Head of Finance, Solutions for HR

Guardian Jobs; Bristol; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in the UK is seeking a Head of Finance to oversee financial operations, manage audits, and ensure compliance with donor requirements. The role includes preparing financial statements and reporting to the Board. This is a full-time position based in Bristol with flexible working options. The successful candidate will be a qualified accountant with extensive experience in the charity sector, strong financial analysis skills, and excellent communication abilities.

Benefits

Staff Pension

Employee Assistance Package

25 Days Annual Leave

Volunteering Days

Staff Training

Social Events

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in financial management within a charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience in preparing accounts and managing audits.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations of the Forest of Avon Trust.
• Prepare annual accounts and financial statements.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting.

Skills

Financial Management

Financial Analysis

Communication

Organizational Skills

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Tools

Financial Software

Job description

Join to apply for the Head of Finance, Solutions for HR role at Guardian Jobs

2 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Join to apply for the Head of Finance, Solutions for HR role at Guardian Jobs

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

The Forest of Avon is one of England’s Community Forests and a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Forest of Avon was established in 1992 as one of the first England’s Community Forests and became a charity in 2008. The Forest of Avon hosts several programmes including the multi-million pound Trees for Climate and the Western Forest, delivering woodland creation and restoration across the region as well as our expert-led Nature and Health work. The charity has a growing team and an actively engaged Board of Trustees.

The Head of Finance (HoF) is responsible for overseeing all financial operations of the Forest of Avon Trust which now includes Western Forest, England’s first new national forest in 30 years covering Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the West of England (including North Somerset).

Our new HoF will manage the charity’s financial systems, preparing accounts, supporting audits, reporting to the Board of Trustees and overseeing and reporting on the financial elements of key programmes such as the Trees for Climate grant scheme and the Western Forest. The HoF also works closely with the team and external stakeholders to expand the charity’s financial capacity, ensuring transparency and effectiveness in all financial activities.

Role Description

Post: Head of Finance, Forest of Avon (including Western Forest)

Salary: £46,305-51,146, with annual pay review

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, flexible work hours

Line manager: CEO, Forest of Avon / reporting to Finance Sub-Group of Board.

Contract: Permanent

(Forest of Avon are also open to considering an Interim contract whilst recruitment for a permanent role is underway – please contact Solutions for HR as soon as possible)

Location: Central Bristol. Mainly office based with the option for some home working, as agreed.

Benefits include: Staff pension, Employee Assistance package, 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, volunteering days and staff training and social events.

Some key duties of the role include (but are not limited to):

• Prepare the annual accounts and financial statements in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work with the charity’s auditors to ensure the successful completion of the annual audit process.
• Provide monthly and quarterly financial reporting, including budget setting, forecasts, and projections to ensure the Trust’s financial health is consistently monitored, including projects such as Trees for Climate and Western Forest.
• Present financial reports to the Board of Trustees and Western Forest Boards, providing insight and recommendations on financial strategies and growth opportunities.
• Ensure accurate recording of grant agreements, claims processing, and reconciliation of funds in line with grant terms.
• Oversee end-of-year financial reconciliation and reporting for all funding programmes, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and financial policies.
• Provide financial input and support for the management of restricted funds, ensuring all are appropriately allocated and tracked.
  
  
  

The successful candidate will have/be:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with extensive experience in financial management within a charity or non-profit sector.
• Strong experience in preparing accounts, managing audits, and financial reporting.
• Experience with grant management, including financial administration, claims processing, and reporting in relation to large-scale funding programmes.
• Strong financial analysis and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and provide clear insights to the Board and other stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and advise both internal teams and external partners on financial matters.
• Strong organisational skills, with an ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Proficient in financial software and IT systems, including bookkeeping and accounting platforms.
  
  
  

Forest of Avon are an equal opportunity employer and applications will be considered without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, veteran status or age. The Forest of Avon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people and expects all members of staff to share this commitment. We seek to challenge the status quo with the power of diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. We encourage different perspectives and seek to support our team and partners to share and implement new ideas, to continue improving and to realise our full potential.

To apply for this role please submit your CV detailing your relevant experience together with a covering letter (cover letter to be no more than 2 A4 pages) to the recruitment team.

The closing date for this role is 5pm on Monday 2nd June 2025. Interviews are likely to be held w/c 9th June 2025.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Executive

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Finance and Sales

• Industries

  Advertising Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Guardian Jobs by 2x

Get notified about new Head of Finance jobs in Bristol, England, United Kingdom.

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Shepton Mallet, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

City Of Bristol, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom 2 days ago

City Of Bristol, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago

Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom 15 hours ago

Frome, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Newport, Wales, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Whitley, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

Internal Applicants Only - Deputy Head of Financial Accounts

Director, Shared Services, Public Sector

Greater Bristol Area, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

Senior Executive (Manager), EY-Parthenon, South West & South Wales

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago

City Of Bristol, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago

Bristol, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago

Bath, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago

City Of Bristol, England, United Kingdom 2 days ago

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.