Head of Finance

Farrer Barnes Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £60,000–£75,000 (dependent on経験

Lead and develop finance function

Collaborative environment

Job summary

Farrer Barnes Ltd is seeking an experienced Head of Finance in the United Kingdom to lead accounting, financial control, and core finance operations. You will report to the Director of Finance and Performance and provide robust financial leadership across the organisation.

This senior, hands-on role manages a finance processing team, works with senior stakeholders, and drives improvements in systems and reporting while ensuring regulatory compliance and timely statutory reporting.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Proven experience managing finance teams and month-end delivery.
• Experience with charity accounting, regulation and the Charities SORP is advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of VAT, Corporation Tax and payroll taxes.
• Excellent communication and integrity.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Accounting and Financial Control team, promoting high standards and delivery against deadlines.
• Oversee monthly reconciliations, cashflow records, balance-sheet management and working-capital controls.
• Prepare annual accounts and lead the audit process, regulatory returns and reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight of finance systems and processes, delivering improvements in systems and reporting.
• Ensure compliance with financial, tax and regulatory requirements, including VAT and payroll taxes.
• Manage relationships with HMRC, banks, pension advisers and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee fixed assets, grants accounting, payroll activity and finance-related controls.
• Collaborate with directors to improve invoicing, debtor collection and expenditure approval.
• Support the Director with budgets and financial analysis for leadership and trustees.
• Set objectives, conduct performance reviews and develop the finance team.

Skills

Financial leadership

Financial controls

Team management

Regulatory compliance

VAT & tax knowledge

Excel & reporting

Stakeholder influence

Job description

About The Company

Our client is a well-established organisation delivering a meaningful impact in its sector. They are seeking an experienced finance leader to strengthen financial control, lead a capable team and support continued organisational development.

The Role

We are looking for a Head of Finance to take responsibility for accounting, financial control and core finance operations. Reporting to the Director of Finance and Performance, you will provide robust financial leadership, ensure strong governance and controls, and support the timely delivery of statutory reporting, audit and regulatory obligations.

This is a senior, hands‑on leadership position, managing a finance processing team and working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Accounting and Financial Control team, promoting high standards, continuous improvement and delivery against deadlines.
• Oversee monthly reconciliations, cashflow records, balance-sheet management and working‑capital controls.
• Prepare annual accounts and lead the audit process, regulatory returns and associated reporting.
• Provide strategic oversight of finance systems and processes, identifying and delivering improvements in systems, reporting and technology.
• Ensure compliance with financial, tax and regulatory requirements, including VAT, Corporation Tax and payroll taxes.
• Manage relationships with HMRC, banks, pension advisers and other external stakeholders.
• Oversee fixed assets, grants accounting, payroll activity and finance‑related controls across the organisation.
• Work collaboratively with directors and managers to improve financial processes, including invoicing, debtor collection and expenditure approval.
• Support the Director of Finance and Performance with budgets, financial analysis and reports for senior leadership and trustees.
• Set clear objectives, undertake performance reviews and develop the capability of the finance team.

Desirable Skills

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with strong technical accounting knowledge and financial‑control experience.
• Proven experience managing finance teams, financial processes and month‑end or year‑end delivery.
• Strong knowledge of financial systems, with experience improving or implementing finance systems and working effectively with IT colleagues.
• Experience of charity accounting, regulation and the Charities SORP would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of VAT, Corporation Tax and payroll taxes.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting skills, including the ability to produce complex reports and pivot tables.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders, analyse complex issues and develop practical solutions.
• Organised, proactive and highly accurate, with excellent communication skills and personal integrity.

Benefits

• Salary of £60,000–£75,000, dependent on experience.
• Opportunity to lead and develop an important finance function within a purpose‑led organisation.
• Supportive, collaborative environment with scope to drive process and systems improvements.

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Standard DBS check before starting.

Farrer Barnes Ltd does not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and complies with all relevant UK legislation. Farrer Barnes Ltd acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.