Head of Finance

linkup; Kirkstead; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A national governing body for golf in the UK is seeking a Head of Finance to lead financial operations and ensure strong financial planning and compliance. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with leadership experience, strong analytical skills, and proven financial management expertise. Responsibilities include producing timely financial reports, overseeing audits, and leading a team of finance professionals. This role offers competitive benefits and opportunities to contribute to the growth of golf in the community.

Benefits

Golf Club membership

Healthcare and/or medicash

Up to 36 days annual leave

Life assurance

Enhanced family policies

Qualifications

• Strong financial and management accounting knowledge.
• Proven record of accurate reporting to deadlines.
• Knowledge of VAT and Partial Exemption rules.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function ensuring strong financial planning.
• Produce accurate and timely management accounts.
• Oversee statutory reporting and audit preparation.
• Own budgeting cycles and provide analytical support.
• Manage VAT compliance and cash-flow forecasting.

Skills

Financial accounting

Management accounting

Advanced Excel

Analytical skills

Communication

Leadership experience

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Job description

Overview

Head of Finance, Woodhall Spa, Lincolnshire. To £55,000. Benefits: iGolf membership or discounted Golf Club membership, golf lessons, up to 36 days annual leave, healthcare and/or medicash, life assurance (3X), employee assistance programme, enhanced family policies, golf benefits, discount platform, pension. Hays Senior Finance are delighted to be partnering with England Golf to recruit a Head of Finance. England Golf is the national governing body for amateur golf in England. As a non-profit organisation dedicated to growing the game, their work benefits around 1,800 golf clubs and 650,000 players as well as reaching up to two million others who engage with golf. England Golf's mission is to lead, support, inspire and deliver the golf community. Learn more about their strategy and values here (Strategy-25-30 - England Golf). England Golf are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. Following continuing growth and internal promotion, this newly created role will lead the finance function, overseeing financial operations across England Golf and Woodhall Spa Golf Management 2005 Ltd. You will report to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and lead a team of approximately 5, including the Financial Controller, Commercial Accountant and Affiliation Fee Accountant.

Responsibilities

• Lead the finance function and ensure strong financial planning, control, and compliance.
• Produce accurate and timely management accounts and financial reports.
• Oversee statutory reporting, year-end processes, and audit preparation; represent Finance at Audit and Finance Committee meetings.
• Own the budgeting cycle and rolling forecasts, providing analysis that supports strategic decision-making.
• Manage VAT (including Partial Exemption) and HMRC compliance, tax matters, and cash-flow forecasting and reporting.
• Support the CFO with investment management activities.
• Identify cost-saving and income-generation opportunities to support long term sustainability.
• Champion modernisation and continuous improvement of finance systems and processes.

Qualifications

• Essential: Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Strong financial and management accounting knowledge; advanced Excel and solid analysis skills.
• Proven track record delivering accurate reporting to deadlines and influencing stakeholders.
• Knowledge of VAT and Partial Exemption rules; cashflow forecasting experience.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and Excel skills.
• Leadership experience managing qualified/part qualified teams.

Desirable

• Experience in multi-entity/and/or not-for-profit/charity environments.
• Financial modelling and change management; improving finance systems.
• Experience delivering cost-saving initiatives or revenue-generation strategies.

If you\'re excited by the opportunity to help shape the financial future of England Golf and contribute to the development of the sport, we would love to hear from you. If you would like more information, please get in touch with Lisa Francis at Hays Senior Finance, who is exclusively managing this vacancy on behalf of England Golf. Preliminary interview date will be 20th February 2026.