Head of Finance

Ashley Kate HR; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established organisation in the UK is seeking a Head of Finance to lead its finance function across two connected entities. In this strategic role, you will oversee financial planning, reporting, and team leadership, ensuring financial sustainability and compliance. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in a senior finance role and possess a relevant professional qualification. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a purpose-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior finance role.
• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders or boards.
• Familiarity with charity finance frameworks (e.g. SORP).

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of management and statutory accounts.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and planning across cost centres.
• Develop and support a small finance team.
• Maintain strong financial operations and internal controls.
• Liaise with external stakeholders like auditors and regulators.

Skills

Leadership and people management

Financial controls

Financial planning

Communication skills

Proficient in Excel

Education

ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification

Tools

Accounting software (Sage 50 or similar)

Job description

• Job Reference: JN -082025-63341_1756375190

Ashley Kate Finance are supporting a well-established and mission-driven organisation in the search for a Head of Finance to join their senior leadership team. This is a rare opportunity to lead the finance function across two connected entities, providing strategic and operational financial leadership in a role that will shape the organisation's future.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Business, the successful candidate will take ownership of financial planning, reporting, compliance, and team leadership. You'll play a key role in supporting strategic decisions while ensuring robust internal controls, effective systems, and financial sustainability.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the production of management accounts, statutory accounts, and compliance with relevant standards (including SORP, where applicable).
• Support strategic decision-making through insightful financial analysis and risk management.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes across multiple cost centres.
• Lead, develop, and support a small finance team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
• Maintain strong financial operations and internal controls, including payroll, AP/AR, bank reconciliations, and system optimisation.
• Act as a key liaison with external stakeholders such as auditors, banks, and regulators.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance & Business where required and contribute to broader leadership discussions.

Person specification:

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior finance role.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, planning, and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills and experience presenting to senior stakeholders or boards.
• Proficient in Excel and familiar with accounting software (Sage 50 or similar).
• Fully qualified (or finalist) in ACCA, CIMA, or ACA.
• Experience working across multiple entities or group structures.
• Familiarity with charity finance and accounting frameworks (e.g. SORP).

If you're looking to make a meaningful impact in a leadership finance role while working for an organisation with real purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

About Us

We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.