At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance and administration, ensuring strong financial controls and managing income and expenditure.
- Company: Join World Horse Welfare, a compassionate charity dedicated to improving the lives of horses.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous holidays, a pension scheme, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in charity finance while working in a supportive and forward-thinking environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with charity finance experience and strong IT skills, especially in Excel.
- Other info: This role offers flexibility with a hybrid work model and occasional travel across the UK.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Hybrid Working Permanent, Full Time, 40 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 per annum
We are looking for a self-motivated and results driven individual to join World Horse Welfare in a newly created role reporting to the Director of Finance, IT & Administration, line managing three members of the Finance and Administration team.
In this vital role, you will ensure strong financial controls across all areas of the charity, manage income and expenditure, and lead on statutory accounts preparation, payroll, VAT, pensions, and tax compliance. As a key business partner, you will work closely with budget holders of all levels, providing data and analysis on the performance of charity operations, including the four Visitor Centres, to ensure excellent financial foresight and planning, as well as enabling the senior leadership team to make timely strategic decisions.
You’ll also oversee governance responsibilities such as annual statutory filings, insurance, fleet management and reporting on the annual carbon footprint.
We are looking for a qualified accountant who has experience of charity finance at a similar level, an in depth understanding of charity VAT and experience running in-house payroll processes. You will have the ability to explain financial information and produce financial reports for a wide variety of audiences. A high level of IT skills particularly around data manipulation and Microsoft Excel is essential. As a line manager to three members of staff, you’ll have previous experience in managing a team in a supportive and effective manner. Experience of a retail environment, familiarity with fundraising methods and regulations, and experience of finance system implementation is highly desirable.
The role is based in Norfolk and is currently a hybrid split of 2 days in our head office in Snetterton and 3 days at home. You may be required to attend events around the UK so the ability to travel occasionally is necessary.
World Horse Welfare takes great pride in being realistic, compassionate and forward-thinking, and you will be expected to share these values.
Benefits include a generous pension scheme and cash health plan, paid employee sickness absence scheme, death in service of 4 x annual salary and a minimum of 31 days’ holiday (including bank holidays and mandatory shutdown between Christmas and New Year).
World Horse Welfare is committed to championing equality and diversity in all aspects of employment and in the services that it provides. We encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing date for applications: Wednesday 2nd July 2025
Head of Finance and Administration employer: WORLD HORSE WELFARE
Contact Detail:
WORLD HORSE WELFARE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance and Administration
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements for charities, especially around VAT and payroll. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity finance sector. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with others in similar roles, which can provide insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing teams effectively. Think of examples where you've supported team members and improved their performance, as this is crucial for the line management aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your IT skills, particularly in Microsoft Excel. Be ready to discuss how you've used data manipulation in previous roles to drive financial decisions and improve reporting processes.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance and Administration
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in charity finance, particularly your understanding of charity VAT and payroll processes. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage financial controls and produce reports for diverse audiences.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the charity sector and how your values align with those of World Horse Welfare. Highlight your management experience and your approach to supporting team members effectively.
Showcase IT Skills: Since high-level IT skills are essential for this role, mention your proficiency in data manipulation and Microsoft Excel. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to enhance financial reporting or analysis in previous roles.
Prepare for Interview Questions: Anticipate questions related to financial oversight, team management, and strategic decision-making. Be ready to discuss your experience in a retail environment and your familiarity with fundraising methods, as these are desirable traits for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at WORLD HORSE WELFARE
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
As a Head of Finance and Administration, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of charity finance. Be prepared to discuss your experience with financial controls, statutory accounts preparation, and compliance with VAT and tax regulations. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your expertise.
✨Highlight Team Management Skills
Since you'll be managing a team, it's important to convey your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully supported and developed team members in previous positions. Discuss your approach to fostering a collaborative environment and how you handle challenges within a team.
✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions
Given the role's emphasis on data analysis and financial reporting, brush up on your skills with Microsoft Excel and other data manipulation tools. Be ready to explain how you've used data to inform strategic decisions in the past, and consider bringing a sample report or analysis to discuss during the interview.
✨Align with Company Values
World Horse Welfare values realism, compassion, and forward-thinking. Research the organisation's mission and values, and think about how your personal values align with theirs. Be prepared to discuss why these values are important to you and how you would embody them in your role.