Head of Finance

UK Islamic Mission; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UK Islamic Mission is seeking a Head of Finance to lead the charity’s financial governance, planning, budgeting and reporting across central office, departments and branches. You will drive SORP-compliant reporting, internal controls, treasury and risk management as the technical lead.

The role requires a qualified accountant with extensive charity experience, and strong leadership to develop teams, oversee audits and ensure compliant operations with HMRC, Companies House and the Charity

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with significant post-qualification experience in a charity or multi-site setting.
• Strong analytical ability and proficiency in Excel and ERP systems.
• Experience improving financial controls, processes and management information.
• Excellent communication and people-management skills; able to coach teams.
• Familiarity with iPlicit and other accounting software; governance experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead UKIM's finance function including planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Prepare annual statutory accounts for audit and filings with charities commission and Companies House.
• Coordinate with external auditors for timely audits and financial statements.
• Produce monthly management accounts with variance analysis and commentary for leadership.
• Oversee accounts teams across head office and branches and ensure year-end GAAP/SORP compliance.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and HMRC incl. PAYE, VAT and Gift Aid.
• Strengthen controls and policies; manage branch finance support and consolidation.
• Monitor cash flow, banking relations, and provide treasury guidance.
• Supervise payroll, pensions, and contributions; support strategic planning and bids.
• Lead and develop the finance team with objective setting and CPD.

Skills

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel

People management

Communication skills

Stakeholder communication

Education

Qualified accountant ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

iPlicit

BI tools

Job description

Probation: 6 months (extendable); formal reviews at 3 and 6 months against agreed objectives Notice: 1 month during probation; 3 months thereafter SMT: Member of the Senior Management Team (SMT); attends F&GPC/Board by invitation for finance items Line management: 2 Senior Finance Officers, 1 Finance Officer, 1 Finance Assistant; oversight of external auditors/consultants, The Head of Finance leads UKIM's finance function, ensuring robust financial governance, transparent reporting, and compliant operations across central office, departments, and branches. The postholder is the organisation's technical lead for SORP-compliant reporting, internal controls, budgeting and forecasting, treasury, and financial risk management, enabling UKIM to deliver its charitable objectives sustainably. The post holder will work closely with, and be accountable to, the UKIM Treasurer in maintaining effective financial oversight and governance across the organisation.

• Lead UKIM's finance function including financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
• Preparation of annual statutory accounts in timely manner for annual audit and submission to charities commission and Companies house.
• Close liaising with auditors of the organization for timely completion of audit of accounts
• Prepare and present timely and accurate monthly management accounts, variance analysis and financial commentary to the Executive Director, F&GPC and Board.
• Oversee accounts team both at head office and branches.
• Oversee year-end statutory accounts (GAAP/SORP/FRS 102) and manage the audit process.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and HMRC (including PAYE, Corporation Tax, VAT and Gift Aid).
• Strengthen and embed financial controls, policies and procedures; oversee branch finance support and consolidation.
• Monitor cash flow and reserves; manage banking relationships; provide investment and treasury advice aligned to risk appetite.
• Ensure accurate payroll, PAYE and pension contributions.
• Provide financial modelling and analysis to support strategic planning, bids, tenders and capital/ international projects.
• Lead and develop the finance team, including objective-setting, reviews and CPD.

The post holder may be required to undertake other reasonable duties within the scope of their role and in line with the needs of UKIM.

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Track record leading finance in a charity or complex multi-site setting; knowledge of Charity SORP, GAAP, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, Gift Aid and charity law.
• Demonstrable experience of improving financial controls, processes and management information.
• Strong analytical skills; advanced Excel and competence with modern accounting/ERP systems.
• Able to work with different accounting software(s) including iPlicit.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex information to non-finance stakeholders.
• People management experience and commitment to coaching and developing teams.
• High integrity, sound judgement and a collaborative approach.

Desirable

• Experience supporting branch-based or federated charity structures.
• Experience in capital projects and programme/grant finance.
• Familiarity with dashboarding/BI tools.

Safeguarding, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion UKIM is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. All staff must follow our safeguarding policies and complete mandatory training.

UK Islamic Mission (UKIM), is one of the UK's longest-established Muslim charities, founded in 1962. We are a national organisation with around 60 branches across England, Scotland and Wales, delivering community services, education, welfare projects, and faith-based initiatives. Each week, thousands of people engage with our mosques, centres, and activities.