Head of Finance

NHS; North East; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A respected healthcare organization, Ways to Wellness, is seeking an experienced Head of Finance to lead their financial strategy and reporting. This role will contribute significantly to organizational growth by overseeing financial modeling, budgeting, and maintaining robust financial controls, all while making a positive impact on community health outcomes.

Qualifications

• Must have a professional accounting qualification.
• Experience in a senior management financial role.
• Ability to analyse financial data and support decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Provide financial insight and reporting to the Chief Executive and board.
• Manage financial controls and prepare budgets.
• Ensure timely payment of project funding and financial analysis.

Skills

Financial acumen

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Xero

Sage

Job description

Job summary

Ways to Wellness are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Finance, who will become an integral part of our leadership team, helping shape an ambitious, well-respected and growing organisation whose work provides evidence for new ways of working to improve how healthcare services are delivered, and in doing so makes a vital difference in the lives of those in our communities most impacted by inequalities.

To apply for this role, you must submit your CV and a completed application form, by 9am on Friday 8 August 2025.

Main duties of the job

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive, you'll build strong relationships throughout the organisation and among our partners. You'll provide the Chief Executive and our board with financial insight, forecasting, financial modelling, and analysis that supports our decision-making around funding, programme and operational development, and you'll work with colleagues to help them maintain their budgets, offering internal training where appropriate.

Managing our assets and identifying potential risks and opportunities for growth, you will look after our payroll and other processes and provide accurate and timely reports.

About us

Ways to Wellness was launched in 2015 to deliver a world-first social prescribing prototype using investment from an outcome-based Social Impact Bond (SIB). Our work has since expanded and we now facilitate, pilot and prototype healthcare interventions, using an iterative and collaborative test-and-learn approach that provides the evidence to tackle health inequalities and create systemic cost savings, while empowering individuals to take ownership of, and improve their short and long-term health. Ways to Wellness (WtW) Foundation, which has a number of collaborative projects with partners, is a charity and company limited by guarantee that currently has one trading subsidiary, also a limited company. More information can be found at: waystowellness.org.uk

Details Date posted

11 July 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£50,000 a year £50k pa pro rata (£25k pa actual for 2.5 days per week)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

E0434-25-0001

Job locations

Ways To Wellness

Skinnerburn Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE1 3RH

Job description Job responsibilities

TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR CV AND A COMPLETED WAYS TO WELLNESS APPLICATION FORM, DIRECTLY TO [e-mail].

The full Candidate Pack and Application form can be found on this advert, or downloaded from our website www.waystowellness.org.uk, or by emailing [e-mail].

The Head of Finance will work closely with our Chief Executive, ensuring first class financial management and robust financial controls, as well as playing a significant part in the management and strategic planning of the business. The Head of Finance will be responsible for financial modelling, financial reporting, control and forecasting. The successful candidate will maintain good external relationships with partners, assist the Chief Executive with contract management matters, and present financial information to the Ways to Wellness Board of Non-Executive Directors and Trustees. The postholder will be responsible for statutory accounts preparation, compliant with the Charities Act, Charities SORP and other applicable legislation.

Financial modelling and strategic support

Ensure a sound understanding of the Ways to Wellness operation, taking the lead on updating and adapting the financial model to support the CEO/board as they continue to shape the organisation.

Complete financial modelling and advanced financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and the development of business cases.

Prepare and advise on appropriate levels of core costs recovery within projects.

Proactively appraise any opportunity to strengthen the financial viability of Ways to Wellness.

Support the CEO in ensuring that any contract negotiations are underpinned by sound financial thinking.

Project costing and contracting

Provide financial advice and assistance in early draft contracts and service level agreements, to include costings, payment mechanisms, VAT position, financial risk, insurance cover and price review.

Liaise with funders to secure timely payment of project funding.

Provide assistance and advice in determining the level of information provided to clients as part of the delivery of projects.

Financial Reporting, controls and forecasting

Propose and seek board approval for the budget annually.

Produce monthly management accounts for projects. Clearly identify variance to plan, explaining any significant departures and remediation plans as indicated.

Provide regular forecasts for the current financial year and beyond, to ensure clarity of outlook given the latest assumptions and trends.

Verbally update the board quarterly on financial performance versus plan.

Provide regular reporting to funders (investors and commissioners) as required.

Ensure robust financial controls are in place within the organisation.

Produce regular and robust cashflow forecasts.

Place surplus cash on deposit to meet trustees requirements for risk/return.

