Head of Finance

Chester Zoo; Chester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife conservation organization is seeking an experienced Head of Finance in Chester to provide financial leadership across its diverse operations. The role includes managing budgets, ensuring compliance with regulations, and guiding financial decision-making aligned with the organization's mission. Ideal candidates will be ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with substantial experience managing finance teams and strong communication skills. A competitive salary of £65,000 per annum plus benefits, including generous leave and pension contributions, is offered.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension contributions

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in a commercial or complex organisational environment.
• Experience leading and managing a finance team.
• Strong systems knowledge and advanced Excel user.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting processes.
• Oversee cash flow management and longer-term forecasting.
• Provide guidance on commercial initiatives to ensure financial soundness.

Skills

Leadership

Financial reporting

Communication

Compliance

Excel proficiency

Education

Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant

Tools

Microsoft Business Central

Jet Reports

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven Head of Finance to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in supporting the organisation by providing strong financial leadership across a complex and diverse operation.

Responsibilities

• Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasting, working collaboratively with budget holders to ensure robust planning and effective challenge.
• Oversee day‑to‑day cash flow management and longer‑term forecasting of income, expenditure and capital investment.
• Provide financial challenge and guidance on commercial and non‑commercial initiatives, ensuring decisions are financially sound, compliant and aligned with Chester Zoo’s values and mission.
• Oversee organisation‑wide tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT, Gift Aid and other statutory obligations, working with advisers where appropriate to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Support Chester Zoo’s ongoing digital transformation, including the development and integration of finance systems such as Microsoft Business Central.
• Work closely with the Financial Accountant to ensure statutory and group accounts are produced in line with Charity SORP, FRS102, the Companies Act and UK GAAP, supporting a clean external audit.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• Support business development by providing financial insight and challenge on new initiatives, helping to ensure sustainable growth aligned with our charitable mission.

Qualifications

• Be a qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant.
• Have post‑qualification experience in a commercial or complex organisational environment.
• Have experience of leading and managing a finance team.
• Be an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to produce clear, high‑quality financial reports.
• Be confident building positive working relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Have strong systems knowledge and be comfortable working with finance and reporting systems.
• Be an advanced Excel user, able to manage and analyse large datasets.
• Have strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, Charity SORP, Gift Aid and VAT.
• Be comfortable working in a deadline‑driven environment, with a high level of attention to detail and sound professional judgement.
• Experience of using Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reports would be an advantage, but is not essential.

Benefits

In addition to a salary of 65,000 per annum, we offer a wide range of benefits, including generous leave, pension contributions, wellbeing support and the opportunity to work in a unique and inspiring environment.