Understand and input into developing tax efficient planning strategies and ensure compliance with HM Revenue and Customs requirements. Ensure that the Society membership and activities are compliant for VAT and Gift Aid.
  • To support senior management in contract negotiations, ensuring financial, commercial and legal risks to the organisation are reduced or limited.
  • Ensure that the payroll is accurately and efficiently run, including the review and checking of the payroll data and relevant reconciliations. Ensure compliance with HMRC PAYE regulations completing all statutory reporting on time.
  • To manage the insurances for the group, leading on the negotiation for the annual renewal.
  • Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of your staff and volunteers, and that the activities for which they are responsible do not expose anyone to risks to their health or safety.

Profile:

  • CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent + Degree or equivalent level experience.
  • Financial legislation and requirements relating to charity/not for profit sector.
  • NAV18 and/or MS Dynamics (NAV).
  • Thorough understanding of Tax, VAT, Gift Aid, Pensions Compliance, Statutory Accounts.
  • Experience in the production of statutory charity accounts.
  • Extensive people management experience, including developing medium to large teams.
  • Extensive business partnering experience.
  • Visible Leadership - Demonstrable experience of building effective working relationships across all levels and within both finance and non-finance personnel.
  • Proven experience of working in complex organisations.

Job Offer:

  • 25 days holiday + bank holidays - annual allowance. Option to purchase up to 5 days per annum.
  • Pension - TBC.
  • Life Assurance.
  • Group Income Protection.
  • Private Medical Insurance.
  • Complimentary tickets to RHS Show for friends and family - max ticket allocation may vary.
  • Free Gardens entry + 2 complimentary friend and family tickets.
  • Free parking at Wisley site.

Interim Head of Finance employer: Michael Page

RHS Wisley Gardens is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, dedicated to the growth and well-being of its 1,200 staff and 2,000 volunteers. With a strong commitment to employee development, the organisation offers extensive training opportunities, competitive benefits including generous holiday allowances, private medical insurance, and complimentary access to its beautiful gardens, making it an ideal place for those passionate about horticulture and community engagement.
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Contact Detail:

Michael Page Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Interim Head of Finance

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the RHS's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to gardening and community engagement will help you align your experience and ideas with their goals during discussions.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the charity and horticultural sectors. Attend relevant events or connect on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights and potentially get referrals that could strengthen your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've improved financial processes or enhanced team performance.

✨Tip Number 4

Research current financial trends and challenges within the charity sector, particularly those affecting organisations like RHS. This knowledge will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to contribute strategically from day one.

We think you need these skills to ace Interim Head of Finance

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification
Financial Strategy Development
Financial Policies and Procedures Management
Financial Reporting and Analysis
Statutory Accounts Preparation
Budgeting and Forecasting
Tax Compliance and Planning
VAT and Gift Aid Knowledge
People Management and Leadership
Business Partnering
Strong Communication Skills
Risk Management
Experience with NAV18 and/or MS Dynamics
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualifications and relevant experience in financial management, particularly in the charity or not-for-profit sector. Emphasise your leadership skills and any experience managing large teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the RHS mission and how your background aligns with their goals. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to develop financial strategies and improve financial awareness within an organisation.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Focus on key skills such as financial accounting, compliance with tax regulations, and experience with financial software like NAV18 or MS Dynamics. Provide examples of how you've successfully implemented financial controls and reporting processes in previous roles.

Showcase Leadership Experience: Detail your experience in leading teams and building effective working relationships across various levels of an organisation. Highlight any instances where you have influenced change or improved financial performance through collaboration.

How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

As an Interim Head of Finance, it's crucial to demonstrate your expertise in financial legislation and charity accounting. Be prepared to discuss your experience with statutory accounts and how you've navigated complex financial regulations in previous roles.

✨Highlight Leadership Experience

With a team of 30 staff members, showcasing your people management skills is essential. Share specific examples of how you've developed teams, fostered collaboration, and built effective working relationships across various levels within an organisation.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you would handle financial challenges, improve financial awareness among senior managers, and implement effective financial controls.

✨Align with RHS's Mission

RHS Wisley Gardens values its mission to connect people with plants. Be ready to express your passion for gardening and how your financial strategies can support their goals. Show that you understand their vision and are excited about contributing to it.

Interim Head of Finance
Michael Page
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