Harris Hill are recruiting for a dynamic Head of Finance & Operations for this charity specialising in supporting disadvantaged children and young people based in London.

The charity raises funds in a variety of ways to transform the lives of thousands of children and young people. The Head of Finance & Operations role is accountable for the effective operational and financial management of the charity, enabling the charity to develop and grow, while safeguarding and enhancing its reputation. You will be reporting to the Managing Director of the Charity and you'll be part of the Senior Management Team (SMT). As the most senior finance professional in the Charity you will also be attending quarterly Trustee Board meetings and Finance Committees.

You will be managing a small team, including two Finance Assistants, and potentially the Grants Manager and Operations Executive. There may also be further temporary support from time to time.

This is a dynamic hands-on, diverse role managing the following:

Day-to-day financial management of the Charity, including (but not limited to)
Recording transactions on Coda, preparing and processing all journals, ensuring all expenditure (including payroll) is appropriately authorised, and completing recurring financial control tasks such as monthly bank & balance sheet reconciliations
Cash forecasting and Treasury management of financial assets and reserves, including liaison with external advisors (where required)
Forecasting and production of monthly management accounts & dashboards on a monthly basis
Analysis of performance and trends to support plans and ensure accurate and effective reporting internally and at Board level, including focus on cost control and expense ratio
Production of annual budget and business plan with the Managing Director of Charities and relevant budget holders for presentation to the Board of Trustees
Maintaining strong financial controls within the charity through regular process and policy review as well as staff training
Liaison with external auditors, advisors and internally, as required
Assistance and Advice for fundraising staff on contracts, governance and other legal / compliance issues, in conjunction with Finance, Tax and Legal departments as well as external advisors, as required
Assessment of business cases and cost benefit appraisals for new resources across the Charity
Compliance with HMRC for VAT and Gift Aid issues, including regular VAT returns and Gift Aid claims
Lead on new financial system transition (anticipated 2020)

Grant-making and Added Value (dependent on experience)
Providing support to the Grants Team, including grant strategy, process improvements, development of impact reporting framework, with a particular focus on financials
Lead on financial assessments of prospective charities and evaluations
Support Grants Team in their part of our 3-part promise
Supervise the Grants team on other added value opportunities, ensuring cost benefit analysis to determine priorities

Governance
Compliance with the Charities Act and Charities Commission, ensuring best practice across all aspects of charities fundraising, grant giving, financial and administrative activities
Taking a proactive role in informing the Board of Trustees of changes to their responsibilities, compliance with Code of Governance and ensuring charity staff are aware of their obligations
Management of the risk register and associated risk processes, as well as taking the lead on specific projects to minimise risk, where required
Preparation of relevant reports, accounts and dashboards for presentation at quarterly Trustee Board and Finance Committee meetings
Supervising financial risk assessments of all grant applicants and attendance at Grants Panel

Operations
With the fundraising team, exploring fundraising and donation collection mechanics, and identify new developments in the sector
Assisting the Managing Director of the Charity in all administrative aspects of the operation of the charity and suggesting ways of improving the overall efficiency
Acting as a sounding board point for the Managing Director of the Charity on all aspects of the operations of the charity

You will be a Qualified Accountant with a dynamic approach to work

Salary 54,000pa plus excellent benefits

This is a fast turnaround, so Interviews are available as soon as possible