HEAD OF FINANCE

Schoolreaders aims to give all primary school children the opportunity to learn to read well, by recruiting volunteers from communities and matching them to local primary schools where they listen to children read on a one-to-one basis. We provide our service free to all partner schools so that every child can benefit. We are the largest in-school literacy charity in the country, supporting over 30,000 children each week in more than 1,500 primary schools.

Role Description:

This leadership role plays a crucial part in overseeing the financial operations of the organisation, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

Main Duties:

1. Financial Planning and Analysis:

·       Develop and manage the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to ensure alignment with organisational goals

·       Conduct financial analysis, forecasting, and provide insights to support strategic planning

·       To ensure budget holders receive timely management information to control day to day expenditure

·       To prepare, monitor and update the 5 year plan

·       To prepare the mid year review and re-forecast

2. Financial Reporting and Compliance:

·       Prepare timely and accurate monthly management and financial reports

·       Prepare timely and accurate annual financial statements and reports for internal and external stakeholders in line with SORP and GAAP including allocation of costs for restricted funds

·       Ensure compliance with regulatory and statutory requirements, including Charity Commission guidelines.

·       Review bank reconciliations and balance sheet reconciliations

·       To report to SMT and Board of Trustees as required

·       To work with the CEO to ensure stakeholders are kept informed of key decisions

·       Work with the CEO and Fundraising team to monitor forecasts and provide financial oversight

·       To advise the charity on statutory and financial reporting requirements in line with SORP requirements

·       To prepare  Gift Aid Claims

·       To assist the CEO with the Annual Return

3. Cash Flow Management:

·       Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure the organisation's financial stability, preparation of monthly cashflow statement

·       Implement & monitor effective financial controls on incoming and outgoing resources

4. Strategic Financial Advice:

·       Contribute as a member of the Senior Management Team, and collaborate with the executive team to provide financial insights and support strategic decision-making

·       Evaluate the financial implications of new projects and initiatives

·       To advise on accounting and taxation implications as required

·       To provide financial ad hoc advice as required

5. Team Collaboration:

·       Work closely with the Business Support team and external bookkeeping accountants, fostering a high-performance culture

·       Monitor finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and payroll.

·       Ensure compliance with the organisations values and support the CEO

6. Risk Management:

·       Identify and mitigate financial risks, advising and monitoring robust internal controls

·       To ensure the organisation implements robust internal financial controls and procedures in line with current good practice as defined in SORP

·       Stay updated on changes in financial regulations and assess their impact on the organisation

·       Ensure there are financial policies and procedures in place and adhered to, to cover all financial areas of governance

7. Audit Coordination:

·       Liaise with external auditors, coordinating the annual audit process and addressing any audit findings

·       To lead and participate in the Audit Committee

8. Donor and Grant Management:

·       Manage financial aspects of grants and donations, ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

·       Provide financial information for grant applications and reporting.

·       To monitor restricted funds

·       To monitor future & multi year pledges

Personal Specification:

- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent).

- Proven experience in a senior finance role, preferably within the charitable sector.

- Strong knowledge of charity accounting, including SORP.

- Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.

- Proficiency in financial management software preferably SAGE 50 Cloud and MS Excel.

​Benefits

As part of our commitment to making Schoolreaders a great place to work, we offer access to the following employee benefits:

- 25 days annual leave (3 of which must be taken over Christmas) plus an additional paid day off on your birthday and public/bank holidays (pro-rated for part time staff)

- Contributory pension

- Access to a free 24/7 support service providing legal, financial, emotional, and medical advice