Full job description Head of Finance - Not-for-Profit - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract
Location: Paddock Wood (hybrid: 2 days on site, 3 from home)
Contract: Fixed term contract, 12 months, full time
Salary: £80,000 per annum
Reporting to: Chief Financial Officer
Not-for-profit experience is essential. Only candidates with senior finance experience in a charity, social care, social housing or local authority setting will be considered.
The opportunity
A well-established charity is looking for a Head of Finance to join on a 12-month fixed term contract, providing financial leadership and stability while it plans the future of its finance function. There is the possibility of the role becoming permanent for the right person.
This is a chance to make a real, lasting difference. You will bring fresh perspective, strengthen systems and controls, and build the confidence and capability of the finance team. Working closely with the CFO, executive team and trustees, you will provide strong financial oversight and help protect and grow the charity’s financial position, so more of every pound goes towards its purpose.
It will suit an experienced not-for-profit finance leader who enjoys bringing clarity and structure to a function, wants to develop a team, and is motivated by working for an organisation with a genuine social mission.
What you’ll be doing
Leading and developing the team
*Assess the capability of the finance team, identify skills gaps and put a structured development plan in place
*Set clear expectations, address performance and build a culture of ownership, accountability and continuous improvement
*Develop a responsive, approachable team that the wider organisation sees as a trusted partner
Technical accounting and compliance
*Provide expert oversight of statutory accounts, external audit, VAT and other tax obligations
*Make sure restricted and unrestricted funds are properly recorded, allocated and used in line with funder requirements
*Ensure strong financial governance and compliance with regulatory and trustee requirements
*Carry out detailed financial reviews, investigate anomalies and close gaps in financial controls
Systems and processes
*Review and improve financial systems, removing manual workarounds, duplication and inefficiency
*Strengthen procedures for budgeting, purchasing, expenses, income processing and authorisation
*Use automation and technology to improve accuracy, speed and transparency
Financial planning and sustainability
*Lead budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management and financial modelling
*Monitor reserves and long-term financial sustainability
*Support funding bids, grant applications and reporting to funders
*Provide clear financial insight and constructive challenge to budget holders, so resources are used where they make the greatest impact
Stakeholder leadership
*Work closely with the CFO, executive team and trustees, translating complex financial information into clear, accessible insight
*Develop and deliver a clear vision and improvement plan for the finance function
About you
Essential
*Significant senior finance experience in the not-for-profit sector: charity, social care, social housing or local authority
*Strong technical accounting knowledge, including statutory reporting, audit and tax
*A proven track record of leading, developing and improving the performance of finance teams
*Demonstrable experience of reviewing and improving financial systems, processes and controls
*Strong financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management experience
*The confidence to challenge practices, investigate discrepancies and assess financial risk
*Excellent communication skills, able to build credibility with trustees, senior leaders and non-finance colleagues
*Integrity, resilience and a genuine commitment to the organisation’s purpose
Desirable
*Charity-specific technical knowledge, including the Charities SORP, fund accounting and Gift Aid
*Experience of income from grants, contracts, donations and fundraising
What’s on offer
*£80,000 per annum
*Hybrid working, with 3 days a week from home
*The chance to shape a finance function and leave a lasting legacy in a purpose-driven organisation