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- Tasks: Lead a finance team, develop strategies, and ensure financial compliance for RHS Wisley Gardens.
- Company: Join the RHS, a historic organisation dedicated to gardening and environmental impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, pension scheme, private medical insurance, and free garden entry.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community focused on connecting people with plants.
- Why this job: Make a difference in a role that combines finance with a passion for gardening.
- Qualifications: CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified with experience in charity finance and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Our Client
I am delighted to be exclusively partnering with RHS Wisley Gardens to recruit a Head of Finance on a permanent basis. For over 200 years, the RHS has been a force for good, influencing everything from window boxes to landscaped gardens worldwide, creating places and experiences for visitors to enjoy. We care for every plant, our 1,200 colleagues, and 2,000 volunteers through support, training, qualifications, and a unique environment. We seek individuals who can influence and implement our mission: connecting more people to plants, sharing the health benefits of gardening, raising awareness of our scientific and horticultural expertise, and sharing lifelong gardening adventures with diverse audiences. If you are passionate about growing your career through gardening's positive power, we look forward to working with you.
Job Description
- Lead a team of 30 staff members, including 9 direct reports.
- Collaborate with the Director of Finance to develop a financial strategy supporting the Society's future ambitions.
- Ensure effective financial policies, procedures, and controls across the charity and its subsidiaries.
- Work with Senior Managers to improve financial awareness, set realistic targets, and support business delivery.
- Manage financial accounting and processing, including management accounts and statutory accounts preparation.
- Oversee monthly, forecast, and budget reporting with commentary for the entire Group.
- Provide business analysis to ensure divisions meet budget goals and strategies.
- Maintain strong financial controls and reconciliations, reviewed and approved diligently.
- Manage assets, including fixed assets, investments, and cash flow, with regular reporting.
- Develop tax-efficient planning strategies ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, including VAT and Gift Aid.
- Support contract negotiations, minimizing financial, commercial, and legal risks.
- Ensure accurate payroll processing, compliance with HMRC PAYE regulations, and statutory reporting.
- Manage insurance negotiations and renewals.
- Promote health, safety, and welfare of staff and volunteers, ensuring adherence to safety procedures and risk assessments.
The Successful Applicant
- CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualification or equivalent, with degree or comparable experience.
- Knowledge of financial legislation relevant to charities and non-profits.
- Experience with NAV18 and/or MS Dynamics (NAV).
- Thorough understanding of Tax, VAT, Gift Aid, Pensions, and statutory accounts.
- Experience in producing statutory charity accounts.
- Proven leadership in managing medium to large teams.
- Extensive business partnering experience.
- Effective leadership skills, capable of building relationships across levels and departments.
- Experience working in complex organizations.
What's on Offer
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays; option to purchase up to 5 days.
- Pension scheme.
- Life Assurance.
- Group Income Protection.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Complimentary tickets to RHS Shows for friends and family.
- Free garden entry and 2 additional tickets for friends and family.
- Free parking at Wisley site.
Head of Finance in Surrey employer: Michael Page
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Surrey
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you land that interview, make sure to highlight your leadership experience and financial expertise. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed teams and improved financial processes. We want to see how you can bring value to RHS Wisley Gardens!
✨Prepare for the Unexpected
Interviews can throw curveballs, so be ready for some tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge of financial legislation relevant to charities and be prepared to discuss how you would handle various financial scenarios. We believe in being well-prepared!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at RHS Wisley Gardens.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Surrey
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 ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualifications and any relevant experience in financial management, especially within charities or non-profits.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for gardening and how you can contribute to RHS Wisley Gardens' mission. Be sure to mention specific examples of your leadership and financial strategy development.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team of 30, emphasise your leadership experience. Share stories about how you've successfully led teams, improved financial awareness, and collaborated with senior managers to achieve goals.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our community at RHS Wisley Gardens!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. This shows you can not only manage finances but also drive strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
With a team of 30 staff members, your leadership style is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, and fostered collaboration. Highlighting your ability to build relationships across departments will resonate well.
✨Understand the Charity Sector
Familiarise yourself with financial legislation relevant to charities and non-profits. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the unique challenges faced by organisations like RHS Wisley Gardens, especially regarding compliance and reporting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about past experiences where you had to navigate complex financial situations or lead a team through change. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.