Company secretarial duties, ensuring all updates to Companies House, the Charities Commission and HMRC, and filing of returns are correct and carried out on time.

Consolidate acquisitions into Ways to Wellness Foundation accounts.

Accounting and processing

Prepare monthly payroll and arrange accurate/timely payment of staff, pensions and taxes.

Process supplier invoices onto the accounting system purchase ledger.

Calculate necessary accruals and post journals to create period accounts.

Ensure monthly bank reconciliation and submit quarterly VAT return for group.

Charity taxation, including VAT, maximising income through Gift Aid and charitable trading.

Manage accounting, monitoring and reporting systems, ensuring all key data is correct and accurate. Liaise with service providers to ensure accuracy of data and subsequent billing.

Ensure the charity is covered by appropriate insurance level, scope and exposure of insurance cover including special projects with partners (including third party liabilities)

Maintain good external relationships with key financial contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers, funders, etc.

Ensure statutory reporting requirements are met facilitate the audit process and production of annual accounts.

Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation including charity sector and public sector reporting.

Data analysis

Contribute to financial aspects of IT systems development.

Data analysis to inform payments and reporting.

Staff and office management

This position will be part of the Ways to Wellness Senior Management Team, so there is a requirement for flexibility around sharing tasks and assisting other team members in their duties and with general office management.

Other duties

Support and where necessary deputise for the chief executive to ensure wider organisational requirements are met, including supporting strategic analysis, planning and decision-making.

Assist the chief executive with contract management and partnership working with service providers, funders and commissioners.

Assist the chief executive and treasurer with planning and preparation for board and committee meetings.

Provide support to sub-contracted service provider teams in areas of data analysis, training, learning and collaboration opportunities.

Provide any other support as directed by the chief executive, treasurer and chair of the board, and undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the role.

Job description Job responsibilities

TO APPLY FOR THIS JOB YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR CV AND A COMPLETED WAYS TO WELLNESS APPLICATION FORM, DIRECTLY TO [e-mail].

The full Candidate Pack and Application form can be found on this advert, or downloaded from our website www.waystowellness.org.uk, or by emailing [e-mail].

The Head of Finance will work closely with our Chief Executive, ensuring first class financial management and robust financial controls, as well as playing a significant part in the management and strategic planning of the business. The Head of Finance will be responsible for financial modelling, financial reporting, control and forecasting. The successful candidate will maintain good external relationships with partners, assist the Chief Executive with contract management matters, and present financial information to the Ways to Wellness Board of Non-Executive Directors and Trustees. The postholder will be responsible for statutory accounts preparation, compliant with the Charities Act, Charities SORP and other applicable legislation.

Financial modelling and strategic support

Ensure a sound understanding of the Ways to Wellness operation, taking the lead on updating and adapting the financial model to support the CEO/board as they continue to shape the organisation.

Complete financial modelling and advanced financial analysis to support strategic decision-making and the development of business cases.

Prepare and advise on appropriate levels of core costs recovery within projects.

Proactively appraise any opportunity to strengthen the financial viability of Ways to Wellness.

Support the CEO in ensuring that any contract negotiations are underpinned by sound financial thinking.

Project costing and contracting

Provide financial advice and assistance in early draft contracts and service level agreements, to include costings, payment mechanisms, VAT position, financial risk, insurance cover and price review.

Liaise with funders to secure timely payment of project funding.

Provide assistance and advice in determining the level of information provided to clients as part of the delivery of projects.

Financial Reporting, controls and forecasting

Propose and seek board approval for the budget annually.

Produce monthly management accounts for projects. Clearly identify variance to plan, explaining any significant departures and remediation plans as indicated.

Provide regular forecasts for the current financial year and beyond, to ensure clarity of outlook given the latest assumptions and trends.

Verbally update the board quarterly on financial performance versus plan.

Provide regular reporting to funders (investors and commissioners) as required.

Ensure robust financial controls are in place within the organisation.

Produce regular and robust cashflow forecasts.

Place surplus cash on deposit to meet trustees requirements for risk/return.

Company secretarial duties, ensuring all updates to Companies House, the Charities Commission and HMRC, and filing of returns are correct and carried out on time.

Consolidate acquisitions into Ways to Wellness Foundation accounts.

Accounting and processing

Prepare monthly payroll and arrange accurate/timely payment of staff, pensions and taxes.

Process supplier invoices onto the accounting system purchase ledger.

Calculate necessary accruals and post journals to create period accounts.

Ensure monthly bank reconciliation and submit quarterly VAT return for group.

Charity taxation, including VAT, maximising income through Gift Aid and charitable trading.

