Head of Finance

Ashley Kate HR & Finance; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent organization in the UK seeks a Head of Finance to join their senior leadership team. In this role, you will lead the finance function across two connected entities, providing strategic and operational leadership. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in financial management, excellent communication skills, and proven leadership abilities, with a focus on compliance and decision-making support. Experience in similar senior roles and familiarity with accounting frameworks is essential. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact within a mission-driven organization.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior finance role.
• Strong knowledge of financial controls, planning, and reporting.
• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders or boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the production of management accounts and compliance with standards.
• Support strategic decision-making through financial analysis.
• Oversee budgeting and financial planning processes.

Skills

Leadership and people management skills

Financial planning and reporting

Communication skills

Proficient in Excel

Education

ACCA, CIMA, or ACA qualification (or finalist)

Tools

Sage 50 or similar accounting software

Job description

Overview

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

Essential:

• 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).

Desirable:

• 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.

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