Head of Finance

at  Sewell Wallis

Sewell Wallis are proudly representing our client, a large-scale not for profit organisation with their search for a Head of Finance. Reporting to the Finance Director, this role is a key leadership role and requires a self-motivated, impactful, qualified accountant, with strong experience in financial reporting, financial processes and controls, and change management.

WHAT SKILLS DO WE REQUIRE?

• Charity sector reporting knowledge and experience is an advantage but not essential. This role will require a strong and effective communicator with the ability to build relationships with, and influence, a variety of key senior stakeholders.
• An ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified accountant with significant financial accounting experience.
• Experience in leading a group accounting and management accounting function of a large and complex organisation, including treasury management.
• Experience in the preparation of management accounts and income and expenditure and cash flow forecasts.

• Management of the Group Accounting function which consists of a team of nine qualified and part qualified accountants and a large transactional finance team (total team size 50 with 3 direct reports).
• The Head of Finance will ensure the production of timely, accurate management accounts as well as the provision of financial information to trustees and the Finance Committee.
• The role is also responsible for the statutory audited accounts and is a key contact point for the external audit.
• Other areas of responsibility include cashflow forecasts, ensuring legal compliance with tax, VAT, gift aid, treasury management and providing technical accounting advice to ensure it has appropriate and robust financial governance.
• Ensure effective processes and controls are in place in the finance transactional teams to manage and improve working capital.
• Lead the team on the reconciliation, control and reporting of financial information including submission of gift aid and VAT returns. Ensure the treasury function maximises the return to the organisation on working capital and investments.
• Act as the key point of contact for the charity’s bankers and investment managers
• Act as the financial lead on the financial control environment and the counter fraud framework. Drive improvements in counter fraud awareness and culture. Improve financial controls from a counter fraud perspective.