Head of Finance

hireful; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 67,000; Part time

Job summary

A charitable organization is seeking an experienced Head of Finance for a temporary maternity cover role. This position will lead the finance team and ensure that financial reporting and strategic planning are effective during this period. The job involves oversight of budgeting, cashflow, and management accounts. Candidates should have strong leadership skills and significant experience in financial reporting for charitable organizations. A salary of £66,351 FTE is offered, along with hybrid working flexibility.

Benefits

33 days holiday entitlement

Enhanced sick pay

Personal pension scheme with employer contribution

Family-friendly policies

Wellbeing services

Qualifications

• Experience leading finance in a similar sized organisation.
• Strong background in charity financial reporting and accounts.
• Proven track record in budgeting, cashflow management, and payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Finance team for effective service delivery.
• Manage monthly and quarterly financial reports and KPIs.
• Oversee budgeting, reforecasting, and cashflow management.

Skills

Leadership experience

Financial reporting

Budget preparation

KPI reporting

Excellent communication

Education

ACA qualified or equivalent

Tools

Xledger

Job description

Head of Finance (Temporary Maternity Cover)

Salary: £66,351 FTE (pending April 2026 pay award)
Hours: 37 hours per week (part‑time hours may be considered for the right candidate – if applying for part‑time working, please add this to your supporting statement)
Contract: Fixed‑term maternity cover (anticipated 9 months, with possible extension)
Location: Hybrid – based anywhere in the South West, with travel to local hospice sites as required. This role is hybrid, with the flexibility to work from home and attend your nearest hospice – Charlton Farm (Bristol), Little Bridge House (Barnstaple), or Little Harbour (St Austell) – as needed.

Make a real difference every day

Our client provides vital, compassionate care for babies and children with life‑limiting conditions and their families. Their work is only possible thanks to their dedicated teams who share their passion, values and commitment to excellence.

They are looking for an experienced and inspirational Head of Finance to lead their finance function during a period of maternity leave. This is a key leadership position within the organisation, ensuring that their financial reporting, control environment and strategic planning continue to support outstanding care delivery.

If you are a senior finance professional who enjoys leading people, improving systems and delivering high‑quality financial information that informs organisational decision making, this is an exceptional opportunity to join a charity that truly changes lives.

About the Role

• Lead, motivate and develop the Finance team to deliver a professional, supportive and efficient service
• Oversee monthly and quarterly management accounts, KPIs and performance reporting
• Lead on budgeting, reforecasting, cashflow and short‑to‑medium term cash management
• Produce annual statutory accounts for the charity and its subsidiary, and work closely with external auditors
• Oversee payroll processing and statutory compliance (pensions, HMRC, P11Ds, etc.)
• Ensure accurate VAT and tax accounting, working closely with specialist advisers
• Maintain effective financial controls, policies and system governance
• Act as the finance lead on cross‑functional projects and internal committees
• Work closely with senior leaders and operational colleagues, promoting strong financial stewardship across the organisation
• Support the Director of Finance & Retail, providing cover for SMT, committee and Board work where required

About You3>

• ACA qualified (or equivalent) and a member of a recognised accounting professional body (e.g., ICAEW)
• Significant finance leadership experience in a similar sized organisation
• Strong experience in:
• Annual financial reporting and charity accounts
• Budget preparation and financial modelling
• Management accounts and KPI reporting
• Financial processing functions
• Internal controls and finance procedures
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex financial matters to non‑finance colleagues
• Experience leading and developing teams
• A proactive, solutions‑focused approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A full UK driving licence

Ideally you will also have:

• Charity taxation experience, including VAT and partial exemption
• Experience with Xledger
• Experience working within a hospice, charity or large retail‑linked organisation
• Knowledge of statutory grant or charitable trust reporting

What they offer

• 33 days (plus bank holidays) holiday entitlement, which increases with service
• Enhanced sick pay scheme rising up to 6 months full and 6 months half pay
• Personal pension scheme with 7% employer contribution
• Family‑friendly policies, with enhanced maternity/adoption pay
• Occupational health, wellbeing and counselling services and employee assistance programme
• Group life insurance scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Environmental and green agenda
• A supportive and inclusive environment
• A chance to make a real difference

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how your experience meets the role requirements. If you are looking to relocate prior to taking on this post or are interested in part‑time hours, please specify this in your supporting statement.

Closing date: 15/02/2026
Interview date: Anticipated initial telephone screening 19/02/2026 and face‑to‑face meetings at their Hospice near Bristol on 26/02/2026

Please note: They may close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received; therefore they recommend you apply early.

CHSW Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

They are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and all employees must apply for an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service. They welcome applications from all sections of the community.

You may have experience of the following: Finance Manager, Senior Finance Manager, Finance Lead, Head of Financial Operations, Financial Controller, Group Financial Controller, Financial Reporting Manager, Director of Finance (Deputy/Associate), Finance Business Partner (Senior/Lead).

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