Head of Financial Planning

Purpose of the Job

This senior role will lead, coordinate, develop and support ODI Global’s Finance Systems team and Finance Business Partner team. ODI Global uses Microsoft Business Central and Progressus, a combined finance and project management system.

In this role, you will be responsible for the delivery and maintenance of a high-quality management accounting and financial systems service across ODI Global. The Systems team comprises a Systems Manager and an Assistant, and the role of the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis is to ensure that both the business-as-usual and the project elements of the work of the team are delivered on a timely basis and to a high standard. The Finance Business Partner team comprises two qualified Senior Finance Business Partners and three Finance Business Partners, and your role is to guide the Senior Finance Business Partners in delivering a high-quality partnering service to their respective teams.

This is a 12-month, fixed-term contract.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Systems

• Manage and continually improve finance system applications’ effectiveness, impact and outcomes across a range of services and projects.
• Ensure the systems’ overall performance, integration, maintenance and upgrades are being reviewed and monitored.
• Develop and implement frameworks and standard processes/templates to ensure a positive end-user experience and efficiency of processes (e.g., project closures, month-end processes, costing/pricing templates).
• Lead monthly reconciliation of data, such as payroll between Project Ledgers and General Ledgers.
• Ensure the maintenance of high professional and insightful standards in service delivery.
• Lead specific initiatives or projects on behalf of ODI Global.
• Be a member of the leadership team of the Finance Department and deputise for the Chief Finance and Operations Officer as and when required.

Financial Leadership

• Lead the production of the management accounts and financial forecasts and associated commentary, enabling insightful, relevant discussions at Senior Leadership Team, Committee and Board meetings. This will include the compilation of relevant supplementary data, the assessment and dissemination of results and recommendations for resultant action.
• Manage the annual budget process and support the production of consolidated results for consideration by Committees and the Board in a timely manner.
• Advise on financial analyses and decision-making regarding project pricing, contract negotiations, significant costs, benchmarks and other matters with management and the Chief Finance and Operations Officer.
• Provide supportive challenge discussions and financial advice with the Heads of Programmes/Departments on their financial performance, engendering effective financial control and adherence to ODI Global policies and procedures.
• Manage the provision of high-quality and timely support services (both pre-award and post-award) to Programme colleagues.
• Coordinate the production of finance key performance indicators to inform management decisions.
• Manage the development and formulation of ODI Global-wide costing and pricing policies.
• Ensure the timely and accurate production of results and related compliance requirements such as NPAC and ITAI.
• Keep up to date with changes in management accounting techniques and principles and be aware of potential applications within ODI Global.
• Deputise for the Chief Finance and Operations Officer at relevant meetings and committees as appropriate, taking the lead role in influencing and informing colleagues across the organisation.

Stakeholder Management

• Work closely with senior management and key stakeholders (both internal and external) to establish service requirements and improve service delivery.
• Lead effective customer relationships to ensure the service meets customer requirements whilst maximising quality and efficiency.
• Provide evidence-based challenges to the Finance teams and Programmes/Departments to continue to improve process effectiveness and time-saving measures, especially where performance is hampering the ability to effectively deliver.
• Provide support and advice to colleagues, particularly in complex and high-risk matters.
• Provide professional expertise to the Finance Department and wider ODI Global projects.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge and Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA or equivalent).
• Knowledge of Charity SORP and FRS 102 experience.
• A senior finance role within a medium-sized non-profit organisation.
• Extensive line management experience, including supporting team members towards qualifications while working.
• Experience of developing high-performing teams and managing collective and individual continuous improvement, aligned to strategic goals.
• Experience of influencing senior leaders.
• Substantial experience of financial management and budgeting in the charity and/or commercial sector.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a financial environment to understand financial business reporting requirements, operational accounting processes and controls.
• Finance and project management system management.

Skills/Abilities

• Ability to assimilate, analyse and present financial data to a high level of accuracy.
• Strategic thinking and collaborative strategy development.
• Ability to provide strong and proactive leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Values-driven and exceptional integrity, including ensuring a safe working environment and equal opportunities for all.
• Ability to influence and negotiate (desirable).

Benefits
We prioritise the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Enjoy a generous annual leave allowance, including public holidays and additional time off during Christmas and New Year. We also recognise the importance of work/life balance and offer flexible working arrangements, remote work options, and study leave to support your professional development.

Our commitment to employee well-being extends beyond annual leave. We provide comprehensive benefits such as maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave, competitive pension schemes and interest-free travel loans. We offer sick pay, an Employee Assistance Programme and staff events and social activities to ensure your physical and mental health.

For those relocating to the UK, we provide relocation assistance to help you settle in. We also promote sustainable commuting with our Cycle to Work scheme and offer union membership to protect your rights and advocate for your interests.

At ODI Global, we believe that a supportive and rewarding work environment is essential for success. Our comprehensive benefits package reflects our commitment to your well-being and professional growth.

For a full listing of benefits, please visit our Careers page.

About ODI Global

ODI is a leading global affairs think tank. We inspire people to act on injustice and inequality. We focus on research, convening and influencing to generate ideas that matter for people and planet.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 10 January 2025.

ODI Global is committed to developing and supporting diverse and inclusive teams of people who share our passion, where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We welcome applicants from a range of diverse backgrounds, including those who experience intersectional marginalisation on the basis of their class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious identity or belief, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We also welcome applications from those living with disabilities.