Role: Head of Finance
Company: Prevent Breast Cancer
Location: Manchester, UK
Reports to: CEO
Salary: Up to £51,000 (depending on experience)
Contract: Full-time / Permanent
About Prevent Breast Cancer
Prevent Breast Cancer is the only UK charity entirely dedicated to the prediction and prevention of breast cancer. Based at the world‑leading Nightingale Centre in Manchester, our mission is to create a future free from breast cancer through ground‑breaking research, education and early diagnosis. Our ultimate goal is to prevent EVERY breast cancer. We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Head of Finance to lead the charity’s financial operations and ensure robust financial governance that supports our ambitious growth.
Role Purpose
The Head of Finance will be responsible for the effective financial management of the charity, including all financial reporting, compliance, budgeting and forecasting. This role oversees the full finance function including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll coordination, credit control and year-end statutory accounts, and provides timely, accurate financial insight to the CEO, Trustees and senior leadership team. This is a pivotal role within a small but dedicated team, ideal for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and passionate about helping create a future without breast cancer. It is a hands-on role. While you will provide oversight and guidance, the position requires actively carrying out day-to-day finance tasks yourself, not just managing them.
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Analysis
* Produce accurate quarterly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
* Prepare quarterly financial updates, analysis and commentary for the CEO and Treasurer.
* Lead the production of annual financial statements, working closely with external auditors.
* Provide insightful financial reporting to support strategic decision‑making and long-term planning.
Budgeting & Forecasting
* Lead on development of annual budgets in partnership with the CEO and department leads.
* Maintain rolling forecasts and cashflow projections, ensuring financial stability and compliance.
* Monitor expenditure against budgets, advising the CEO on risks and opportunities.
Financial Operations
* Deliver and actively manage the charity’s day-to-day finance activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, stock control and income processing.
* Manage and maintain income functionality within the charity’s database (Beacon) and oversee use of Xero accounting software.
* Oversee and directly administer finances for grants awarded by the charity, ensuring tight financial control and compliance.
* Reconcile all bank accounts, cash accounts, control accounts and restricted funds, ensuring accuracy and completeness.
* Ensure accuracy of payroll inputs and liaise with external payroll provider to support timely and correct payroll processing.
* Maintain and improve financial systems, processes and internal controls to meet charity finance standards and regulatory requirements.
* Manage and support the Finance Officer.
Governance, Compliance & Risk
* Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, HMRC and relevant accounting standards (Charities SORP and FRS 102).
* Prepare documentation and lead on the annual audit process.
* Maintain appropriate financial policies and internal controls, recommending improvements where needed.
* Support risk management and ensure strong financial stewardship.
* Attend and contribute to quarterly Finance and Audit Committee meetings and, where relevant, quarterly Board meetings, including those that take place outside of normal office hours.
Collaboration & Leadership
* Work closely with fundraising, operations and research teams to provide financial guidance and support.
* Present financial information in a clear, accessible way to non‑finance colleagues and trustees.
* Line manage any finance support staff or volunteers as the team grows.
Person Specification
Essential
* Qualified or part‑qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or significant relevant experience.
* Strong experience in finance management, ideally gained within an SME environment.
* Proficient in Xero accounting system.
* Excellent understanding of financial controls, reporting and compliance.
* Confident producing and presenting financial information to senior leaders.
* Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
* Proactive, collaborative and able to work independently.
Desirable
* Experience in charity finance, including restricted funds and SORP reporting.
* Experience working with a diverse range of income sources.
* Passion for Prevent Breast Cancer’s mission.
Don't meet every single requirement? At Realise, we are dedicated to helping our clients build diverse, inclusive and authentic workplaces, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every requirement, we would encourage you to apply anyway! You might be just the candidate we're looking for!
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