At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and operations for a local charity making a real difference.
- Company: St Nicholas Hospice, dedicated to providing compassionate palliative care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, generous leave, and life cover.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and impact the lives of those facing grief and loss.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with leadership experience in a charity setting.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Hays Senior Finance is proud to be working in partnership with St Nicholas Hospice, who are looking to appoint a Head of Finance. This is a pivotal appointment where you will lead and deliver on financial aspects of their ambitious plans.
St Nicholas Hospice Care is a local charity, which strives for something better in the provision of high-quality, specialist palliative care, emotional and practical support, so that no-one in West Suffolk and Thetford has to face dying, death and grief alone. St Nic’s supports thousands of local people. Hospice support is there not just for patients, but for their families and friends too, offering everything from specialist medical and bereavement care to practical help. They aim to provide the very best experiences for those facing dying, death and grief, with actions and behaviours promoting the charity’s values of compassion, accountability, respect, and equity.
The charity and its trading subsidiary have a combined annual turnover of circa £9m. The Finance Department has responsibility for delivering all finance functions across the group. In addition, the Finance team plays a strong and increasingly strategic business-partnering role across the organisation, working closely with directors, heads of departments and managers to provide financial insight, challenge, and support decision-making, enabling effective operational planning, financial sustainability, and alignment with the charity’s strategic objectives.
The Head of Finance is responsible for the leadership and performance of the Finance team to provide sound financial information and specialist advice to directorate and committees to facilitate the Hospice’s strategic and operational business plans, ensure the effective management of financial resources and to support change and enable improvement.
The Role:
- Strategic Leadership: Drive the financial direction and long-term viability of the hospice and contribute to the financial health of the charity.
- Operational Excellence: Oversee the finance function, ensuring sustainable planning, budgeting, and financial management.
- Team Collaboration: Be a visible member of the Senior Leadership Team, enhancing our positive, values-based culture.
What They’re Looking For:
- Qualifications: ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA, or equivalent.
- Experience: Proven leadership in finance within a charity or similar organisation.
- Skills: Strong financial acumen, stakeholder communication, and team management.
You will also fulfil the role of Company Secretary for the charity and the trading company, whilst operating as a senior leader within the Charity. St Nicholas Hospice has a collaborative and supportive team culture, so it is essential that you have the ability to “roll up your sleeves” and be involved in the day-to-day operations. In addition, a key element of the role will be leading and influencing others to continue to innovate and improve their financial processes.
Why Join the St Nicholas Hospice?
- Impactful Work: Play a central role in developing and delivering financial plans to support in an environment where everyone is encouraged, energised and enabled to play their part in delivering the Hospice's vision.
- Supportive Culture: Join a collaborative team that values innovation and continuous improvement in its service of local communities.
- Great Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive annual leave, life cover, and flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working.
Ready to Make a Difference? If you have the drive, passion, and enthusiasm to help them to achieve their mission and vision, we want to hear from you!
For more information about the role and organisation please contact Senan Pierce, Senior Business Director at Hays Senior Finance who is the retained consultant working in partnership with St Nicholas Hospice.
Closing date for all applications: 28th June, 2026. Interviews will take place: 7th and 8th July, 2026.
All third party & direct applicants will be forwarded directly to Senan Pierce at Hays Senior Finance to be screened as part of the recruitment process.
Head Of Finance employer: St Nicholas Hospice Care
St Nicholas Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead financial strategies that directly impact the lives of individuals and families in West Suffolk and Thetford. With a strong commitment to a collaborative and supportive culture, employees are encouraged to innovate and improve processes while enjoying competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and a focus on personal growth within a meaningful mission.
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 have experience in charities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching St Nicholas Hospice thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your financial expertise can align with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've led teams and improved financial processes in the past. This is your chance to shine and show you can drive their financial direction.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Finance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in finance, especially within a charity context. We want to see how your skills align with the values and mission of St Nicholas Hospice.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As the Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team, so don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and influenced financial processes in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at St Nicholas Hospice Care
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Finance, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the charity sector and be ready to discuss how you've used these in past roles. This shows you understand the financial landscape and can contribute to St Nicholas Hospice's strategic objectives.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your leadership experience, especially in a charity or similar environment. Think of specific examples where you’ve led teams through change or improved financial processes. This will highlight your ability to inspire and manage a team effectively.
✨Align with Their Values
St Nicholas Hospice values compassion, accountability, respect, and equity. Reflect on how your personal values align with theirs and be ready to share examples of how you've embodied these in your work. This will resonate well with the interviewers and show you’re a cultural fit.
✨Engage with Strategic Thinking
Be prepared to discuss how you would drive the financial direction of the hospice. Think strategically about budgeting, planning, and sustainability. Present ideas on how you can support their mission while ensuring financial health, which will demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
