Director of Finance

Michael Page International Recruitment Limited; Molesey; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Free parking

Staff discount RSN shop onsite

Visit Historic Royal Palaces sites for

Discount in Hampton Court Palace cafes

Employer pension 5%

Job summary

The Royal School of Needlework (RSN) at Hampton Court Palace, London, seeks a Director of Finance to lead the finance function, ensure robust controls and provide timely management reporting. The role also acts as Company Secretary and oversees RSN Enterprises Ltd, with hybrid working across a dynamic education environment.

Key duties include budgeting, statutory accounts, VAT/Gift Aid, and liaising with auditors and senior managers.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant and current member of a UK accounting body (e.g., ACA, ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)
• Strong budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting experience in charity/third-sector contexts
• Knowledge of charity governance and regulatory requirements (Companies House, Charity Commission, VAT, Tax)

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and drive robust financial controls
• Oversee annual budgets, management accounts and reporting to SLT and RSN Council
• Prepare statutory accounts, taxation computations and regulatory reporting
• Coordinate with auditors, bankers, investment manager, payroll and pension providers
• Perform Company Secretary duties and maintain financial policies and records
• Manage VAT and Gift Aid processes and ensure timely submissions

Skills

Financial acumen

Budgeting

Forecasting

Financial reporting

Stakeholder management

Education

Qualified accountant

UK accounting body member

Tools

Charity governance knowledge

Job description

The Director of Finance is responsible for driving the quality and transparency of financial management and reporting, ensuring robust financial controls and the smooth running and management of the RSN's finances.

Client Details

I am delighted to be exclusively partnering with The Royal School of Needlework to recruit a Director of Finance on a full-time basis. Based at the magnificent Hampton Court Palace, south-west London, they offer a thriving education programme for everyone from beginner to degree level. This is permanent, hybrid working opportunity Salary up to £75k

Description

As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Finance Director is responsible for all the financial systems and procedures of the Royal School of Needlework and its trading subsidiary RSN Enterprises Ltd and providing accurate and effective management reporting to the Senior Managers and the Council, the charity's governing body. This role also acts as the RSN's Company Secretary.

• Leadership of the finance function
• Contribute to the growth and development of the RSN as part of the Senior Management Team
• Provide accurate and effective financial analysis and management reporting in a timely manner
• Report to the RSN Council and Finance and Investment Committee meetings on all financial matters
• Report to the Chief Executive and provide financial guidance and support to the senior departmental managers
• Communicate and liaise with the RSN's professional advisors e. auditors, bankers, investment manager, external payroll provider and pension provider.
• Communicate and liaise with the RSN's Treasurer on a regular basis
• Preparation of all statutory financial accounts and taxation computations
• Ensure all annual statutory reports are prepared and filed in a timely manner with Companies House and the Charity Commission
• Ensure the Office for Students Annual Financial Return is completed accurately and filed to meet all deadlines
• Supervise and maintain all financial systems and records
• Prepare and monitor annual budgets and departmental management accounts in conjunction with the departmental heads
• Supervise and maintain an effective Cash Flow reporting and forecasting system
• Manage the VAT group and ensure VAT returns are completed accurately on a quarterly basis and submitted on time
• Manage the Gift Aid programme including preparing and submitting regular Gift Aid claims
• Responsibility for developing and maintaining finance policies and procedures
• Responsible for the recording and security of all fixed assets
• Responsible for the RSN Insurance renewal process and all queries relating to insurance
• Perform all Company Secretary duties for the RSN

Profile

A successful Director of Finance should have:

Fully qualified accountant and current member of a recognized UK accounting body (e., ACA, ICAEW, CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA)

• Strong financial acumen with expertise in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• In-depth knowledge of charity financial regulations, including Companies House, Charity Commission, VAT, and Tax Law
• Knowledge of Charity Governance (Company Secretary requirements)

Job Offer

Competitive salary ranging from £70,000 to £75,000 per

• Hybrid working
• Free car parking
• Staff discount in the RSN shop onsite and online
• Staff also benefit from the ability to visit any of the Historic Royal Palace sites free of charge
• Discount in the Hampton Court Palace cafes and shop
• Employer pension contribution of 5%

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.