Head of Finance

Norwood is the largest Jewish charity in the UK supporting vulnerable children and their families, children with special educational needs and people with learning disabilities. We help children and adults to maximise their potential at home, at school and throughout their lives, through personalised services such as social care, educational support and children services designed to enable choice. As the Head of Finance, you will lead on four main responsibilities namely: - Financial management; - Financial reporting; - Financial planning and cost analysis and; - Business partnering. You will be commercially savvy, personable and a motivational leader to a finance team of 12.  You will act as a business partner to operational colleagues and senior management team providing commercial financial information to allow budget holders make robust decisions.  You will drive the annual budget setting, quarterly forecast, year-end accounts preparation and monthly reports on performance against the Key Performance Indicators.  To succeed in this role, you will need to be passionate about maximising limited resources so as to contribute to the quality of the lives of the people we support. Main responsibilities: Your key responsibilities will include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Financial Management: Provide accurate and timely financial information to meet regular reporting requirements including the timely production of management accounts, key performance indicators and performance dashboards. Lead on the annual budget setting process (revenue and capital expenditure), quarterly forecasts and cash flow analyses. Ensure that budgets, forecasts and management accounts accurately reflect business activities; accounts and other adjustments are being made correctly; and variances for agreed budgets and other issues are investigated, understood and mitigated. Work closely with Heads of Service and budget holders to develop and implement finance strategies and plans that support the service areas. Keep the Director of Finance apprised promptly of key financial issues that need to be discussed with the Senior Management Team, committees and the Board of trustees. Explaining complex financial issues to non-finance colleagues and boost financial awareness across the organisation. Oversee and ensure the accuracy and timely processing of transactional items, payroll and pensions. Develop and maintain coherent supply management protocols in compliance with Procurement Regulations and ensure that ‘Value for Money’ principles are applied to all purchasing decisions. 2. Financial Reporting: Responsible for all statutory reporting, preparation of the annual accounts (for each subsidiary and the group), Confirmation Statements, oversee quarterly VAT returns and treasury activities. Develop and maintain robust financial policies and procedures, ensuring these are consistently being followed and regularly reviewed. Maintain the integrity of finance data, systems and finance functions ensuring compliance with prevailing reporting standards, regulations and best practices. Manage the year-end external audit process and contribute to the successful delivery of the internal audit programme ensuring the implementation of appropriate recommendations. Attend and contribute to the Corporate Services Committee and Audit & Risk Committee meetings ensuring relevant agenda items are included, action trackers updated and actions investigated and resolved. 3. Financial Planning & Cost Analysis: Appraise business proposals made by budget holders, providing financial input and evaluating the financial implications both in the short and long run. Prepare costing models for each service area especially for our adult care services and children educational services in collaboration with the service heads. Review and update the medium term financial plan working closing with the Director of Finance, including sensitivity analysis. 4. Leadership : Lead, motivate, support, challenge and develop staff, maintaining a positive and vibrant working environment. Lead on implementing financial improvements. Be professional, friendly and respectful towards all colleagues and to address any concerns through proper channels. Develop and deliver financial strategy which supports the aims of Norwood. Keep abreast of new reporting requirements; develop policy and process in order to meet such requirements. Work on other initiatives as deemed fit by the Director of Finance. 12 months contract with provision to go permanent Essential Qualifications and Experience: Qualified Accountant (CCAB) Significant experience of producing management and statutory accounts Significant experience of financial planning, forecasting, costing and financial modelling. Experience of leading, managing, developing and / or motivating multi-disciplinary teams and collaborating across a variety of stakeholders. Management of an entire finance function including payroll, VAT, accounts payable, accounts receivable, banking, accounts preparation and audit Experience of working closely with Operational colleagues, preferably in the care sector Working knowledge of SORP and charity finance reporting standards Experience of leading the annual external audit process and liaising with external auditors This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and responsibilities and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the service Benefits: The opportunity to work for a leading UK charity Competitive salary & benefits package Generous annual leave entitlement 1pm finish on a Friday A challenging and varied role A supportive team Additional leave during Jewish festivals This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) disclosure. Norwood is a disability confident employer. This means we are committed to employing people with disabilities. Patron: Her Majesty The Queen. Registered Charity No: 1059050.