Head of Finance

Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) Working pattern: Hybrid Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays Key benefits: Generous pension, private medical insurance, international travel, free onsite parking

About the Role

Hays is proud to be supporting a leading charitable organisation in the recruitment of an experienced Head of Finance. This is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all financial management, governance, and strategic financial planning across a complex, multi-entity group structure.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will drive high-quality financial reporting, deliver robust internal controls, and support the organisation's long-term financial sustainability. You will work closely with UK and international teams, provide expert guidance to Trustees and Committees, and lead the implementation of a new finance system over the next year.

This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic, influential finance leader seeking to make a meaningful impact within a highly respected charity.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership & Control

• Lead the charity's finance function, ensuring strong financial control and effective systems.
• Advise Trustees on all financial aspects, including UK operations and overseas delivery.
• Provide strategic financial insight to support organisational direction.

Financial Management

• Prepare quarterly management accounts with commentary for senior stakeholders.
• Oversee monthly group consolidation, including balance sheet and P&L reviews.
• Manage UK payroll, statutory reporting and pension/benefit administration.
• Lead cashflow forecasting (12-24 months), banking oversight and investment liaison.
• Manage financial interactions with investment managers and support actuarial valuations.

Reporting & Audit

• Prepare annual budgets, long-term financial plans and investment assessments.
• Produce statutory accounts in line with Charities SORP and support the annual audit.
• Oversee reserve policies and ensure correct adoption of updated financial standards.

Compliance & Governance

• Maintain robust internal controls and support internal audit processes.
• Lead the charity's Counter Fraud and financial governance framework.
• Ensure accounting policies remain compliant with the latest best practice.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise with auditors, HMRC, banks, investment partners and funding bodies.
• Support staff across the organisation with financial advice, compliance guidance and project budgeting.
• Act as Secretary to Audit and Investment Committees.

Leadership

• Line manage and develop finance team members.
• Mentor colleagues across UK and international operations, ensuring professional development.

About You

• Ideally, you will be a fully qualified accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant senior-level financial management experience.
• Experience within the charity or third sector.
• Strong understanding of how financial strategy underpins organisational direction.
• Proficient in ERP systems, BI/reporting tools and Excel (previous experience implementing a new finance system would be desirable).
• Proven leadership, coaching and team management capabilities.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to think strategically.

Apply Today

If you are an influential finance leader seeking a rewarding senior role with real impact, we would love to hear from you. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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