HEAD OF FINANCE

We are looking for a Head of Finance to join us at the Petty Pool Trust - officially World Class to work for in 2024 by Best Companies.  You will be responsible for leading the financial management and strategic financial planning for two incorporated charities, with combined annual turnover of £4 million. This role ensures that the charity’s financial resources are effectively managed to achieve its mission and goals. You will oversee all financial operations, compliance, audit processes, and provide leadership to the finance team. The role also involves supporting the executive leadership with financial insights and advising on financial strategy. 

Our values:

• Ambitious – Striving for excellence in everything we do
• Brave – Fearless in our boldness
• Creative – exploring innovation and embracing change
• Collaborative – feeling valued and adding value

Staff Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave, plus public bank holidays
• On-site parking
• Company Sick pay (after passing probationary period)
• Employee Assistant Programme
• Free meals when commuting by car sharing, walking, or cycling
• Bike rack
• Eye care vouchers
• Company pension
• Smart casual dress

Key Responsibilities:

Financial Management & Reporting 

• Manage the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, including payroll, pension, banking, purchase and sales ledgers across multiple organisations 
• Lead on good practice, implementing effective working methods, checks and controls to improve efficiency of processing across all finance activities 
• Adapt and progress working methods to cover all aspects of the Charitable activity – Education, Commissioned services, OEC short courses. Considering the varied nature of clients, suppliers and staff for every activity
• Implement revised processes to cover site development – Project Learnhive
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements, management accounts, cash flow and performance reports for the CEO, Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders
• Ensure adherence to internal charity controls on authorisation for revenue and capital spending. 
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including timely submission of annual reports, HMRC filings, Pension compliance, Education Funding Agency and adherence to charity accounting standard requirements (SORP)   
• Develop and manage financial policies and procedures to ensure robust internal controls are in place   
• Lead on the preparation of annual operating budgets, and half yearly reforecasting – including student funding, staff modelling and expense allocation. Advise the senior leadership team on budgetary management and resource allocation. 

Audit & Compliance 

• Act as the main point of contact for the external auditors, payroll, pension and insurance contacts. 
• Manage the annual audit process, ensuring any audit recommendations are implemented 
• Ensure the charity adheres to legal financial obligations, including tax compliance, gift aid, and statutory reporting requirements
• Regularly review and update risk management frameworks related to financial activities  
• Conduct internal audits and evaluations to identify areas for financial improvement. 

Strategic Financial Leadership 

• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior management, contributing to long-term financial planning
• Identify opportunities for supported funding through DFE, LA and donor organisations
• Develop financial models and forecasts to support improved management reporting of operational activities, fundraising events, project proposals, and grant applications
• Implement effective processing and controls for Project Learn Hive to monitor and control revenue, expenditure and cashflow timings
• Monitor the financial performance of projects and programs, ensuring funds are matched to contracted and donor requirements  
• Lead on the preparation of financial reports for grant funders and support grant management   
• Lead the charity's investment and reserves policy, working with the Board of Trustees to ensure sustainability. 

Team Leadership & Development 

• Manage a small team of finance staff, both office-based and remote, ensuring they are supported, trained, and aligned with the charity's financial goals
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and performance management of the finance team, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment he preparation of financial reports for grant funders and support grant management   
• Lead the charity's investment and reserves policy, working with the Board of Trustees to ensure sustainability. 
• Ensure effective communication within the team and with other departments to promote financial literacy and understanding throughout the organisation
• Delegate tasks appropriately and oversee team workflows to ensure deadlines and key deliverables are met. 

Systems & Process Improvement 

• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems, and reporting models ensuring they are fit for purpose and support efficient operations
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, processes, and reporting tools to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and transparency
• Ensure the charity's finance function remains agile and adaptable to new challenges and opportunities. 

Stakeholder Management & Collaboration 

• Work closely with other departments, including fundraising, programs, and operations, to ensure financial information is integrated and aligned with the charity's overall objectives
• Collaborate with external partners, including auditors, banks, and regulatory bodies, ensuring all rofessional management of all relationships. 
• This role is crucial to ensuring the financial health and sustainability of the charity, supporting the achievement of its mission through sound financial management and strategic planning. 

Key Skills and Qualifications: 

• Professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in financial management, ideally within the charity, SME, Education or not-for-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP) and regulatory frameworks relevant to the charity sector.   
• Proven experience in budget management, forecasting, and financial reporting at a strategic level.  
• Strong leadership and management skills with experience of managing teams across multiple locations.   
• Experience managing external audits and ensuring regulatory compliance.   
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.   
• Proficiency in financial software and systems, with an aptitude for process improvement.   
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.   
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and with external stakeholders. 
• Ability to work with Sage and be competent in Excel, MS Office, Teams and other packages. 

Desirable: 

• Experience in managing charity investments and reserves.   
• Knowledge of grant management and reporting for donors

Personal Attributes: 

• Passionate about the charity’s mission and values.   
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive long-term financial sustainability.   
• Strong interpersonal skills and an approachable leadership style.   
• High integrity and commitment to transparency and accountability.