Overview

Vitae Financial Recruitment are proud to exclusively partner this outstanding charity in their search to appoint a Director of Finance and Performance. We are seeking an inspirational financial leader who is ready to take on a Board level position in a role that will help shape the direction of this outstanding charity.

Based within amazing grounds and a stunning work setting this is a fully time role (37.5 hrs per week) but those seeking 4 days a week (30 hrs per week) will also be considered.

The role offers flexible hours and hybrid working arrangements. Given this is a leadership role you will be expected to be in the office 3 to 4 days a week to lead, inspire and develop a committed and supportive team of circa 12 staff.

You must live within a sensible commuting distance to Berkhamsted please consider this before applying.

Note: Applicants must be Qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA with at least 10 years’ experience of end-to-end finance & accounting, ideally within a medium-sized business.

Responsibilities

• Directly assist the Chief Executive and the Board on all strategic and tactical financial matters.
• Discharge strategic financial management and financial control to ensure long-term financial viability.
• As a member of the Executive Team working in partnership with the Board to execute the charity strategy.
• Clear empowering leadership to ensure effective management, organisation, and delivery of objectives.
• Close and effective partnership working with the Charity Treasurer.
• Accountable for the effective working of the Finance and Resources committee and Capital planning group with high calibre support to committee chairs, Treasurer and Deputy Chair of the Board respectively.
• Executive attendance and effective contribution at Board, Income Generation Committee, Finance and Resources Committee and the Annual General Meeting.
• Overall accountability for the capital programme.
• Accountability for the SIRO, SORP and Charity Commission Guidance and corporate governance with specific reference to financial company secretary functions.
• Accountability for the collection and processing of financial data to ensure decisions and strategy are informed by accurate integrated information and analysis.
• Ensure accrual accounting is central to the Trust’s finance systems to provide an accurate financial picture.
• Oversee the financial management and accounting systems and be accountable for all finance and finance-related administration systems.

Additional accountabilities

• Support the Board of Trustees in the discharge of their responsibilities for reserves.
• Accountability for the three-year rolling financial plan of the Charity.
• Manage the cash flow of the Charity, ensuring the Charity meets its liabilities as they fall due and implement the Trust’s Savings and Investment Policy and Financial Free Reserves policy.
• Coordinate the Charity’s insurance requirements.
• Accountability for performance to contract and contract review with our external ICT providers.
• Support the implementation of EPOS and accurate and timely financial information on trading.
• Undertake benchmarking exercises from time to time to assess value for money.
• Skilled in evaluating performance to contract, constructing tender processes, and executing them effectively.
• Prepare and monitor financial reports with explanation of variances, including management accounts and cash flow forecasts.
• Develop our commercial portfolio, including competitor analysis for market entry.
• Train and supervise staff to support assurance of adherence to the charity finance policy and procedure.
• Complete the statutory year-end accounts; manage the audit for the Charity and its trading subsidiary.
• Report to the Trust’s Leadership Team and Board on financial matters including explanation of variances, and the financial position of the Trust and its subsidiary.
• Ensure rapid counting, receipt and banking of donations ensuring the Joint Directors of Fundraising and Income Generation Committee have timely and accurate information.
• Co-ordinate the Board’s Finance & Resources committee; agenda, meeting dates, and review of relevant financial policies and the annual audit of accounts.
• Lead budget and forecasting processes, develop, maintain and update effective procedures and standards on budget, financial control and productivity.
• Advise and assist Department Heads and budget holders.
• Bank reconciliation, Quarterly VAT Submission (Making Tax Digital).
• Month-End and Year-End Process.
• Model the impact of planned pay awards with accountability for annual adjustments.
• Monthly payroll changes to external Payroll advisors; Auto-enrolment Pension submission and PAYE.

Qualifications, skills and experience requirements

• Must be a Qualified Accountant (ACA , ACCA or CIMA).
• Must have at least 10 years’ experience in all aspects of accounting/finance, ideally from a medium sized organisation.
• Must have excellent current working knowledge of accounting systems (Access Dimensions would be an advantage). Advanced Excel skills are given.
• Must live within a commutable distance to the Hemel area (drive) and be able to work in the office a minimum of 3/4 days per week.
• Must have excellent current knowledge of PAYE and VAT.
• Must have previous Senior Leadership experience for a finance team.
• Must have significant experience in the completion of accounts and audit information packs and resolution of issues as specified by the Auditors.
• Skilled in being able to quickly establish effective relationships at all levels (internal and external) with gravitas and strength.
• Skilled in implementing systems and business change.
• The ability to inspire others – direct reports, executive team, the wider organisation, supporters, donors and stakeholders.
• Solution focused approach, be ready to listen to others’ ideas and share our vision for what it means to be Outstanding.
• High level of personal integrity and honesty.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Finance and Accounting/Auditing
• Industries