Head of Strategic Finance

Location: UK-based with the option for remote working.
Contract: Fixed Term – 12 months.
Hours: Full time. The following flexible working options - job share, condensed hours and 0.8FTE will be considered.
Benefits: 4 wellbeing days per calendar year [pro-rata for part-time staff], plus annual leave and public holidays entitlement. Eligible for the Civil Service pension scheme option - employer contribution up to 28.97%.

Occasional overseas travel to support programme implementation and/or oversee activities is required for the position.


Head of Strategic Finance

This is a senior and key role within the Finance Directorate. The Head of Strategic Finance will provide leadership, expertise, and hands-on support in the following areas

• Business Partnering and Development.
• Pricing Models, NPAC, and Cost Recovery Methodology.
• Financial Modelling.
• Interim Audits - annual reports and accounts production.
• Budgeting and Forecast.
• Project Management and Systems Improvement.

Reporting to the Finance Director; the Head of Strategic Finance provides direct support to several senior members of the finance team and works with colleagues across the organisation to deliver WFD’s strategy and the Finance Directorate’s goals.

Key Deliverables

Providing leadership advice and training to the business on financial models, leading annual and multi-year budget and forecast setting and analysis in consultation with the Finance Director.

Developing and maintaining a multi-year advanced financial modelling analysis with scenario indicators to drive decision-making and value for money, Pipeline Funding Management, Annual Central and Regional Staff budgeting and forecast and input into the year-end processes such as income recognition, expenditure accruals and prepayments on accuracy and completeness for Global Initiatives.

Ensuring value-added delivery and financial control analysis and resource allocation process concerning Finance input, manage and develop the staffing resources of the team.

Actively involved in problem solving and working collaboratively with the programme teams in the decision-making processes and co-leads the periodic budget re-allocation process with the Finance Director.

Working with the Head of Business Development, Director of Programmes, and Business Development Managers to develop and maintain grant management guidance and procedures.

Leading, training, supporting and developing the Finance Manager and three other staff members.

Strengthening a culture of financial awareness, supporting, and building the capacity within the Finance team and skills across the organisation and in partner organisations.


About You -  We are looking for someone with substantial financial leadership experience.

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by experience.
• Proven track record of leading a finance team and providing professional finance business support, preferably within a fast-paced organisation.
• Experienced in preparing organisational budgets for an international or multi-site business.
• Experience of hands-on Financial Modelling, Multi-year Financial planning with Scenario analysis with recommendations to steer management decision.
• Experience in preparing and managing grant budgets, to ensure full cost recovery for the delivery organisation and full compliance with the donor requirements.
• Strong financial reporting skills. Experienced in preparing valuable management information, including insightful analysis and recommendations.
• Experience in supporting change in a small organisation, including system improvement relating to reporting, configuration, and process re-engineering efforts for Business Central.
• Experience of working with and influencing senior stakeholders.
• Experience/ knowledge of contributing to statutory financial statements.
• Able to provide direction to team members during audits.
• Highly proficient in the use of recognised financial accounting software.
• Advanced-level Microsoft Excel.
• Confidence to present at the Leadership team and senior stakeholders' strategic meetings in WFD.

To Apply visit our website. Applications are via CV and Cover Letter. If you want to make a positive difference, and work with people who care about this mission, then we would like to hear from you.

This vacancy will close on 25th September 2024