Head of Finance
Location: Suffolk
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join a well‑established, values‑led organisation operating within a dynamic and community‑focused environment. This senior leadership role involves leading financial operations, supporting strategic decision‑making, and ensuring robust financial control across a complex organisation.
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will take ownership of all aspects of financial management and control. You will lead a small finance team and play a key role in supporting senior stakeholders with accurate, timely and insightful financial information.
Key responsibilities include:
Financial Management & Reporting
* Full responsibility for the integrity of financial records and accounting processes.
* Production of timely monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis.
* Preparation of annual statutory accounts and management of the external audit process.
* Oversight of all ledgers, including income, creditors, and fixed assets.
* Monitoring financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities.
Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting
* Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting cycles.
* Provide robust financial modelling and scenario planning.
* Partner with budget holders to monitor expenditure and performance.
Cashflow, Compliance & Controls
* Ensure effective cash management and financial controls.
* Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
* Oversee VAT returns and liaise with external advisors.
Payroll & Operational Finance
* Oversee outsourced payroll and ensure accuracy and compliance.
* Manage income processes, including credit control and customer accounts.
Governance & Stakeholder Engagement
* Prepare reports for senior leadership and governing bodies.
* Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
* Support strategic initiatives, process improvements and systems development.
Leadership
* Lead, mentor and develop a team of four finance professionals.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
About You
* A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
* Significant experience in a broad financial management role.
* Proven experience leading and developing teams.
* Strong analytical capability and the ability to translate financial data into clear insights.
* A hands‑on, solution‑focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
* Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust across stakeholders.
* Experience within a complex or multi‑income organisation (e.g. education, not‑for‑profit, or similar) would be advantageous but is not essential.
The Opportunity
* Play a key role in a purpose‑driven organisation with a strong sense of community.
* Influence strategic and operational decision‑making at senior level.
* Lead financial improvements and systems development initiatives.
* Work in a collaborative, values‑led environment with strong leadership support.
* A competitive salary and attractive benefits package are on offer.
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