Head of Finance

The Greatham Foundation; Greatham; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organisation in Greatham is seeking a Head of Finance to lead financial strategy and operations. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with strong experience in finance leadership and strategic planning. Responsibilities include overseeing financial functions, managing investment portfolios, and collaborating with senior leadership. This position offers flexible working, 38 days of holiday, and a supportive workplace environment.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

38 days holiday

Workplace pension scheme

Access to Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within a charity.
• Experience in directing and motivating a finance team.
• Alignment with charitable values and mission.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the charity's finance function and daily operations.
• Lead the annual budgeting process with senior leaders.
• Act as lead contact for investment portfolio management.
• Prepare annual financial accounts and coordinate auditing.

Skills

Strategic planning skills

Excel-based data analytics

Team management

Communication skills

Education

Professionally qualified accountant (e.g. ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Overview

The Greatham Foundation is a long-established and financially robust charitable organisation based in Greatham, Hartlepool. With a legacy spanning over 750 years and a £52 million balance sheet—primarily composed of property and investments—the Foundation is entering an exciting phase of strategic evolution.

We deliver a unique blend of services, including:

• Residential and community-based dementia care
• Housing (alms houses and private rentals)
• Grant-making to voluntary and community organisations across the North East

With a permanent endowment and a total return order in place, the Foundation is well-positioned to deliver its charitable mission and adapt to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

The Role

Following a successful period of transformation and stabilisation over the past seven years, the Foundation is seeking a new Head of Finance to succeed the current postholder who is retiring. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a historic organisation and continue its journey of modernisation and growth.

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan, with a particular focus on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Take overall responsibility for the charity’s finance function, ensuring timely and accurate execution of day-to-day financial operations, including financial records and payroll.
• Act as the lead contact for the charity’s investment portfolio, liaising with external investment managers to ensure effective stewardship.
• Oversee the preparation of annual financial accounts and coordinate with external auditors.
• Lead the annual budgeting process in collaboration with senior leaders and service managers.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all matters relating to the Greatham Hospital Pension Scheme.
• Strengthen and maintain robust financial systems, controls, and policies to support the charity’s operations and compliance.

The Person

• Professionally qualified accountant (e.g. ICAEW, ICAS, ACCA, CIMA).
• Proven experience in a senior finance leadership role, ideally within a charity but not essential.
• Strong strategic planning skills, with the ability to develop and implement financial strategies that drive improvement.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing, developing, and managing financial and business information systems.
• Skilled in leading and managing budgeting and financial reporting processes.
• Proficient in Excel-based data analytics for extracting, analysing, interpreting, and presenting financial information.
• Experience in directing, managing, and motivating a finance team to achieve high performance.
• Alignment with the Foundation’s values and mission, with a commitment to its charitable purpose.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively across the organisation and with external stakeholders.
• Resilient and tenacious, with the ability to thrive in a demanding and evolving environment.
• Positive outlook and strategic mindset.
• Collaborative team player, contributing as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Benefits

• 35 hours per week, full time requirement
• Flexible working arrangements
• 38 days holiday, inclusive of bank holidays.
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing app.
• Annual pay review subject to the charity’s financial performance.
• Business mileage reimbursement.
• Workplace pension scheme, with 10% employer contribution.