Manage accounting, monitoring and reporting systems, ensuring all key data is correct and accurate. Liaise with service providers to ensure accuracy of data and subsequent billing.

Ensure the charity is covered by appropriate insurance level, scope and exposure of insurance cover including special projects with partners (including third party liabilities)

Maintain good external relationships with key financial contacts, e.g. auditors, solicitors, bankers, funders, etc.

Ensure statutory reporting requirements are met facilitate the audit process and production of annual accounts.

Keep abreast of changes in financial regulations and legislation including charity sector and public sector reporting.

Data analysis

Contribute to financial aspects of IT systems development.

Data analysis to inform payments and reporting.

Staff and office management

This position will be part of the Ways to Wellness Senior Management Team, so there is a requirement for flexibility around sharing tasks and assisting other team members in their duties and with general office management.

Other duties

Support and where necessary deputise for the chief executive to ensure wider organisational requirements are met, including supporting strategic analysis, planning and decision-making.

Assist the chief executive with contract management and partnership working with service providers, funders and commissioners.

Assist the chief executive and treasurer with planning and preparation for board and committee meetings.

Provide support to sub-contracted service provider teams in areas of data analysis, training, learning and collaboration opportunities.

Provide any other support as directed by the chief executive, treasurer and chair of the board, and undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the role.

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Change management: Experience in leading and managing change within an organisation, including the implementation of new procedures and systems.

Key skills & personal qualities Essential

• Financial acumen: Deep understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and relevant regulations.
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and provide insight to support decision-making.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Influencing skills: Ability to influence stakeholders, and to effectively communicate financial perspectives in strategic discussions.
• Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address complex financial challenges and identify solutions.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in financial software and systems, including accounting packages and Microsoft Office suite. Experience using Xero or Sage would be an advantage.
• Commercial awareness: Understanding of the broader business context and the ability to align financial strategies with overall business objectives.
• Risk management: Ability to identify and manage financial risks, and to implement appropriate controls.
• Stakeholder management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leadership: A strong leader who can motivate and inspire others.
• Integrity and professionalism: Demonstrates high ethical standards and maintains confidentiality.
• Resilience: Able to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt to changing business needs and priorities.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Proactive and results-oriented: Takes initiative and is focused on achieving positive financial outcomes.

Qualifications Essential

• Qualified accountant: Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Senior financial experience: Demonstrable experience in a senior financial management role, ideally within a charitable or public sector organisation.
• Strategic financial management: Experience in developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing financial reporting.
• Leadership and management: Proven ability to lead and manage a team, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and inspire others.

Person Specification Experience Essential

• Change management: Experience in leading and managing change within an organisation, including the implementation of new procedures and systems.

Key skills & personal qualities Essential

• Financial acumen: Deep understanding of financial principles, accounting practices, and relevant regulations.
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyse financial data, identify trends, and provide insight to support decision-making.
• Communication skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Influencing skills: Ability to influence stakeholders, and to effectively communicate financial perspectives in strategic discussions.
• Problem-solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address complex financial challenges and identify solutions.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in financial software and systems, including accounting packages and Microsoft Office suite. Experience using Xero or Sage would be an advantage.
• Commercial awareness: Understanding of the broader business context and the ability to align financial strategies with overall business objectives.
• Risk management: Ability to identify and manage financial risks, and to implement appropriate controls.
• Stakeholder management: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Leadership: A strong leader who can motivate and inspire others.
• Integrity and professionalism: Demonstrates high ethical standards and maintains confidentiality.
• Resilience: Able to work effectively under pressure and manage competing priorities.
• Adaptability: Flexible and able to adapt to changing business needs and priorities.
• Commitment to diversity and inclusion: Promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Proactive and results-oriented: Takes initiative and is focused on achieving positive financial outcomes.

Qualifications Essential

• Qualified accountant: Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA).
• Senior financial experience: Demonstrable experience in a senior financial management role, ideally within a charitable or public sector organisation.
• Strategic financial management: Experience in developing and implementing financial strategies, managing budgets, and overseeing financial reporting.
• Leadership and management: Proven ability to lead and manage a team, foster a positive and inclusive work environment, and inspire others.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details Employer name

Ways to Wellness

Address

Ways To Wellness

Skinnerburn Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE1 3RH

Employer's website

https://waystowellness.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details Employer name

Ways to Wellness

Address

Ways To Wellness

Skinnerburn Road

Newcastle Upon Tyne

NE1 3RH

Employer's website

https://waystowellness.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)