Head of Finance

**Head of Finance (Charity)**

We are working with an exciting Charity that is seeking an experienced Head of Finance. The position is Colchester-based, with some remote work available.

The Charitable Group has a circa £2m annual turnover and a total worth of £14m. The Group consists of one core charity and four trading subsidiaries within the Group. Duties also extend to a membership association with funds of circa £1m.

As the Head of Finance, you will be responsible for all financial aspects of the group and associated organisations, reporting directly to the CEO and respective Trustee Boards. You will also be responsible for special operational projects, as well as formulatingpolicies and processes to ensure compliance with all areas of charity and financial governance.

**Your Role**
- You will manage and develop a team of two finance professionals to deliver efficient, timely, accurate and relevant financial information.
- You will lead the year-end process for external audits (group, subsidiaries, and associated organisations) in line with the Charities SORP. Responsible for the management of all external audits towards timely filings of Statutory Accounts and financialinformation returns to Companies House and the Charity Commission.
- You are responsible for all operational financial aspects of the charity, including management accounts, budgets, re-forecasts, cash flow, gift aid returns, VAT returns, fund accounting, monthly payroll (including pensions), bookkeeping, implementing, andreviewing financial controls and providing support to all areas of the organisations.
- You will present financial information to individuals and groups of varying levels of financial understanding, such as budget holders and quarterly Trustee Boards.
- You are responsible for administrating the Group’s Finance and Investment Committee, including the preparation of agendas, papers, and minutes.
- You will act as financial and charity governance advisor to the CEO, Trustees and sub-committees of the Charity and the Executive Committee of the Association.
- You will provide direct operational and strategic support to the CEO. Deputising for the CEO when required by leave of absence.
- You will deliver financial information and governance support for HR and contractual matters. Responsible for preparing, presenting, and implementing policies.
- You must maintain and manage relationships with the auditors, insurance providers, legal advisors, bankers, investment managers and other external stakeholders.

**Your Skills**
- You are professionally qualified; ACA, ACCA, CIMA (or equivalent) or qualified by experience supported by evidence.
- You have at least 3 years of experience managing a finance function including budgeting and accounting processes at a strategic and practical level.
- You have experience of working in an organisation with charitable status. Strong working knowledge of the Charities SORP and wider charity governance.
- You have knowledge of accounting for investment portfolios and fund accounting.
- You can produce management accounts and year-end statutory accounts. Experience in group accounting would be advantageous.
- You have experience working directly with and reporting at Board level.
- You can communicate effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.
- You can use your initiative and prioritise workload as well as manage your own and others' conflicting priorities. Ensuring workloads and objectives across the team are sustainable.
- You have a flexible approach with a willingness to occasionally work outside core hours (urgent deadlines, charity events etc.).
- If you have experience using QuickBooks, this would be desirable.

**Remuneration and Reward**
- £50,000 - £55,000 base salary
- 25 Days Holiday + Bank Holidays (+ 5 Days after 5 Years’ Service)
- Hybrid Working
- 6% Contributory Pension Scheme (2% from Employee)