Interim Head of Finance

Michael Page (UK); Woking; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

RHS Wisley Gardens is seeking an Interim Head of Finance for a 4 to 6 month contract. The role involves leading a team, developing financial strategies, ensuring compliance, and managing budgets. Ideal candidates will be CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualified with extensive people management and financial experience, particularly in the charity sector. An excellent opportunity to influence financial operations at a reputable organization.

Benefits

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Option to purchase up to 5 days per annum

Life Assurance

Private Medical Insurance

Free Gardens entry + 2 complimentary tickets

Free parking at Wisley site

Qualifications

• Experienced in statutory charity accounts production.
• Thorough understanding of Tax, VAT, Gift Aid, Pensions Compliance.
• Extensive people management and complex organisation experience.

Responsibilities

• Leading a team of 30 staff members with 9 direct reports.
• Developing financial strategy to support the Society's ambitions.
• Managing financial policies, procedures and business analysis.

Skills

Financial legislation

Leadership

Business partnering

Education

CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent

Degree or equivalent level experience

Tools

NAV18

MS Dynamics (NAV)

Job description

• Interim Head of Finance for RHS Wisley Gardens
• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant

About Our Client

I am delighted to be exclusively partnering RHS Wisley Gardens recruiting for an Interim Head of Finance candidate on a 4 to 6 month contract basis

For more than 200 years, the RHS has been a power for good, influencing everything from window boxes to landscaped gardens worldwide and creating places and experiences for every visitor to enjoy. We believe in caring for every plant and for every one of our 1,200 like-minded colleagues and 2,000 volunteers with support, training, qualifications and an environment like no other.

We want people who can influence and implement our mission. To connect more people to plants, share the health benefits of gardening, raise awareness of our scientific and horticultural expertise, and share a lifelong gardening adventure with people of all ages and backgrounds. If you're alive with the possibility of growing a career with us through the positive power of gardening, our future is together.

Job Description

You will be leading a team of 30 staff members with 9 direct reports

To work with the Director of Finance to develop a financial strategy and organisation that will support the future ambitions of the Society

To ensure that financial policies, procedures and controls are effective throughout the charity and its two trading subsidiaries ("the group")

To work with Senior Managers to improve financial awareness, creating realistic financial targets and aid the business to deliver the set targets, to identifying areas of concern and recommend remedial action

To manage the financial accounting and processing for the group, setting and maintaining high standards, including the timely and accurate production of management accounts and the preparation of the statutory accounts in line with current accounting standards and practice

Responsible for the monthly, forecast and budget reporting plus commentary for the entire Group, encompassing the day to day trading and charitable activities of the Society

Provide guidance and manage the SFBP's to provide additional business analysis to the Society to ensure that each division has the required added value information to enable them to drive towards budget goals and strategy

Ensure that strong financial controls and reconciliations are performed regularly, diligently reviewed and approved

To ensure the efficient management and monitoring of the assets owned by the group, including fixed assets, investments and cash. Ensure cash flow and investment statements are prepared regularly

Understand and input into developing tax efficient planning strategies and ensure compliance with HM Revenue and Customs requirements. Ensure that the Society membership and activities are compliant for VAT and Gift Aid

To support senior management in contract negotiations, ensuring financial, commercial and legal risks to the organisation are reduced or limited

Ensure that the payroll is accurately and efficiently run. This includes the review and checking the payroll data and relevant reconciliations. Ensure compliance with HMRC PAYE regulations completing all statutory reporting on time

To manage the insurances for the group, leading on the negotiation for the annual renewal

Ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of your staff and volunteers, and that the activities for which they are responsible do not expose anyone to risks to their health or safety. Specific areas of responsibility include: ensuring staff and volunteers are adequately supervised, trained and provided with adequate instruction and information to carry out their work safely; ensuring that RHS procedures are followed and risk assessments are carried out; and procedures are in place to deal with emergencies

The Successful Applicant

CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent + Degree or equivalent level experience

Financial legislation and requirements relating to charity/not for profit sector

NAV18 and/ or MS Dynamics (NAV)

Thorough understanding of Tax, VAT, Gift Aid, Pensions Compliance, Statutory Accounts

Experience in the production of statutory charity accounts

Extensive people management experience, including developing medium to large teams

Extensive business partnering experience

Visible Leadership - Demonstrable experience of building effective working relationships across all levels and within both finance and non-finance personnel

Proven experience of working in complex organisations

What's on Offer

25 days holiday + bank holidays - annual allowance . Option to purchase up to 5 days per annum

Pension - TBC

Life Assurance

Group Income Protection

Private Medical Insurance

Complimentary tickets to RHS Show for friends and family - max ticket allocation may vary

Free Gardens entry + 2 complimentary friend and family tickets

Free parking at Wisley site.