At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Scope's finance function and ensure strong financial control and insight.
- Company: Join a dynamic charity making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, flexible working, and excellent career development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with strong colleague networks and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping financial strategy and supporting impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 80000 € per year.
We are looking for a Head of Finance to lead Scope’s finance function and be a key member of the Leadership Team. The role supports delivery of our strategic priorities by ensuring Scope has strong financial control, high-quality financial data and insight, and efficient finance and procurement services.
Permanent, full time (35 hours a week)
Location: Here East Press Centre, 14 East Bay Lane, London, E15 2GW; working from home.
About the role
The Finance team works across three areas: Finance Systems and Data, Financial Control and Compliance, and Business Partnering. This role leads and develops these teams, ensuring they work well together and provide excellent support to colleagues across Scope. The postholder is responsible for financial strategy, statutory and fiscal reporting, treasury management, budgeting and forecasting, and safeguarding the charity’s assets. Working closely with the Chief Financial Officer and senior leaders, the role ensures financial insight is embedded in decision-making across the organisation.
You will:
- Lead and manage a high-performing finance function, ensuring strong financial control and high standards of service.
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management across Scope, working closely with the Head of Planning.
- Ensure timely, accurate and clear management reporting to support decision-making and performance monitoring.
- Lead the delivery of statutory reporting, including the annual report and accounts, and ensure audits run smoothly.
- Maintain effective financial policies, procedures and delegated authority frameworks.
- Support the CFO in developing and delivering Scope’s financial strategy.
- Provide financial reporting and insight to the Executive Leadership Team, Leadership Team, Committees and Board of Trustees.
- Lead and support change, improving financial systems, processes and ways of working.
- Work with colleagues across Scope to assess the financial impact, risks and opportunities of new proposals.
- Develop, support and motivate finance colleagues, building capability, resilience and confidence.
- Act as a senior leader at Scope, role-modelling collaborative, inclusive and values-led leadership.
About you
We are looking for a senior finance leader with strong technical expertise and a collaborative leadership style. You will be confident working at a strategic level, while also ensuring strong day-to-day financial control and delivery. You will be comfortable leading teams through change, building strong relationships across the organisation, and translating complex financial information into clear insight for non-finance colleagues.
To be successful, you will have:
- A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
- Senior-level experience in a finance leadership role within an organisation of similar scale and complexity.
- Strong experience of budgeting, forecasting, reporting and financial control.
- Experience leading and developing teams during periods of change.
- Strong analytical, financial and commercial skills.
- The ability to communicate clearly and influence at senior level.
- A collaborative leadership style, with high emotional intelligence and sound judgement.
It would be great if you also bring:
- Experience working in the charity or non-for-profit sector.
- Understanding of the social model of disability.
- Knowledge of charity fundraising models, risks and controls.
- Experience leading finance systems improvements or implementations.
- Experience overseeing retail or trading finance operations.
Additional information
You must have the legal right to work in the UK to apply for this role. We cannot provide visa sponsorship.
Benefits
- 27 days holiday and bank holidays
- Flexible, hybrid, and remote working options
- Pay progression at 6 months and 2 years
- Company pension
- Excellent training and career development
- Strong colleague networks (disability, race, LGBTQ+, gender, social mobility, carers, young people)
- Discounted gym membership, cycle-to-work scheme, and more
Head of Finance employer: Scope
Scope is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a flexible hybrid working environment from our vibrant London office at Here East. With a commitment to inclusivity and collaboration, we provide extensive training opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive culture that values diverse perspectives, making it an ideal place for finance professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the charity sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know someone at Scope. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and understanding Scope's mission. Show us how your experience aligns with our values and how you can contribute to our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just focus on your technical skills; highlight your leadership style too! We want to see how you can motivate and develop teams, especially during times of change.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Finance role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial leadership, budgeting, and team management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Scope. Share specific examples of your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for a collaborative leader, so make sure to highlight your leadership style in your application. Share experiences where you’ve successfully led teams through change and built strong relationships across an organisation.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Scope!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scope
✨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 data to drive decision-making in previous roles. This shows you can translate complex financial information into actionable insights.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a collaborative leadership style, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams through change. Highlight your emotional intelligence and how you've built strong relationships across departments to foster a supportive work environment.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Scope’s mission and values, especially regarding the social model of disability. Be ready to discuss how your financial strategies can align with and support their goals, demonstrating that you’re not just about numbers but also about making a difference.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, particularly around budgeting and forecasting. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated financial challenges or improved processes, showcasing your analytical skills and strategic thinking.
