Overview
Job Title: Head of Finance and Business Support
Reporting To: Chief Executive
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: Primarily DRC's premises with occasional home working permitted and occasional travel to other external venues
Salary: Scale Points 39-50, currently £48,051 - £59,686
Working Hours: FTE 36.5 hours per week
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Finance and Business Support is responsible for:
* Leading and managing DRC's finance function, ensuring robust governance and financial controls.
* Overseeing departmental financial functions including budgeting, payroll, statutory accounts, and service delivery to meet internal and external deadlines.
* Collaborating with the Executive Team and Board to shape financial strategy and ensure effective reporting for strategic planning and risk management.
* Supporting budget holders with expert financial guidance, ensuring operational decisions reflect accurate financial implications.
* Leading and developing the Finance Team, including recruitment, training, and performance management.
* Acting as a financial subject matter expert, leading training on systems and data analysis, while promoting the use of AI tools and Microsoft 365 in line with DRC's approved AI policy to enhance efficiency and insight.
Main Responsibilities
* Accounting
o Maintain financial records with the finance team, ensuring they are up to date at all times.
o Prepare and review key financial reconciliations and controls, investigating and resolving reconciling items.
o Apply accounting policies consistently and review them annually before the year end, working with external auditors.
o Produce timely and accurate monthly management accounts for the Executive Team and the Board, including Income & Expenditure, Balance Sheet and variance analysis.
o Prepare year end schedules for statutory accounts.
o Coordinate a successful annual audit process with auditors.
* Budgeting and Forecasting
o Prepare the annual budget through consultation with colleagues and stakeholders to support service management.
o Maintain cash flow forecasts for at least twelve months ahead and report on liquidity and reserves in line with policy.
o Advise on financial strategy and implications of proposed commercial and other business decisions.
o Ensure the organisation's Strategic Plan and business plans are underpinned by sound financial analysis.
* Treasury Management and Credit Control
o Manage bank accounts and invest surplus funds according to policy.
o Maintain bank mandates in line with Board approvals.
o Ensure effective debtor and supplier management to control working capital.
o Plan and evaluate future funding requirements; support funding applications and tender bids with robust financial modelling and cost recovery.
o Ensure sales invoices are correctly raised and implement effective credit control.
o Record and reconcile liabilities and creditors; ensure efficient payment processes in compliance with regulations.
* Payroll and Other HMRC Tax Compliance
o Manage the external payroll provider to meet DRC requirements and statutory obligations.
o Coordinate monthly payroll production with HR & Regulatory Compliance Manager, processing changes on the payroll portal by deadlines.
o Oversee Gift Aid claims, Corporation Tax compliance, VAT reviews, and assess irrecoverable VAT for tax efficiency.
o Ensure invoicing and credit control align with an Income Recognition Policy.
* Compliance, Risk Management and VFM
o Ensure compliance with statutory obligations to HMRC, Charity Commission, Companies House and funders, and submit returns on time.
o Ensure GDPR and Data Protection Act compliance across financial systems and operations.
o Identify and manage financial risks within the Risk Management Framework to support strategic goals.
o Lead and review audit, payroll, pensions, insurance, and other contracts; manage procurements as needed.
o Maintain and update financial procedures and regulations; ensure proper insurance coverage.
* Tendering and Project Reporting
o Provide timely financial input for funding bids and reports to funders.
o Provide financial information and analysis to support services operations with commissioners and funders, including assessing financial feasibility of new projects.
o Support budget holders in financial management decisions affecting income and expenditure.
o Produce accurate financial claims and returns for commissioners and funders with sign-off.
* Financial Systems and IT
o Oversee IT, telephony and related support contracts; manage outsourced providers.
o Lead the Business Support Team in CRM administration and staff training materials.
o Ensure Cyber Essentials compliance with outsourced IT provider.
o Collaborate with HR to map system interconnectivity and embed Schedule of Delegated Authorities (SODA).
o Ensure Sage accounting software is up to date and user access is managed; digitalise financial records.
o Develop and automate finance systems to improve reporting, planning, and controls.
* Facilities Management and Business Support
o Oversee premises management, Health and Wellbeing Centre, and cleaning arrangements.
o Maintain health and safety arrangements and safe systems of work.
o Ensure value for money in maintenance and servicing of contracts; maintain equipment and stationery processes.
o Maintain petty cash arrangements.
* Leadership Duties
o Report to the Chief Executive and Finance & Risk Sub-Committee; liaise with Treasurer and Chair as appropriate.
o Support the Executive Team and contribute to strategic objectives; monitor budgets, forecasts and KPIs.
o Deputise for the Chief Executive when required; act as authorised signatory and bank signatory.
o Ensure financial systems and processes are integrated across DRC.
o Produce reports and proposals for internal and external audiences, including Trustees.
o Undertake additional responsibilities to support organisational goals.
Qualifications
Essential
* Qualified accountant with one of the following bodies: ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA, MAAT, CCAB
Experience
* Experience of strategically leading a finance function in a Charity, medium sized social or commercial enterprise.
* Proven track record in financial operations and management including payroll and pensions administration.
* Experience across different business models - grants, contracts, and charged services.
* Experience in pricing/budgeting for quotations, funding applications and tender bids.
* Experience in preparing financial claims and returns for funders/investors.
* Track record of preparing year end accounts and overseeing annual audit processes.
* Experience in leading and developing teams.
* Experience working with Boards and presenting financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
Knowledge
* Fully conversant with accounting procedures legislation including Charity and Company statutory reporting requirements.
* Well-developed financial, commercial, and business acumen.
* Understanding of charity SORP and fund accounting.
* Knowledge of financial planning, forecasting and analysis techniques.
* Knowledge of long-term strategic planning and corporate risk management.
* Alignment with equality, diversity, and inclusion best practice.
* Knowledge of disability equality and issues affecting disabled people.
Skills
* Highly developed leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to attract, build, motivate, and retain high performing teams.
* Excellent numerical and financial skills including financial modelling, management accounts, audits and strong financial controls.
* Strong IT skills with accounting and payroll packages; proficient in Microsoft Office.
* Analytic and decisive decision-making; able to prioritise and communicate objectives and tactics.
* Ability to interpret complex reports and tender documentation.
* Hands-on problem solving with ability to generate ideas and solutions.
* Ability to translate complex financial information for diverse audiences.
* Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
Personal Qualities
* Positive and determined approach to generating income for the organisation.
* Highly organized with the ability to manage a complex workload and meet deadlines.
* High integrity and commitment to good governance.
* Approachable, enthusiastic, and professional in dealing with people.
* Alignment with DRC's values and strategic goals.
* Adaptable to change and able to work independently with initiative.
Other
* Ability to travel to various locations as required.
* Adherence to all policies and procedures of the organisation.
Department: Corporate Services
Locations: DRC Information Health and Wellbeing Centre
Remote status: Hybrid
Yearly salary: £48,051 - £59,686
Employment type: Full-time
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