Head of Finance

The deadline for this vacancy has passed.

About the role

We are recruiting for a Head of Finance to take the reins of our charity’s finance function. To give a sense of scale, we have a turnover of around £4m and around 30 permanent headquarters staff. Established in 2016 and gaining independent charitable status in 2020, we are out of ‘start up’ phase but maintain the dynamism of a growing and ambitious charity.

We have spent considerable effort ensuring our financial accounting processes are as straightforward as possible. Given the structure of our funding model, we don’t have much in accounts receivable, and our accounts payable is not complex. Apps like Xero, Pleo, HubDoc and ApprovalMax are working well and have automated much of the admin. Part-time admin support will also reduce this burden on you. We don’t expect our Head of Finance to be an expert on everything: for example, we would support you to seek independent advice on matters such as VAT status, and our bank and auditors are friendly and happy to help. The right candidate will grasp this side of our work quickly and ensure that its delivery is error-free and efficient.

The focus of this role is highly strategic. We are therefore looking for an accountant with the business partnering, budgeting and reporting skills to make sure every pound that comes into Unlocked is spent in the most impactful way. We are clear on our strategy: creating enough proof points to show that prison can be done differently, and achieve radically different results. The Head of Finance is critical in ensuring our Ministry of Justice contract and fundraised donations are used effectively across teams, and that everyone in the organisation is empowered to think about money as an enabler rather than just a resource.

You will also need the charity accounting skills to be confident that we are compliant with all necessary regulation and best practice. You will work with staff across the organisation, but particularly the COO, Directors, and the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee members that sit on our Board of Trustees.

Accountabilities

Financial accounting and control

• Manage all financial accounting functions including accounts payable, receivable, VAT, gift aid, expenses, fixed assets, balance sheet reconciliations and cash
• Ensure that invoicing to HMPPS is done accurately and promptly and in accordance with contractual requirements
• Implement and enforce Unlocked Graduate’s financial procedures and controls
• Manage financial reporting processes including management and statutory accounting, and reporting to the charity’s funders
• Manage key day to day finance relationships with HMRC, suppliers, customers, the auditors, and the charity’s bankers

• Lead on the audit process annually
• Monitor and manage cash flow as necessary

Financial planning and analysis

• Working with the Directors produce annual, multi-year, departmental and project budgets and forecasts
• Empower directors to take control of their budget, communicating clearly with budget holders, and playing a support and challenge role

• Produce management accounts and reports for the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees to manage and monitor performance
• Support the External Relations team with fundraising bids and reporting
• Work with the CEO and COO to ensure the financial strategy aligns with organisational strategy and maximise the impact of our financial resources

Payroll

• Manage outsourced payroll provider ensuring that all payroll processing is accurate and timely, and oversee their maintenance and management of tax records with HMRC.

Ad hoc

• Be committed to the organisation’s mission and values and proactively support cross functional activity including but not limited to graduate and programme events
• Other duties as agreed with the COO as commensurate with the nature and seniority of this position

Person specification

Experience

• Qualified ACA or ACCA
• Understanding of charitable accounting and reporting requirements
• At least 1-year post-qualified experience
• Some in-house experience preferred

Skills/characteristics

• Mission-motivated and driven by the capacity for finance to enable transformational work towards our vision
• Collaborative, able to get others on board and business partner with staff
• Solutions-focused and keen to take on new challenges
• Confident and clear communicator across teams and all levels, include with the CEO and Trustees