Salary: Market related
Reference: LH62334
Job title: Director of Finance and Governance
Team: Finance
Job location: Andover, with the potential for flexible / hybrid working
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

KNOWING OUR STUFF

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with proven leadership experience in financial management, ideally within the charity sector however this is not essential.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
• A credible senior professional with good influencing skills and a hands on approach.
• Understanding of charity accounting principles, SORP, and regulatory frameworks or a willingness and ability to learn about these.
• Experience of managing audits and engaging with external auditors and preparation of statutory accounts.
• Awareness of the need for clearly presented financial information for the SLT and Board of Trustees and an ability to prepare and present such information
• Experience of using Sage Intacct would be advantageous but it is not essential.

SAFEGUARDING:

The Macular Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees and volunteers to demonstrate this commitment.
You are required to carry out other such duties as may reasonably be required, relevant to the role.
This job description is accurate as at the date shown below. In consultation with you it is liable to variation by the Macular Society to reflect or anticipate changes in or to the role.

OVERALL PURPOSE

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.
To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.
The Director of Finance and Governance is a key member of our Senior Leadership Team (‘SLT’). It reports to the CEO and has two direct reports – a Management Account and a Governance and Executive Support Officer (who also has a dotted line accountability to the CEO).

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Director of Finance and Governance is a newly created role, replacing our existing Head of Finance role (which is currently filled on an interim basis) and including responsibility for organisational governance.
As the organisation’s size and complexity has grown there is a need for more senior financial leadership and placing responsibility for governance within an SLT role.
We view this as a very important role with opportunity for the right candidate to work closely with the CEO and to learn about all aspects of the organisation. The Director of Finance and Governance will also be Company Secretary.
As a highly skilled and experienced finance professional, the Director of Finance and Governance will ensure we have robust financial processes and controls, and insightful financial data for the SLT and Board of Trustees. They will manage our dedicated finance team and ensure high quality financial support to other departments.
They will lead long-term financial planning across the organisation, ensuring that our finances are aligned to our wider strategic objectives.

Specifically the role includes the following;

• Responsibility for all aspects of financial operations across the charity including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, payroll and financial analysis and ensuring appropriate financial controls and policies are in place and effective.
• Monitoring financial performance and preparing and presenting financial reports to the CEO, SLT Team and board of trustees (including subcommittees), providing clear analysis and insight to enable effective decision-making.
• Playing a proactive part in the collective strategic development and leadership and operational management of the charity.
• Working with the CEO to ensure that effective governance is in place across the organisation.
• Being Company Secretary, including responsibility for the production of our annual report and accounts, and other regulatory filings, meetings and records.
• Leading our business planning process and the development of our long-term financial model.
• Leading on the preparation of the statutory accounts and liaison with external auditors.