Job Title: Finance Manager
Reporting to: Director of Finance & Business
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 per annum DOE
Location: Hybrid - travel required to Carlisle Office
About the Organisation
Trigon Recruitment are recruiting for a long-established, independent, values-led organisation operating across Cumbria, Lancashire, and Teesside. With over 30 years of experience, their mission is to support individuals to live informed, respected, healthy, and fulfilled lives. The Carlisle head office is supported by regional offices in Barrow, Stockton, and Lancashire. The organisation are passionate about equality, respect, and inclusion and pride themselves on delivering high-quality, person-centred services.
Role Summary
We are seeking a dynamic Head of Finance to lead and enhance financial management across two organisational entities. As a member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will provide strategic financial guidance, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage a high-performing finance team. This role is critical in driving robust financial governance and contributing to long-term organisational sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
* Support long-term financial planning in collaboration with the Director of Finance & Business.
* Provide financial insight to SLT to inform strategy and growth.
* Lead financial risk management and embed sustainability into financial modelling.
Financial Reporting and Compliance
* Deliver timely and accurate monthly management accounts.
* Lead year-end statutory accounts and audit processes in line with charity SORP and regulatory requirements.
* Ensure thorough reconciliation and documentation of all balance sheet accounts.
Budgeting, Forecasting, and Planning
* Lead the annual budgeting process, including consolidation and presentation to SLT.
* Manage quarterly reforecasting and variance reporting.
* Partner with budget holders to support financial accountability and understanding.
* Develop costings and financial plans for new and existing projects.
Leadership and Development
* Directly manage the Finance Manager and oversee the wider finance team across multiple sites.
* Promote a high-performance culture through coaching and continuous improvement.
* Ensure team objectives align with broader organisational goals.
Operations and Controls
* Maintain and enhance robust financial controls and processes.
* Oversee day-to-day financial operations including payroll, bank reconciliations, accounts payable/receivable.
* Optimise financial systems and processes to support operational efficiency.
External Relationships
* Act as the primary contact for auditors, banks, suppliers, and regulators.
* Represent finance in senior meetings and deputise for the Director of Finance & Business as needed.
Person Specification
Essential:
* Minimum 3 years' experience in a senior finance leadership role.
* Proven ability to lead and develop finance teams.
* Strong strategic insight and ability to improve financial processes.
* Excellent communication skills with experience presenting to senior stakeholders.
* Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in accounting software (Sage 50 preferred).
Desirable:
* Fully qualified or actively working towards qualification (CIMA, ACCA, ACA).
* Experience managing finance across multiple entities or group structures.
* Understanding of charity accounting regulations and SORP.
Additional Information
* You’ll be joining a collaborative and values-driven team making a tangible difference in communities.
* Flexibility and adaptability are key due to the evolving nature of the organisation.
* This role is subject to satisfactory DBS clearance.
Holiday Entitlement: 20 days (FTE) plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, with length of service increments
Benefits: 6% employer pension contribution, values-driven organisation