Finance Director

Main purpose of the role

A key member of Executive Team with responsibility for the Charity’s finances, providing financial analysis and guidance, challenging assumptions and decision-making as appropriate.
Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations set by the Charity Commission and Companies House.
Responsible for line management of the Finance Team and overall responsibility for the finance function. Performing a Company Secretary role including advising on corporate governance.

Main duties / responsibilities

• Overall responsibility for the Finance function and team
• Responsible for overseeing the production of annual budgets, long term forecasts (SOFA, cashflow models, reserves), mid-year reforecasts and all tax issues (gift aid, VAT, employment taxes, etc)
• Oversee production of monthly management accounts, monitoring budgetary performance and the delivery of monthly variance analysis and commentaries
• Responsible for cash management and advising the Finance Committee on the distribution of cash and reserves between liquid and illiquid funds.
• Defining and updating the Charity’s accounting/finance policies and procedures and ensuring robust internal financial controls and compliance therewith
• Liaising with Trustees as required and in particular the Chair of the Finance Committee
• Provide advice to and support the CEO and trustees on all aspects of strategic planning, finance, tax and charity governance
• Perform the Company Secretary role within the Charity and ensure compliance with statutory requirements, including completion of returns required by Companies House, the Charity Commission and the Gambling Commission, ensuring their timely submission
• Preparation of agenda and papers for and attendance of quarterly Finance Committee meetings
• Managing the relationship with Independent Financial Advisers and Investment Managers and monitoring their performance
• Responsible for management of the payroll function within the Charity and timely delivery of the monthly payroll in conjunction with HR
• Ensure robust challenge of all significant revenue generation or capital spending proposals, supporting colleagues to present business cases effectively and monitor returns on investment (benefiting the patient and justifiable to donors)
• Responsibility for risk management relating to all financial matters
• Participating in the Executive Team on-call rota

General duties / responsibilities

• From time to time, the post holder may be required to work at any of the Charity’s sites in line with organisational needs.
• All staff must ensure confidentiality and security of information dealt with in the course of performing their duties. They must comply with and keep up to date with Charity policies and legislation on confidentiality, data protection, freedom of information and computer misuse.
• All staff are required to adhere to and act consistently with all relevant health and safety legislation and Charity policies and procedures in order to ensure that their own and the health, safety and security of others is maintained.
• Staff will actively promote the Charity’s commitment to equality and diversity by treating everyone with dignity and respect.
• All employees should take a proactive approach to personal development in order to ensure that skillsets are aligned to the demands of the role as it evolves and develops to meet the organisation’s changing needs.
• All employees have a responsibility for protecting, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
• It is the responsibility of all employees to conduct all business in an honest and ethical manner.
• Staff should uphold and demonstrate the Charity’s values (respectfulness, accountability, integrity, support and evolution).
• All staff should be aware of their responsibilities to protect the reputation of the charity e.g. social media and behaviour.
• Reporting incidents via the Datix system as part of an open and fair culture.
• Staff should be willing to undertake any activity as deemed appropriate by the charity that is in line with skills, experience and knowledge.

Person specification

Education and qualifications

• Professionally Qualified Accountant – ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Company Secretarial qualifications

Experience

• Good understanding and experience of the charity sector
• Knowledge and experience of the Charity SORP
• Knowledge and experience of Company Secretarial function
• Experience of working at Executive/Board level
• Proven ability to work at a strategic level, with responsibility for leading multi-disciplined teams

Knowledge and skills

• Strong business acumen, with change management and process improvement experience
• Up to date on charity governance and Charity Commission requirements
• Strong written communication skills and expertise in writing board papers
• Ability to negotiate contracts with key suppliers
• Good knowledge of a range of finance management systems and other commonly used financial software (MS Excel, Power BI)

Personal qualities

• Able to communicate and influence at all levels of the organisation
• A natural leadership style, able to gain respect from and demonstrate respect for a range of professionals
• Genuine, down to earth nature with good listening skills
• Strong organisational skills and a collaborative approach
• Positive, hands-on approach, highly motivated with drive to achieve success
• High ethical and professional standards