Head of Finance & Business Services in London

Reports to: Director of Operations

Salary: In the region of £39,000. Flexible based on experience and qualifications

Location: Hybrid

Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours over 5 days

Objective

2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and other therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

Context of role

The Head of Finance & Business Services will be a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for ensuring the charity is financially sustainable, legally compliant and operationally efficient. This role provides strategic oversight of finance, governance, HR, IT, facilities, risk management, and business administration, enabling the charity to deliver its mission effectively and responsibly.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Act as a senior advisor to the CEO and Board of Trustees on financial strategy, organisational performance, risk, and governance.
• Lead on the development and implementation of long-term financial plans, budgets, and business services strategies.
• Contribute to organisational planning, change management, and culture-building across the charity.

Financial Management

• Oversee all aspects of financial management, including grants and foundations, forecasting, management accounts, statutory accounts, and cashflow.
• Ensure accurate financial reporting in compliance within the Charity SORP, and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Lead on financial risk management, reserve’s policy, investment planning, and financial controls.
• Oversee payroll, pension administration, procurement, and contract management.
• Support fundraising colleagues with financial modelling, grant budgets, and reporting to funders.

Business Services Oversight

• Lead and develop the business services function, which includes IT, facilities, data protection and health & safety.
• Oversee HR policies, employee relations, recruitment processes, and wellbeing initiatives with the support of our HR consultants.
• Ensure reliable IT systems, digital security, and effective use of Microsoft 365 and organisational software with the support of our IT consultants.
• Manage the Business Services Officer who oversees office facilities, leases, equipment, and supplier relationships.
• Hold line management responsibilities for our Business Services Officer and Finance and Administration Officer.

Leadership and People Management

• Provide inspirational leadership to finance and business services staff.
• Support a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, compassion, and teamwork.
• Champion organisational values, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all areas of operations.

General

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration.
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate.
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary.
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role.
• It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.
• You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.
• This role is subject to a DBS check.

Person specification

Essential

• Fully or part qualified in accountancy or qualified by experience (QBE).
• Proven financial leadership experience within the third sector or a challenging values-driven organisation.
• Strong understanding of charity finance, including SORP, restricted/unrestricted, designated funds, grant applications and reporting.
• Experience of managing governance, risk, compliance, and business administrative functions.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively whilst providing strong challenge and professional insight.
• Demonstrable commitment to the mission and values of 2wish.
• Assist with compliance of the Equality Act, Employment Rights Act / Bill & General Data Protection Regulations.

Desirable

• Experience supporting or working alongside a Board of Trustees.
• Experience leading digital transformation or implementing new systems.
• Understanding bereavement-support environments.

What we do for you

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Normal office hours are 9am – 5pm, Monday to Friday, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.

Annual leave: 28 days plus