Head of Finance

API Point of Sale; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

An established charity is seeking a Head of Finance to oversee financial operations and ensure compliance with regulations. This role involves preparing accounts, managing audits, and providing insightful financial reporting to the Board. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in financial management within the charity sector and will play a crucial role in supporting key funding programmes. With a commitment to diversity and inclusion, the organization offers a flexible work environment and opportunities for professional growth. If you are passionate about making a difference and have the required qualifications, this is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects.

Benefits

Staff Pension

Employee Assistance Package

25 Days Annual Leave

Volunteering Days

Staff Training

Social Events

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial management within charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience in preparing accounts and managing audits.

Responsibilities

• Prepare annual accounts and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
• Provide monthly financial reporting and insights to the Board.
• Oversee end-of-year financial reconciliation for funding programmes.

Skills

Financial Management

Audit Preparation

Financial Reporting

Grant Management

Financial Analysis

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Financial Software

Bookkeeping Platforms

Job description

The Forest of Avon is one of Englands Community Forests and a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Forest of Avon was established in 1992 as one of the first Englands Community Forests and became a charity in 2008. The Forest of Avon hosts several programmes including the multi-million pound Trees for Climate and the Western Forest, delivering woodland creation and restoration across the region as well as our expert-led Nature and Health work. The charity has a growing team and an actively engaged Board of Trustees.

The Head of Finance (HoF) is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Forest of Avon Trust which now includes Western Forest, Englands first new national forest in 30 years covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

Our new HoF will manage the charitys financial systems, preparing accounts, supporting audits, reporting to the Board of Trustees and overseeing and reporting on the financial elements of key programmes such as the Trees for Climate grant scheme and the Western Forest. The HoF also works closely with the team and external stakeholders to expand the charitys financial capacity, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in all financial activities.

Role Description

Post: Head of Finance, Forest of Avon (including Western Forest)

Salary: £46,305-51,146, with annual pay review

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible work hours

Line manager: CEO, Forest of Avon/ reporting to Finance Sub-Group of Board.

Contract: Permanent

(Forest of Avon are also open to considering an Interim contract whilst recruitment for a permanent role is underway please contact Solutions for HR as soon as possible)

Location: Central Bristol. Mainly office based with the option for some home working, as agreed.

Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.

Some key duties of the role include (but are not limited to):

• Prepare the annual accounts and financial statements in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the charitys auditors to ensure the successful completion of the annual audit process.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting, including budget setting, forecasts, and projections to ensure the Trusts financial health is consistently monitored, including projects such as Trees for Climate and Western Forest.
• Present financial reports to the Board of Trustees and Western Forest Boards, providing insight and recommendations on financial strategies and growth opportunities.
• Ensure accurate recording of grant agreements, claims processing, and reconciliation of funds in line with grant terms.
• Oversee end-of-year financial reconciliation and reporting for all funding programmes, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and financial policies.
• Provide financial input and support for the management of restricted funds, ensuring all are appropriately allocated and tracked.
  
  

The Successful Candidate Will Have/be

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with extensive experience in financial management within a charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience in preparing accounts, managing audits, and financial reporting.
• Experience with grant management, including financial administration, claims processing, and reporting in relation to large-scale funding programmes.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear insights to the Board and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and advise both internal teams and external partners on financial matters.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in financial software and IT systems, including bookkeeping and accounting platforms.
  
  

Forest of Avon are an equal opportunity employer and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. We seek to challenge the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage different perspectives and seek to support our team and partners to share and implement new ideas, to continue improving and to realise our full potential.

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience together with a covering letter (cover letter to be no more than 2 A4 pages) to the recruitment team.

The closing date for this role is 5pm on Monday 2nd June 2025. Interviews are likely to be held w/c 9th June 2025.