Head of Finance Operations

Christians Against Poverty; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A national charity in the UK is seeking a Senior Finance Operations Manager to oversee financial processes and reporting. This role involves shaping strategies, leading audits, and fostering a strong finance team. Ideal candidates will have senior-level finance experience and be passionate about driving efficiency in a supportive environment. Hybrid work is available with frequent office presence in Bradford.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience at a senior level within a finance/accountancy environment.
• Experience of leading the annual accounts and audit process.
• Experience of reviewing controls and processes.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop a strong finance operations function.
• Drive the annual statutory reporting process.
• Lead the external audit process.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Excellent written and verbal communication

Leadership

Organizational awareness

Education

Qualified Accountant (CCAB)

Degree or professional level education

Job description

Overview

Please note that this role is a permanent position, but we would consider a Fixed Term Contract for an outstanding candidate. Although the closing date is 30 September, we are reviewing and shortlisting applications on an ongoing basis, so please apply as soon as possible.

The role is hybrid. For full-time hours, 40-60 percent of the time would be worked from our Bradford offices (2-3 days).

CAP celebrates the value of diversity and our aim is for our workforce to be as inclusive as possible and representing the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, and particularly from candidates from black and ethnic minority backgrounds. We are committed to building an environment that embraces diversity and includes all.

Context

CAP is a national charity that helps release people from debt and poverty by partnering with local churches. We provide services including CAP Debt Help, CAP Job Clubs, CAP Release Groups and CAP Life Skills, and we help churches teach budgeting and money management skills through the CAP Money course. Our debt help service involves holding client assets. CAP is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The finance department provides essential background functions to support our work.

Purpose

The finance department is undergoing transformation. Working with the Chief Financial Officer and the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, this role will shape the strategy and delivery of forward-looking financial planning, statutory and regulatory reporting, costing and client asset management.

This role will identify opportunities for continuous improvement and drive efficiencies across the finance department. It will take ownership of enabling improved core financial processes from both systems and process perspectives while encouraging thoughtful challenge of current ways of working.

This role will oversee the Finance Operations team, providing outstanding customer service to internal and external customers and stakeholders.

Personality

We are dedicated, enthusiastic and professional, operating in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Reports to

Chief Financial Officer

Direct Reports

1 x Assistant Financial Accountant, 5 x Finance Assistants

Passion

We are passionate about providing excellent service to our internal and external stakeholders.

Role

Accountabilities:

• Build and develop a strong finance operations function with robust internal and external controls through active line management and regular training
• Drive the annual statutory reporting process with a clear timeline, planning and collaboration with the internal communications team to deliver a high-quality annual report for Trustee approval
• Lead the external audit process, negotiating fees and timetables, leading meetings with the Audit Partner and team, challenging audit responses as needed, and reporting findings to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
• Oversee the CASS annual audit process, negotiating fees and timetables, leading meetings with the Audit Partner and team, challenging responses as needed, and reporting findings to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee
• Develop and deliver regular balance sheet reporting and forecasting (capital expenditure, cashflow, liabilities and reserves) to support CAP’s financial sustainability, highlighting risks or opportunities for Executive Team and Board decisions
• Identify and implement process and system improvements to strengthen the finance operations
• Lead the finance ledger system replacement procurement, design and implementation
• Provide support to ensure key operational and financial targets are delivered
• Develop, recommend and implement cash and capital management systems and reporting
• Assess capital expenditure business cases and strategic opportunities to support decision making
• Support month-end and annual accounting processes to ensure accurate reporting
• Advise the Chief Financial Officer on technical areas of expertise, including financial reporting, VAT and tax
• Provide financial accounting support to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in budget preparation
• Submit all mandatory external surveys and reports by deadlines (ONS, FCA, etc.)

Manager accountabilities:

• Proactive in creating a culture of personal development, including Annual Appraisals and Development Reviews and coaching catch-ups for direct reports
• A secure and honest leader who acknowledges mistakes, leads with vulnerability and builds a high-trust team
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills tailored to the audience
• Articulates the team’s needs to wider stakeholders for projects and business-as-usual tasks
• Balances team workloads, boundaries and wellbeing using strategic methods such as LEAN, problem definition and ideation tools

Senior Leadership accountabilities:

• Strategy: sets strategic plans and executes them well within the organisational and industry context
• Operational oversight: delivers department goals and priorities and leads through change
• Developing and leading people: leads managers and develops them to deliver on accountabilities
• Promoting healthy culture: ensures department work and behaviour reflect CAP values
• Collaboration: strong organisational awareness and cross-department collaboration

Measurable outputs:

• Budgets delivered on time and within budget
• Annual objectives delivered as planned
• Monthly reporting pack delivered on the agreed timetable
• Finance transformation programme delivered successfully
• Successful completion of the annual statutory audit
• Continuous improvement in financial processes and controls
• Delivery of new chart of accounts structure
• Balance sheet & Cash Flow forecasting (annual, monthly and quarterly)
• Statutory returns completed on time
• Effective regular 1:1 meetings with direct reports

Culture and Other responsibilities:

• Live CAP’s cultural values and demonstrate a heart and passion for the charity
• Adhere to the Christian ethos and purpose of the charity
• Being willing to pray with staff and engage with our Christ-centred culture
• Encourage fundraising through Life Changer and other initiatives
• Attend annual CAP staff conferences
• Complete compulsory CAP training within given timescales
• This role falls within the FCA conduct rules; training will be provided on how these apply, and you are responsible for following the conduct rules

The above job profile is a guide and may change to reflect circumstances. It does not form part of your contract of employment.

Person

Education

• Qualified Accountant (CCAB) with Post Qualification Experience
• Degree or professional level education

Experience

Essential

• At least 3 years experience at a senior level within a finance/accountancy environment
• Senior-level financial accounting experience
• Experience of reviewing controls and processes
• Experience of leading the annual accounts and audit process
• Experience of leading teams to meet objectives or targets

Desirable

• Senior-level financial accounting experience in a not-for-profit organisation
• Experience of installing/upgrading accounting systems
• Prior experience of working in a CASS 11 environment

Skills/abilities

• A strategic thinker able to plan and forecast with strong organisational awareness