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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial planning and control, shaping strategic direction and ensuring financial strength.
- Company: Join a mission-driven organisation focused on making a lasting social impact across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, visibility, and the chance to influence key investment decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working closely with senior leaders in a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally in complex environments.
- Other info: We value diversity and inclusion; your unique perspective is welcomed here.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Ready to lead financial planning and control in an organisation where your insight shapes strategic direction? Seeking a role with greater visibility, autonomy, and strategic responsibility? Looking to apply your expertise in a context where financial leadership supports lasting social impact?
As Head of Financial Planning & Control, you will take on a high profile, strategic role with broad scope and senior-level influence. You will lead the organisation's planning, forecasting, reporting, and internal control functions ensuring financial strength and governance are embedded across all aspects of delivery. Working in close partnership with the CFO and Executive team, you will help shape investment decisions, guide resource planning, and ensure our financial position supports ambitious, long-term transformation. You will operate with real autonomy and visibility, bringing clarity and assurance to Executive and Board-level discussions, while contributing to work that directly improves people's lives across the UK.
What you will be doing
You will lead and develop two core functions: Finance Business Partnering and Financial Control, with responsibility for forecasting, performance reporting, internal assurance, and statutory compliance. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will provide trusted analysis and recommendations that support informed, forward-looking decisions at Executive and Board levels.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading annual and long-term financial planning processes, aligned to strategic priorities
- Delivering scenario modelling, cost-efficiency planning and cash flow forecasting to support financial resilience
- Overseeing the production of timely, accurate management accounts and insight-led reporting for the Executive and Trustees
- Managing the external audit process and year-end statutory accounts preparation, ensuring compliance with UK GAAP and Charities SORP
- Ensuring robust internal controls, reconciliations and balance sheet management, maintaining a state of continuous audit readiness
- Providing strategic financial input into transformation programmes and system improvements
- Acting as a senior representative for Finance across internal forums and governance groups, deputising for the CFO as required
About you
You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant experience in senior financial leadership roles, ideally within complex or regulated environments such as financial services, banking, or not-for-profit sectors. You combine technical excellence with sound judgement, commercial awareness, and a clear sense of purpose.
You will bring:
- Expertise in budgeting, forecasting, long-term financial planning, and performance reporting
- Strong working knowledge of financial controls, governance, and statutory compliance
- A track record of managing audit and assurance processes in line with regulatory standards
- Proven experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Confidence engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, including Executives and Board members
- A proactive, insight-driven approach to financial leadership, with the ability to operate strategically and manage complexity
- A values-led mindset, with a commitment to transparency, quality, and continuous improvement
Equality, diversity, and inclusion: Equality, diversity, and inclusion are incredibly important to us; we have a culture of belonging. We're always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone. It's not just about the professional experience you bring - we're interested in who you are and your potential. If there's an adjustment to our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, speak to our team and they'll be happy to help.
Head of Financial Planning & Control in Leeds employer: StepChange Debt Charity
Contact Detail:
StepChange Debt Charity Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Planning & Control in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the financial sector, especially those who have experience in not-for-profit organisations. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about their experiences at similar organisations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance standards relevant to the charity sector. This knowledge will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during discussions with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in leading financial planning and control functions. Be ready to share specific examples of how your insights have shaped strategic decisions and improved financial resilience in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how you develop high-performing teams. Be prepared to discuss your approach to mentoring and guiding team members, as this is crucial for a role that involves managing finance business partnering and financial control functions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Planning & Control in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in financial leadership roles, particularly in budgeting, forecasting, and performance reporting. Use specific examples that demonstrate your expertise in managing audit processes and compliance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for financial planning and control. Discuss how your values align with the organisation's commitment to social impact and diversity. Highlight your strategic thinking and ability to influence senior stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on achievements that relate to the key responsibilities of the position. For instance, mention any successful financial planning processes you led or improvements in internal controls you implemented.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to your experience with financial governance and compliance. Be ready to discuss how you've handled complex financial situations and your approach to leading high-performing teams.
How to prepare for a job interview at StepChange Debt Charity
✨Showcase Your Strategic Insight
As a candidate for the Head of Financial Planning & Control, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to shape strategic direction. Prepare examples of how your financial insights have influenced decision-making in previous roles, particularly in complex environments.
✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience
This role requires leading high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss your experience in developing and managing teams, focusing on how you've fostered collaboration and driven performance in financial contexts.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle financial forecasting and scenario modelling. Think through past experiences where you successfully navigated financial challenges and be prepared to share your thought process.
✨Emphasise Your Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Engaging with senior stakeholders is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex financial information to non-financial audiences, ensuring clarity and understanding in your interactions.
