Harris Hill are recruiting for a Head of Finance for this well-established charity supporting young people, based in London

The Head of Finance will need to be a fully qualified accountant to head up the finance team and will report to the Director of Finance and Resources. You will be proactive, professional and keen to continually improve standards and enjoy contributing to cross team projects. This is a hands-on role, so strong technical accounting skills are required.

The areas of responsibility will include:

• Staff management and application of associated processes
• Leadership of change management
• Coordination and strategic alignment of all Finance activities
• Contribution to the development and preparation of Finance strategic planning documents
• Management of Finances' resources
• Management of external relationships
• Adherence to statutory and regulatory body requirements
• Maintenance of satisfactory standards of safety and welfare within your area of responsibility as defined by the Disaster Recovery procedures.

On a day-to-day basis you will be involved in the following:

• Support the Director to prepare information for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee and the Board of Trustees
• Deputise for the Director as required
• Oversee the preparation and audit of the annual report and accounts and other statutory submissions
• Oversee the production of a timely and professional monthly accounts pack
• Be responsible for effective treasury management and cashflow forecasting
• Oversee the production of VAT returns, Gift Aid claims and payroll submissions
• Develop and maintain effective and efficient finance processes
• Develop and maintain the financial system to ensure financial control and effective reporting
• Be the lead relationship with banks, auditors, HMRC, loan and grant making bodies
• Lead or participate in finance or organisational projects as appropriate
• Provide excellent, analytical management reports as required
• Provide ad hoc financial advice to staff and trustees
• Develop our future VAT strategy to ensure compliance and maximise our tax position

The ideal candidate will have the following:

• Experience of managing a finance team and producing monthly accounts
• Experience of managing the final accounts process and working knowledge of Charity SORP
• VAT expertise
• Charity and commercial accounting experience
• Excellent communication skills, including using appropriate styles, methods and timing to maximise understanding and impact
• Cross-team project management skills and experience
• Fully qualified accountant
• Ability to see the big picture
• Ability to assimilate and analyse new information quickly and accurately
• Ability to anticipate problems, use evidence to identify the causes and then present workable solutions
• Remain positive and actively encourage others to do the same during times of change
• Able to adapt to changing priorities and uncertainty