Head of Finance

Action for Carers; Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 46,000 - 49,000; Part time

Job summary

A charity organization is seeking a Head of Finance to manage daily financial operations including budgeting, reporting, payroll, and governance. The role involves supervising the Finance Officer and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Essential qualifications include being a qualified accountant and having experience in payroll processing. The position supports flexible, part-time working dedicated to making a real impact on unpaid carers. Join a collaborative and purpose-driven team to help improve lives and support your work-life balance.

Benefits

28 days holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays)

One paid volunteer day per year

Employee assistance programme

Wellbeing support

Health plan via Hospital Saturday Fund

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with relevant certifications.
• Strong knowledge of IT and financial systems.
• Experience processing payroll and managing pensions.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting, reporting, and financial operations.
• Oversee processing of payroll and ensure compliance.
• Manage line support for Finance Officer responsibilities.
• Contribute to governance and compliance at the charity.

Skills

Qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Strong IT and financial systems skills

Experience with payroll and pension processing

Line management or supervisory experience

High attention to detail

Excellent organisational skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Tools

Xero

Job description

Head of Finance

Location: Based at our offices in Burpham, Guildford with option to work from home.

Salary: £46,000 - £49,000 (full time equivalent)

Hours of Work: 20-22 hours per week, ideally across four days to support coverage.

Role Overview

The Head of Finance will lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, including budgeting, reporting, payroll, and financial governance. The postholder will also line manage the Finance Officer, ensuring effective support for transactional finance tasks and smooth day-to-day processes. Working closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, you will help ensure sound financial management and contribute to strong internal controls and compliance. This is a part-time role, ideal for a finance professional looking to work in a values driven and flexible environment.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Support the delivery of the Strategic Plan
• Prepare management accounts, cash flow forecasts, and financial reports for the CEO and Trustees
• Lead the annual budgeting process and monitor performance against budgets
• Oversee bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable, and ensure accurate financial data entry
• Manage the year-end process and liaise with external auditors
• Maintain and improve financial procedures in line with best practice and charity regulations
• Analyse financial performance data and present management information to non-finance managers in a transparent and clear way

Line Management

• Provide day-to-day line management, support and supervision to the Finance Officer
• Delegate and oversee routine financial tasks, ensuring accuracy and timely completion
• Support the professional development of the Finance Officer and foster a collaborative team culture

Payroll & Pension

• Process monthly payroll and ensure compliance with HMRC regulations
• Oversee pension contributions and reporting
• Conduct payroll checks and audits to ensure data integrity

Bids and Grants

• Provide detailed financial input and support with bids and grants for external funding
• Oversee the disbursement of grants to carers ensuring there are robust processes and procedures in place

Governance & Compliance

• Support the CEO and Trustees in financial governance and risk management
• Maintain and update the organisational risk register
• Maintain up-to-date financial policies and ensure regulatory compliance
• Prepare financial papers for Board meetings and Finance Committee, and attend as required
• Manage insurance coverage and oversee financial aspects of contracts and leases

Person Specification

Essential:

Qualified accountant (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA)

Strong IT and financial systems skills (knowledge of Xero preferable)

Experience with payroll and pension processing

Line management or supervisory experience

High attention to detail and excellent organisational skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Evidence of ongoing professional development

A clear commitment to the values of Action for Carers Surrey

A can-do, collaborative and curious approach.

Desirable:

Working knowledge of charity accounting, SORP

Experience supporting Trustees or working within a governance framework

Experience of writing / supporting bids for external funding and contracts

Understanding of unpaid carers and the challenges they face

Why Join Us

A meaningful role making a real difference to unpaid carers

Flexible, part-time working to support your work-life balance

Supportive, inclusive and purpose-driven team

Annual staff conference to collaborate with colleagues

Annual summer get-together

28 days holiday pro rata (plus bank holidays), increasing with length of service

One paid volunteer day per year

One week of paid carers leave per year

Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

Health plan via Hospital Saturday Fund (HSF)

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Action for Carers, please do not hesitate to apply.