Head Of Finance (up to 10 months maternity cover)

NHS; Luton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in Luton is seeking a Head of Finance for maternity cover. The role involves overseeing financial operations, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with charity regulations. The ideal candidate will have a strong accounting background and experience in the charity sector.

Qualifications

• Over two years in a finance team.
• Charity sector experience.
• Staff management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and direct the finance services of the charity.
• Manage the finance department and deliver organization-wide financial expertise.
• Ensure statutory compliance and meet tax obligations.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal

Organizational

Analytical

Presentation

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent)

Degree or equivalent

Tools

Complex accounting software

Excel

Job description

Head Of Finance (up to 10 months maternity cover)

We are seeking a forward-thinking finance professional ready to lead a well-established and collaborative Finance team. Keech is on an exciting transformational journey, and as the Head of Finance (Maternity Cover), you will thrive in a fast-paced, values-driven environment, combining your financial expertise to support our mission. You will be an integral part of our Operational Performance and Assurance Committee, working closely with the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services, overseeing critical financial operations and driving continuous improvement in processes and practices.

Main duties of the job

1. Contribute to Keech's strategic vision, driving improvements in processes and communication across Keech.
2. Empower and support an experienced team to deliver outstanding results through operational and line management expertise.
3. Lead the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and accounts in collaboration with the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services.
4. Deliver month-end and year-end financial reporting and oversee audit processes.
5. Ensure management accounts and forecasts are accurate and timely at both charity and departmental levels.
6. Collaborate with departments to prepare accounts, ensuring compliance with charity-specific regulations and reporting standards.
7. Manage the charity's tax obligations, including partial VAT recovery and quarterly VAT returns, including residual VAT calculations.
8. Support the implementation of a new CRM, ensuring a smooth transition from the current system.
9. Promote procurement initiatives, ensuring compliance and cost-effectiveness.
10. Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including trustees, senior leadership, and external auditors.
11. Work closely with the Senior Leadership Team and support all hospice functions.
12. Chair the Procurement and Expenditure Group and be an integral member of the Operational Performance and Assurance Committee (OPAC).

About us

Keech provides free, specialist care for Adults in Luton and South Bedfordshire, and children from Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Milton Keynes living with a life-limiting illness. Keech supports adults and children to live pain and symptom-free, spend untroubled time with loved ones, understand their condition, stay out of hospital, and make the most of their time.

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose: To lead and direct the finance services of the charity.

Specific Duties:

• Manage the finance department and deliver organization-wide financial expertise.
• Operational and line management of finance managers and volunteers.
• Support the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services in preparing budgets and reforecasts, including coaching and consolidation.
• Support trust applications, ensure correct recording of restricted funds.
• Manage year-end financial requirements, statutory accounts, management accounts, and forecasts.
• Coordinate with external auditors, bank, and other institutions.
• Ensure statutory compliance and meet tax obligations, including VAT management.
• Manage the trading company and review investments.
• Oversee internal audits and risk assessments.
• Provide finance training and support to staff.
• Keep finance policies and procedures up to date.
• Promote procurement policies and chair the Procurement Working Group.
• Lead projects, provide financial analysis, and undertake activities as required.
• Deputise for the Executive Director of Finance and Corporate Services.

Additional responsibilities

Participate in organizational committees, promote a culture of responsibility and accountability, ensure resource efficiency, lead projects, and support staff and volunteer welfare. Also, adhere to safety, confidentiality, and professional standards, and foster a positive work environment.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).
• Degree or equivalent.

Experience

• Accounting and financial reporting systems.
• Charity sector experience.
• VAT experience.
• Over two years in a finance team.
• Staff management experience.
• Experience with statutory funders, fundraising, retail outlets, and trustee meetings.
• Volunteer management experience.

Additional Criteria

• Proficiency with complex accounting software and advanced Excel skills.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and presentation skills.
• Budgeting and financial report writing skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to a DBS check, as per the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.