Head of Finance

Heidi Wright Recruitment; Carlisle; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent recruitment agency based in Carlisle is seeking a Senior Finance Leader to manage all aspects of financial management and reporting, guiding financial strategy within the organization. The ideal candidate will possess strong financial leadership experience, preferably with qualifications in CIMA, ACCA, ACA, and will oversee compliance and governance while working in a hybrid model with flexible hours.

Benefits

Salary of £55,000 - £65,000

Stakeholder pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Experience in financial governance and external auditing.
• Knowledge of accounting related to Government funded programs is desirable.
• Successful experience in senior leadership roles.

Responsibilities

• Support strategic development and delivery of the business plan.
• Manage financial reporting and budgeting.
• Oversee compliance with financial regulations and internal controls.

Skills

Financial leadership

Budget management

Experience with Sage accounting software

Strategic financial planning

Education

Qualified CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent experience

Job description

The organisation

A well regarded, locally based, national business, described as "a dynamic and exciting place to work". The business is class leading and has a range of blue chip local and national customers who are offered an impressive range of commercial training programs and specialised Apprenticeships. The organisation is innovative delivering inspiring lifelong learning, and opportunities for employment and career progression for all ages.

The role

As an active member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a key role in supporting the strategic development and the delivery of its Business Plan, working in collaboration with other SLT colleagues and Directors. You will have overall responsibility for all aspects of financial management, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial planning alongside leading and developing the finance function. We are looking for a candidate either qualified by experience working at a similar level/sector or fully qualified (CIMA, ACCA, ACA).

What are the key areas of responsibility?

• Strategic planning and reporting to the Board of Directors to support decision making and strategic plans.
• Present financial information at monthly board meetings.
• Preparation and analysis of monthly and year end accounts.
• Variance analysis and profitability analysis
• Formation of budgets and forecasts
• Monitoring cashflow
• Managing government funding, ensuring funding rules are understood across the business.
• Strategic lead on financial processes, systems development and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations through system management, financial processes and ensuring effective and appropriate policies and procedures.
• Lead on all aspects of financial governance.
• Identifying and managing financial risks
• Monitor and analyse business KPI s
• Finalise annual financial statements/periodic financial reports (where required)and provide them to the Board.
• Lead on annual audit process, working with the external auditors.
• Managing the accounts team (3) and being a key business lead across the organisation.
• Ensure VAT compliance
• Oversee financial aspects of ITTs and bids,
• Fulfil Company Secretarial duties including submitting information as required to Companies House and funding bodies in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with agreements and contracts in relation to banks and external service providers.
• Monitor and report on the overall funding status and ensure the timely reporting on grants is well supported.
• Work closely with the company payroll provider and pension provision.
• Review external contracts to ensure that they are line with the annual budget and provide the best value.
• Work with the Board to ensure that governance arrangements are fit-for-purpose and compliant with regulatory requirements of funding bodies.
• Review and strengthen leadership and management development ensuring staff have access to high quality support and training so they can develop and grow.

What skills and experience are required?

• Knowledge and experience of accounting relating to Government funded programs (desirable but not essential)
• Demonstrable financial leadership and a thorough understanding of best practices in setting and managing budgets and oversight of day-to-day financial management.
• Experience of preparing financial statements, consolidated accounts and seeing through the audit process from start to finish, including dealing with external auditors.
• Experience of dealing with the financial aspects of cross-departmental project management.
• Experience with Sage accounting software desirable
• Demonstrable experience in working successfully as part of a senior leadership team.
• Experience of managing change and growth.

Personal traits suited to the role

• Ability to build trust and respect internally and externally, including with senior colleagues and external stakeholders.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy.

What are the salary and benefits being offered?

• Salary is £55,000 - £65,000 region, stakeholder pension scheme, annual leave allowance 25 days plus bank holidays
• Hours of work, full time is 39.5 hours (Mon-Fri), ability to start/finish early/late, slightly reduced hours would also be a consideration.
• Hybrid working - minimum 3 days per week office based