Head of Finance

Who we are

The Heart of England Forest is helping to reverse centuries of woodland decline by creating and conserving a huge broadleaf forest in the heart of the country, a place of enduring natural beauty, protected and secured for generations to come.

We take our mission very seriously; it has never been more important to invest in our natural environment. Our work creating biodiverse habitats that support not just wildlife, but human life, will give us all the best chance of adapting to our changing climate. 

The Forest is more than just trees…
It is home to an incredible array of habitats, including new tree planting, mature and ancient woodland, grassland, heathland, farmland, and wetland, that enable animals, plants, and people to thrive. As the Forest grows, eventually covering 30,000 acres (an area the size of 17,000 football pitches), so too will the benefits to both our health and that of the natural world. 

The role

Reporting directly to the Chief Financial & Operating Officer (CFOO), this is a new position which reflects the Charity’s growth, and its commitment to developing strong support functions.

As Head of Finance, you will lead our small but effective finance team and be responsible for the charity’s financial management and reporting.   We’re looking for an experienced financial professional who is strategically minded, you will play a pivotal role in designing financial activities and planning, to support forecasting and longer-term planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Developing & delivering organisational strategy – working with departments to identify risks and opportunities.
• Finance team planning & development – develop activities, resource and financial plans on a three-year cycle.
• Management & statutory reporting – produce and submit all financial reporting to both internal and external parties.
• Financial controls – document processes and identify opportunities for improvement
• Commercial operations & project management – provide financial insight as required

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone interested in continual improvement and can identify improvements both within the finance function and the wider charity to maximise

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Heart of England Forest is committed to encouraging equity, diversity and inclusion amongst our current and future workforce. We are a Disability Confident Employer and part of The Race Report, driving diversity in the environment sector. We want our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.

What do we offer?

• The chance to join an ambitious charity and play a part in creating and conserving a huge Forest for the benefit of people, wildlife and the environment. There has never been a more important and exciting time to work in conservation.  Climate change has never been higher within the public consciousness and political landscape, with tree planting at the forefront of carbon sequestration.
• Competitive salary with a Living Wage Foundation accredited employer
• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Contributory company pension with 4.5% employer contribution
• Health Cash Plan – get cash back on opticians, dentists and more!
• Group Income Protection Scheme – to support you if you get sick
• Employee Assistance Programme – financial, physical and mental wellbeing support
• Access to exclusive discounts from thousands of retailers
• Life Assurance at four times your basic salary