Head of Finance

About Us:

Spark2Life is a community-driven non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive impact on young people's lives. With a rich history of running programs since 2006, we operate in London, Kent, and Buckinghamshire, striving to prevent harm and promote life.

Our Mission:

We aim to reduce violence affecting young people, racial disproportionality within the Criminal Justice System, and school exclusions. Our goal is to equip young people with the tools to navigate life successfully and increase their resilience.

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Head of Finance to join our growing organization. As a key member of our team, you will lead all aspects of the finance function to achieve our organizational goals. You will provide strategic finance support to our Executive Team and across various activities undertaken by the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and improve the organization's finance function, providing accurate, timely, and relevant reports as required by the CEO, Executive Team, and Trust Board.
• Ensure the provision and reporting of financial accounts, forecasting, and project/programme budgets, development plans, and associated reporting.
• Oversight of legal and financial statutory processes in line with the Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, including the Annual Audit.
• Ensure that agreed recommendations of internal and external auditors are implemented and effective arrangements are in place so that the Auditor's report is unqualified and on time.
• Monitor cash flows, reserves, analysis of performance against the organization's annual business plan, and dashboard as it relates to the finance function.
• Assess the risk profile of new fundraising, partnership, and new income opportunities, particularly earned income and public sector contracts.
• Develop and maintain financial models and forecasts on an ongoing basis, considering our fundraising pipeline.
• Undertake month-end reconciliations across all entities.
• Prepare month consolidated management accounts.

Experience:

• Significant experience in preparing management and accounts, and management information.
• Experience working with charity accounts, including knowledge of restricted and unrestricted funding.
• Experience preparing complex budgets, forecasts, and management accounts.
• Experience managing surplus funds and undertaking treasury management in accordance with the Board's policy.
• Experience managing external audit and preparation of financial statements under Charities SORP (FRS102).
• First-class Excel and modelling skills and experience of using Google Sheets.
• Previous experience of using QuickBooks.
• Familiarity with relevant tax laws, financial regulations, and reporting requirements (especially Gift Aid) in the UK.
• Knowledge of aspects of taxation, including VAT and payroll.
• Experience managing budgets and reporting to funders.
• Successful track record of building and maintaining good relationships with finance service-users, internal and external, at all levels.

Qualifications:

• UK Professional finance qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/AAT or equivalent).
• Evidence of recent continuing professional development in a professional area relevant to the post would be desirable.

What We Offer:

• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays per year.
• Annual performance review with development plans.
• Discount for services and products via Bright HR System.
• Free access to counselling.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme.
• Team building sessions throughout the year.