Head of Finance

Head of Finance

Responsible To: Chief Executive

Responsible For: Finance & Payroll Manager, Finance Officer & Volunteers

About ONSIDE:

ONSIDE is a charity working across Worcestershire and the surrounding areas to ensure people are heard, supported and empowered to make choices about their lives. Through

advocacy and a range of support services, we work alongside people who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or facing difficult circumstances, helping them understand their rights, have their voices heard and access the support they need.

Whatever your role at ONSIDE, you’ll be part of an organisation that is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives.

About the role:

We’re looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to lead our finance function and help shape the future of ONSIDE.

This is a key leadership role, working closely with our Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees. You’ll make sure we have strong financial management in place while providing the insight, advice and challenge we need to make good decisions and remain financially sustainable.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to use their finance expertise in a values-led organisation where their work has a genuine social impact.

Key responsibilities:

As Head of Finance you’ll lead the day-to-day and strategic management of our finances, including:

·         Leading budgeting, forecasting, cashflow and financial planning.

·         Producing clear and timely management accounts and financial reports for managers, SLT and Trustees.

·         Providing financial advice and insight to support organisational decision-making.

·         Maintaining effective financial controls, systems and processes and ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance.

·         Supporting managers to understand and effectively manage their budgets.

·         Providing financial input into funding opportunities, tenders, procurement and business development.

·         Overseeing key finance activities including income, expenditure, invoicing, debtors, payroll, pensions and Gift Aid.

·         Leading, supporting and developing the finance team.

·         Working with colleagues to improve financial systems, processes and use of technology.

·         Acting as the organisation’s lead source of financial expertise.

In addition, all ONSIDE employees are expected to:

•        Work within the organisation’s stated principles and values, adhering at all times to the organisational policies, procedures and guidelines

•        Take responsibility for safeguarding appropriate to your role and raise any potential concerns with the Onside Safeguarding and Professional Guidance Manager

•        Contribute to the growth and ongoing sustainability of the organisation

•        Demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities, social inclusion and individual empowerment 

•        Show a commitment to personal, professional and organisational development 

•        Take responsibility for your wellbeing, accessing the support and resources in place to support you and your wellbeing

•        Contribute to organisational promotional and networking activities

•        Work flexibly and co-operatively with colleagues to support the needs of the organisation.

While this job description provides the main duties and responsibilities for the position, it is not definitive and employees are expected to carry out any additional duties compatible with their skills and abilities. The above may be subject to change and alteration from time to time with the prior agreement of the job holder.

Closing date for this role is Monday 28th September.

Qualifications and Professional Development

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent), or significant relevant experience at a senior finance level.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Strong understanding of accounting standards, financial regulations and good financial governance.

Desirable:

• Charity finance qualification or relevant specialist training.
• Leadership, management or project management qualification.

Experience

Essential:

• Significant experience in a senior finance role, including responsibility for management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial reporting.
• In addition, you will have experience of:
• Maintaining effective financial controls and overseeing core finance processes.
• Year-end accounts, external audit and working with auditors.
• Payroll and pension processes.
• Preparing and presenting financial information to senior leaders, Boards or other stakeholders.
• Managing and developing finance staff.
• Supporting managers with budget management and financial decision-making.
• Experience of contributing to organisational planning, improvement and strategic decision-making.

Desirable experience:

• Within the charity, voluntary or not-for-profit sector.

• Restricted and unrestricted funds, grants and contracts.
• Charity SORP and Gift Aid requirements.
• Working with a Board of Trustees.
• Supporting tenders, procurement or business development.
• Improving finance systems, processes and controls.
• Sage or similar accounting software.

Skills and Knowledge

Essential:

* Strong financial management, analysis, budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills.

* Ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financial audiences.

* Strong understanding of financial controls, risk management, audit and statutory reporting requirements.

* Good commercial awareness and the ability to support sound organisational decision-making.

* Strong leadership and people management skills.

* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to influence and constructively challenge at all levels.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of Charity SORP, charity funding and grant management.
• Knowledge of Gift Aid requirements.
• Understanding of procurement, tendering and commissioning environments.
• Financial modelling skills.
• Understanding of the challenges facing the voluntary and community sector.
• Coaching, mentoring or training skills.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise appropriate professional discretion.
• Professional and ethical approach to financial management.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to work flexibly and travel to other ONSIDE locations when required.

This is a part time role working 30 hours a week.

The salary band for this role is £47,000 - £50,000 FTE per annum (£37,600 - £40,000 pro rata per annum)

•                    26 days annual holiday (pro rata), plus Bank Holidays

•                    Your Birthday Off

•                    Supportive working environment & good work/life balance culture

•                    Support with continuous professional development

•                    Contributory Pension Scheme

•                    Company Sick Pay Scheme (after qualifying service)

•                    Additional Maternity & Paternity Pay (after qualifying service)

•                    24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

•                    Access to premium Calm App

•                    Time off to volunteer

•                    Employee Engagement Forum to ensure our employee’s voices are heard