Head of Finance

Chester Zoo; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent wildlife charity in Manchester is looking for an experienced Head of Finance to spearhead financial management across a diverse operation. This role offers autonomy in decision-making, plays a vital part in supporting the organization's mission, and involves managing a large budget. The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with substantial experience in finance leadership, compliance, and financial systems. Comprehensive benefits and a unique working environment are offered.

Benefits

Generous leave

Pension contributions

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Post-qualification experience in a commercial environment.
• Experience in leading and managing a finance team.
• Strong systems knowledge and ability to work with reporting systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasting.
• Oversee cash flow management and forecasting.
• Ensure compliance with tax and regulatory obligations.

Skills

Financial leadership

Communication

Excel

Team management

Tax compliance

Financial reporting

Education

Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant

Tools

Microsoft Business Central

Jet Reports

Job description

Head of Finance

£65,000 per annum

Chester

We are Chester Zoo

We’re not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that’s home to 30,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We’re not just the UK’s most popular zoo. We’re a major wildlife charity that’s committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we’re making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it’s needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced and values-drivenHead of Financeto join our Finance team. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in supporting the organisation by providing strong financial leadership across a complex and diverse operation.

You will be responsible for the production and development of high-quality management information for an £80m+ turnover group charity, including the consolidation of parent and subsidiary companies. Our organisation spans around 20 diverse income streams across 33 departments and 130 cost centres, reflecting the breadth of our work across conservation, education and commercial activity.

This role carries a high degree of autonomy and responsibility. You will be trusted to make sound, well-judged decisions that directly impact the organisation’s financial performance, operational delivery and long-term sustainability.

You will act as a trusted adviser to senior leaders, providing financial challenge and guidance on both commercial and non-commercial initiatives, and helping to ensure decisions are financially sound, compliant and aligned with Chester Zoo’s values and mission.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasting, working collaboratively with budget holders to ensure robust planning and effective challenge.
• Overseeing day-to-day cash flow management and longer-term forecasting of income, expenditure and capital investment.
• You will also have oversight of organisation-wide tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT, Gift Aid and other statutory obligations, working with advisers where appropriate to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Supporting Chester Zoo’s ongoing digital transformation, including the development and integration of finance systems such as Microsoft Business Central.
• Working closely with the Financial Accountant to ensure statutory and group accounts are produced in line with Charity SORP, FRS102, the Companies Act and UK GAAP, and supporting a clean external audit.
• You will also have oversight of organisation-wide tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT, Gift Aid and other statutory obligations, working with advisers where appropriate to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Strengthening internal controls and financial processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• Supporting business development by providing financial insight and challenge on new initiatives, helping to ensure sustainable growth aligned with our charitable mission.

About you

You’ll be a collaborative and pragmatic finance professional who combines strong technical expertise with a genuine commitment to Chester Zoo’s values and purpose.

You will:

• Be a qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant.
• Have post-qualification experience in a commercial or complex organisational environment.
• Have experience of leading and managing a finance team.
• Be an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to produce clear, high-quality financial reports.
• Be confident building positive working relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Have strong systems knowledge and be comfortable working with finance and reporting systems.
• Be an advanced Excel user, able to manage and analyse large datasets.
• Have strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, Charity SORP, Gift Aid and VAT.
• Be comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment, with a high level of attention to detail and sound professional judgement.

Experience of using Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reports would be an advantage, but is not essential.

What we can offer you

In addition to a salary of £65,000 per annum, we offer a wide range of benefits, including generous leave, pension contributions, wellbeing support and the opportunity to work in a unique and inspiring environment.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Chester Zoo is committed to being an inclusive employer and creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.

We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and flexible working options at any stage of the recruitment process.

Closing date:31/01/2026