Head Of Finance

Grafters Recruitment Consultants Ltd; Hailsham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the UK is actively seeking an experienced finance manager. The role involves overseeing financial operations, leading a finance team, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Applicants should be qualified accountants with proven leadership skills and the ability to manage complex financial processes. Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years post-qualification experience.
• Proven experience in leading a finance team.
• Solid understanding of charity and fund accounting (including SORP).

Responsibilities

• Line manage finance and IT direct reports, conducting performance reviews.
• Oversee financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, and tax.
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and develop key performance indicators.

Skills

Organisational skills

Analytical abilities

Problem-solving abilities

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Financial software (e.g. SAGE)

Job description

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Line manage Finance, IT and Health & Safety direct reports, including conducting annual performance reviews.
• Provide strategic recommendations to the CEO and executive team, based on financial analysis and projections.
• Oversee all financial operations including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, tax, and treasury.
• Ensure compliance with statutory law, charity commission requirements, financial regulations, and reporting standards.
• Lead financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to support long–term business goals
• Develop and maintain project profitability and job costing reporting systems.
• Review and approve monthly payments including payroll.
• Manage the online banking payments processes.
• Review and approve the VAT returns prepared by the Finance Assistant, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Assist the external auditors in the preparation of the annual statutory accounts.
• Prepare annual budgets and quarterly reforecasts for internal and board–level reporting.
• Develop and maintain 12 month rolling cash flow forecasts.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess financial health.
• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial statements.
• Manage risk, including financial, legal, and operational, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Drive efficiency through automation and optimization of financial processes and systems. Undertake other reasonable duties as required.
• Availability to work a full week during peak periods, such as the annual audit process.

Key Results/Performance Measures

• Timely and accurate production of financial information.
• Reliable budgeting and forecasting processes.
• Achievement of an unqualified audit report.
• Implementation of streamlined systems and best–practice financial processes.

Person Specification/ Essential Qualifications

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with at least 5 years post–qualification experience.

Skills and Competencies

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Excellent analytical and problem–solving abilities.

Ability to interpret data and identify trends and insights.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work across a wide range of stakeholders.

Knowledge and Experience

Proven experience in leading a finance team.

Solid understanding of charity and fund accounting (including SORP).

Knowledge of VAT regulations, including partial exemption, and payroll tax compliance.

Track record of implementing improvements in financial systems and processes.

Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with financial software (e.g. SAGE).

We endeavour to reply to all applications, however, if you haven t heard from us within 7 days, you have been unsuccessful with this particular role. You are very welcome to apply to future advertisements placed by Grafters Recruitment Consultants / Grafters Accountancy Personnel.