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- Tasks: Lead financial operations, budgeting, reporting, and audits for a dynamic charity.
- Company: Join a passionate charity making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on personal and professional development.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the charity's financial strategy and impact.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant with charity finance experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Head of Finance is a key member of the Charity's senior management team, working closely with the chief executive, directors, and trustees. The Head of Finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Charity, including budgeting, reporting, audit, payroll, and pensions. Managing the finance manager and management accountant, the Head of Finance will ensure the effective running of the finance department and smooth day-to-day processes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you will be a key advisor on strategic financial decisions, balancing meticulous operational control with strategic planning.
As the Head of Finance, you will:
- Proactively contribute to the development and delivery of the Charity's strategy through developing long-term financial planning to underpin our objectives.
- Act as senior finance business partner to the senior leadership team, supporting strategic and operational decision-making.
- Lead on the annual audit and production of statutory accounts, ensuring effective management of the audit process.
- Support the rest of the Charity team to become financially informed and comfortable understanding financial performance, control, and accountability.
Main responsibilities include:
Financial controls, reporting, and operational finance- Lead the finance function of the Charity, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant financial management and reporting.
- Ensure that appropriately robust internal financial and operational controls are in place.
- Ensure that our unrestricted and restricted funds and accounting records are maintained in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements and best practice.
- Ensure timely and accurate monthly management accounts and other reports are produced by the finance team and distributed to members of the senior management team, encouraging ownership of departmental budgets.
- Manage and oversee accounts receivable and payable, ensuring strong cash management.
- Ensure all banking facilities, financial systems, and internal processes function to a high standard and enable the Charity to carry out its transactional and operational financial functions.
- Lead financial risk identification and mitigation, working closely with the chief executive and leadership team, and reporting to the board of trustees.
- Manage the production of statutory accounts in line with the Charity SORP and lead the annual external audit process.
- Oversee our tax affairs, including PAYE, national insurance, corporation tax, VAT, and gift aid.
- Responsible for our payroll and pensions functions.
- Maintain and continuously improve financial policies, procedures, and controls, working closely with the fundraising and operations teams to ensure organisational efficiency.
- Identify and escalate financial risks to the chief executive and board.
- Line manage and support the management accountant and finance manager, ensuring professional development and high-quality output.
Person specification
Knowledge and experience- Demonstrable strategic financial leadership spanning organisational planning, budgeting, risk, and reporting.
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, OR CIMA).
- Excellent knowledge of charity financial management, SORP, and audit is essential.
- Experience of effective budget setting and implementing controls and processes to manage and monitor budgets.
- Firm understanding of risk management.
- Experience of improving policies and processes in comparable organisations.
- Success in delivering increased cost effectiveness.
- Evidence of building financial impact and performance metrics and reporting.
- Understanding of the requirements of legislation, Charity Commission and professional body guidance on being a well-run and financially accountable Charity.
- Considerable experience of management and development of staff.
- A strategic thinker with the ability to see the bigger picture and make decisions in line with the charity's needs as part of a team.
- Strong change management skills with experience of managing teams through change.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to interpret and communicate financial information to a non-specialist audience.
- Strong organisational development skills, able to identify and act on opportunities to drive performance in business.
- Experience of the charity or not-for-profit environment (this could be gained as a trustee), preferably with some understanding of charity funding and investment management.
- Collaborative working style with excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Resilient with a flexible, creative and solutions-focused approach to problem-solving.
Head of Finance employer: Southampton Hospitals Charity
Contact Detail:
Southampton Hospitals Charity Recruiting Team
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 charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Finance role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity financial management and SORP. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and improved financial processes in previous roles. Show them you’re the strategic thinker they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Proactively reach out to charities you admire and express your interest in potential finance roles. A well-timed email can open doors that aren’t even on the market yet.
✨Tip Number 4
When you find a role that excites you, apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
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 experience in financial management, budgeting, and strategic planning. We want to see how your skills align with our charity's mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in finance and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. Let your passion for the charity sector shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a key member of our senior management team, we need to see your leadership style. Include examples of how you've successfully managed teams and driven financial performance in previous roles. We love a collaborative approach!
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 StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southampton Hospitals Charity
✨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics and reporting. Brush up on key financial statements, budgeting processes, and charity-specific regulations like SORP. Be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles to drive strategic decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led finance teams in the past. Highlight your experience in mentoring staff and improving their performance, as well as how you’ve navigated change within an organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've identified financial risks or improved processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Understand the Charity Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities in the charity sector. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the charity's mission through effective financial management. Showing that you understand the unique aspects of charity funding will set you apart.