Head of Finance

Your new company
Hays Accountancy and Finance are working in partnership with an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance to join its senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role responsible for leading the day-to-day financial management of the organisation while supporting the Director of Finance in delivering strategic objectives and ensuring long-term financial sustainability.The successful candidate will provide strong financial leadership, oversee financial reporting and compliance, manage budgeting and forecasting processes, and lead the development of a high-performing finance team. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an organisation that delivers significant social impact across Northern Ireland.
Your new role
Financial Leadership

• Lead and manage the finance function, ensuring efficient and effective financial operations.
• Deputise for the Director of Finance when required.
• Support the development and delivery of organisational financial strategy.
• Contribute to corporate planning, risk management, and business transformation initiatives.

Financial Reporting & Management Accounts

• Prepare and review monthly management accounts.
• Produce accurate financial reports, KPIs, and variance analysis.
• Present financial information to senior leadership and trustees.
• Monitor financial performance against budgets and forecasts.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process across the organisation.
• Develop rolling forecasts and long-term financial plans.
• Partner with operational managers to support budget ownership and accountability.
• Identify financial risks and opportunities, recommending corrective action where necessary.

Financial Control & Compliance

• Maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Oversee reconciliations, control accounts, and treasury management activities.
• Drive best practice in governance and risk management.

Payroll Management

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll function.
• Review and approve payroll submissions, salary changes, overtime, and statutory payments.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC, pension, and employment legislation.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and pension administrators.
• Monitor payroll costs and provide analysis to support decision-making.

Audit & Statutory Reporting

• Lead the annual external audit process.
• Prepare statutory accounts and supporting documentation.
• Act as the primary contact for auditors and regulatory bodies.
• Ensure timely completion of all statutory returns and filings.

Charity & Fund Accounting

• Manage accounting for restricted, unrestricted, and designated funds.
• Ensure compliance with Charity SORP and relevant accounting standards.
• Monitor grant funding income and expenditure.
• Support financial reporting requirements for funders and stakeholders.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop the finance team.
• Set clear objectives and performance expectations.
• Identify training and development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Stakeholder Management

• Build trusted relationships with budget holders and operational managers.
• Provide expert financial advice and guidance to internal stakeholders.
• Liaise with external partners including auditors, funders, banks, and professional advisers.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement across finance systems and processes.
• Lead finance-related projects and digital transformation initiatives.
• Ensure financial systems remain scalable and fit for purpose.

What you'll need to succeed
Essential Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in a senior finance management role within a medium to large organisation.

Essential Experience

• Preparation of management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.
• Leading and developing finance teams.
• Managing external audits and statutory reporting.
• Implementing and strengthening financial controls and processes.
• Payroll management, VAT, and taxation compliance.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Strong understanding of financial management and accounting principles.
• Knowledge of UK accounting standards and financial regulations.
• Understanding of charity governance and compliance requirements.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation abilities.
• Proven project management and organisational skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial systems expertise.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the charity, not-for-profit, health, or social care sectors.
• Knowledge of Charity SORP.
• Experience managing restricted funds and grant funding.
• Experience supporting boards, trustees, or governance committees.

What you'll get in return

What you need to do now

• Senior leadership position with genuine strategic influence.
• Hybrid working model with home-working available two days per week.
• Opportunity to contribute to a respected charity making a positive impact across Northern Ireland.
• Excellent platform for a qualified finance professional seeking a broad and meaningful leadership role.
• Competitive salary of £55,000 - £65,000 depending on experience.
• employers pension 11% from day 1
• Death in service benefit
• Westfield Health (cash health plan) level 2
• Enhanced sick pay after probation - starts at one month full pay and one month and rises to 6 months full and 6 months pay
• 38 days annual leave (inclusive of stat)
• 3 days office working 2 days home working options (monday and friday)

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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