Head of Finance in St Helens

The Head of Finance is a member of the Senior Leadership Team, playing a key role in delivering both the strategic plan and the day‑to‑day operations of the Hospice. The post holder will be expected to demonstrate full commitment to the vision and values of Willowbrook Hospice and will be crucial in ensuring we are able to deliver the best care with compassion for our community.

Main duties of the job

• Provide an effective and accurate financial management and accountancy service to the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and Directors of the Trading Company.
• Prepare annual budgets and monitor performance monthly against the plan by preparing and issuing monthly budget statements, making recommendations on costing assumptions (e.g., inflation rates).
• Support the strategic direction of the business by leading the preparation of five‑year financial forecasts to inform strategic planning and ensure long‑term financial viability.
• Prepare and maintain financial accounts in a timely fashion, ensuring consistency with external financial reporting standards and requirements.
• Provide monthly financial information to the Executive Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and Directors of the Trading Company.
• Prepare cash‑flow reports regularly or quarterly, monitor cash requirements and advise senior leadership on liquidity position.
• Provide advice on all financial matters, including issues arising in connection with charity legislation, to ensure the business meets its legal financial obligations and complies with all external regulatory requirements.
• Liaise with HM Revenue & Customs and VAT consultants regarding records and payments and ensure compliance with all regulations.
• Ensure the provision of a monthly payroll service and delivery of an accurate, reliable and quality payroll service to all staff.
• Maintain relationships with all regulatory external bodies (auditors, accountants, banks, solicitors, the Charity Commission, Companies House, insurance companies, pension advisers and others).
• Complete the Charity Commission self‑assessment annually, ensuring best practice compliance.
• Attend local networking group meetings as required.
• Review and monitor performance of business investments and provide up‑to‑date reports to the Board of Trustees to support investment decisions.
• Complete regular analysis of all income and expenditure, supporting budget holders to identify areas where cost savings and efficiencies can be made.
• Support the preparation of business cases and benchmarking information across the business.
• Assist in maximising income from all sources by providing financial information and attending relevant committees and forums.
• Develop and maintain an asset register of all property across the business, ensuring capital accounting policies are agreed annually by the Finance Committee.
• Ensure appropriate financial procedures, governance and policies are in place and regularly reviewed.
• Maintain good financial control systems and checks for all assets.
• Manage and support staff in the Finance Department, ensuring they have the right knowledge and skills.
• Provide financial training and support to leadership team members (ELT and SLT) and the board as necessary.
• Attend committees and key meetings to present relevant financial information at the request of senior leadership.
• Approve annual income and expenditure budgets and monitor them monthly.
• Ensure management accounts are completed within 10 working days of month‑end.
• Meet regulatory requirements promptly.
• Deliver accurate and reliable annual financial statements.
• Meet with statutory and external organisations in a timely and professional manner.
• Submit quarterly VAT returns, annual Corporation Tax returns and other statutory returns on time.
• Comply with Care Quality Commission financial standards.
• Maintain robust financial systems for assets and liabilities, incorporating monthly reviews of creditors and debtors.
• Serve as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team and participate in all relevant meetings.
• Take rotational responsibility as Out‑of‑Hours Duty Manager if required.
• Collaborate with the Head of Human Resources on salary and pension matters, keeping up to date with legislation.
• Communicate with banks, HMRC, the Department for Work and Pensions and other bodies on pensions, tax and National Insurance.
• Work with senior leadership to ensure accurate payroll data.
• Coordinate with the Head of Fundraising on fundraising income and expenditure and maintain accurate fundraising and lottery databases.
• Coordinate with the Trading Company Manager on trading company income and expenditure, ensuring accuracy.
• Verify insurance coverage for all business functions and keep it up to date.
• Ensure compliance with financial statutory regulations and internal policies.
• Maintain a robust information governance regime across all financial matters.
• Manage the annual appraisal process for the Finance Team and identify training needs.
• Ensure Finance Team members attend mandatory training and that evaluations monitor effectiveness.
• Adhere to all relevant legislation and business policies.
• Perform any other reasonable duties directed by senior leadership, the Board of Trustees and the Trading Company Directors.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant: ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA or equivalent.

Experience

• Financial management, budgeting and forecasting.
• Leading and managing a team.
• Preparation & delivery of financial strategies.
• Working in charity, healthcare or a similar environment.
• Preparing and monitoring performance against annual and longer‑term budgets.
• Ability to create accurate financial spreadsheets.
• Compile, present and interpret monthly accounts.
• Ability to report on and manage cash flow.
• Demonstrable knowledge of financial systems.
• Proficiency with financial software.
• Preparation of statutory returns: PAYE, VAT, Gift Aid, Companies House.
• Knowledge of Charity SORPS.
• Ability to provide financial advice to Executive Leadership Team, Board of Trustees and Directors of the Trading Company.

Desirable

• Sage Line50 & Sage Payroll.

Aptitude

• Excellent Leadership skills.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Professional approach to work.
• Experienced Team leader.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Resilient, flexible and able to work under pressure.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the relevant regulatory body’s website.