At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and support strategic decision-making in a community-focused organisation.
- Company: Values-led organisation in Suffolk with a strong sense of community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive benefits, and strong leadership support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for team development and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial improvements and influence senior-level decisions.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and significant experience in financial management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join a well-established, values-led organisation operating within a dynamic and community-focused environment. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading financial operations, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring robust financial control across a complex organisation.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will take ownership of all aspects of financial management and control. You will lead a small finance team and play a key role in supporting senior stakeholders with accurate, timely and insightful financial information.
Key responsibilities include:
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Full responsibility for the integrity of financial records and accounting processes
- Production of timely monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis
- Preparation of annual statutory accounts and management of the external audit process
- Oversight of all ledgers, including income, creditors, and fixed assets
- Monitoring financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities
- Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
- Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting cycles
- Provide robust financial modelling and scenario planning
- Partner with budget holders to monitor expenditure and performance
- Cashflow, Compliance & Controls
- Ensure effective cash management and financial controls
- Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Oversee VAT returns and liaise with external advisors
- Payroll & Operational Finance
- Oversee outsourced payroll and ensure accuracy and compliance
- Manage income processes, including credit control and customer accounts
- Governance & Stakeholder Engagement
- Prepare reports for senior leadership and governing bodies
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
- Support strategic initiatives, process improvements and systems development
- Leadership
- Lead, mentor and develop a team of four finance professionals
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance
About You
We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented finance leader who combines technical excellence with strong interpersonal skills. You will bring:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Significant experience in a broad financial management role
- Proven experience leading and developing teams
- Strong analytical capability and the ability to translate financial data into clear insights
- A hands-on, solution-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust across stakeholders
- Experience within a complex or multi-income organisation (e.g. education, not-for-profit, or similar) would be advantageous but is not essential.
The Opportunity
- Play a key role in a purpose-driven organisation with a strong sense of community
- Influence strategic and operational decision-making at senior level
- Lead financial improvements and systems development initiatives
- Work in a collaborative, values-led environment with strong leadership support
- A competitive salary and attractive benefits package are on offer.
Head of Finance. Job in Ipswich LilyLifestyle Jobs employer: United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
Join a well-established, values-led organisation in Ipswich that prioritises community engagement and employee development. As the Head of Finance, you will benefit from a collaborative work culture, strong leadership support, and opportunities for professional growth while enjoying a competitive salary and attractive benefits package. This role offers the chance to make a meaningful impact on strategic decision-making within a dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance. Job in Ipswich LilyLifestyle Jobs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at LilyLifestyle. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. Show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their community-focused environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your financial insights! Be ready to discuss how you've handled financial management and reporting in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your analytical skills and leadership experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance. Job in Ipswich LilyLifestyle Jobs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Head of Finance role. Highlight your financial management expertise and any leadership experience you have, as we want to see how you can contribute to our values-led organisation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in financial management and team leadership, and don’t forget to express your passion for working in a community-focused environment.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role requires strong analytical capabilities, make sure to include examples of how you've used data to drive decision-making in your previous roles. We love seeing how candidates can translate complex financial information into clear insights!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our company culture and values!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia
✨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 decisions in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you’ve mentored team members or led projects. Highlight how you foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance within your teams.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Since this is a values-led organisation, research their mission and values thoroughly. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their community-focused environment. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with thoughtful questions. Ask about their current financial challenges, the team dynamics, or how they measure success in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
