Director of Finance & Resources

Aspire Community Benefit Society Limited; Guiseley; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Aspire Community Benefit Society Limited seeks a Director of Finance & Resources to provide strategic financial leadership, ensure sustainability, and oversee digital, systems and data functions. You will join the Senior Leadership Team, advising the Chief Executive and Board on financial strategy, risks and long-term planning.

You will lead budgeting, forecasting and statutory reporting, maintain strong controls, and oversee treasury, audits and compliance with charity requirements.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant with strategic financial leadership experience in a complex organisation.
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, statutory accounts and audit.
• Ability to advise Boards and Trustees with clear financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic financial leadership to Aspire, ensuring sustainability and governance.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and long-term planning.
• Maintain strong financial controls and assurance arrangements.
• Lead production of statutory accounts and annual audit.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards (FRS102) and charity requirements.
• Support trustees and Board committees with financial reporting and advice.
• Provide executive oversight of digital, systems and data, including cyber security and business continuity.

Skills

Strategic financial leadership

Budgeting & forecasting

Audit leadership

Board advisory

Team development

Financial controls

Education

Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)

Tools

Accounting software

ERP systems

FRS102 knowledge

Job description

Director of Finance & Resources

Reports to: Chief Executive

Direct Reports: Finance Manager, Systems Manager,

Purpose of the Role

To provide strategic financial leadership to Aspire, ensuring the organisation remains financially sustainable, well-governed and able to deliver its purpose. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, the Director of Finance & Resources will support the Chief Executive and Board in making informed decisions, managing risks and planning for the future. The role leads finance and has executive oversight of digital, systems and data, and central business support functions.

Strategic Leadership

Contribute as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Support organisational strategy through financial planning and analysis.

Provide professional advice and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive and Board.

Lead financial modelling for sustainability, investment, growth and service development opportunities.

Financial Leadership

Lead budgeting, forecasting, management accounts and long-term financial planning.

Maintain strong financial controls and assurance arrangements.

Ensure effective cashflow, treasury and reserves management.

Support budget holders to understand and manage financial performance.

Statutory and Regulatory Compliance

Lead production of statutory accounts and annual audit.

Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards (FRS102), charity requirements (SORP) and statutory and regulatory obligations.

Maintain appropriate financial policies, controls and delegated authorities.

Governance and Risk

Support trustees (Non-Executive Directors) and Board committees through clear financial reporting and advice.

Lead on the Board assurance and risk management framework.

Digital, Systems and Data

Provide executive oversight on digital, systems, data and business intelligence, including cyber security and business continuity.

Support system improvement and digital transformation activity.

Work with the Business Development Manager to assess opportunities, pricing and financial viability.

Person Specification

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Significant senior financial leadership experience within a complex organisation.
• Experience leading budgeting, forecasting, statutory accounts and audit.
• Experience advising Boards, Trustees or equivalent governing bodies.
• Strong commercial and financial analysis skills.
• Ability to explain complex financial issues in a clear and practical way.
• Experience leading and developing teams.

Desirable

• Charity, not-for-profit or public service sector experience.
• Knowledge of charity finance and governance requirements.
• Experience of business development, contracts or commissioned services.
• Experience overseeing digital, systems, data or business intelligence functions.

What Success Looks Like

• Strong financial stewardship and organisational sustainability.
• High-quality information supporting effective decisions.
• Positive and trusted relationships with the Board, Chief Executive and leadership team.
• Effective leadership of finance and associated support functions.
• Continuous improvement of business-wide systems, processes and reporting.