Head of Finance & People - Not for Profit Sector

The organisation

Embracing its identity as a dynamic entity and Est. in the 1800’s, this not-for-profit organisation has something rather unique and holds a significant place in the City of Carlisle. Often referred to as the City’s inaugural learning centre prior to the existence of a university, offering a diverse and impressive program and internationally acclaimed exhibitions, inspiring lifelong learning, and an embedded rich heritage. Encouraging diversity and inclusion, breaking down barriers to ensure accessibility to all.

The role

As an active member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you will play a key role in supporting the strategic development and the delivery of its Business Plan, working in collaboration with four other SLT colleagues. You will have overall responsibility for all aspects of financial management, including financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and strategic financial planning alongside leading and developing the finance function. In addition to finance and strategy, you will oversee people and culture policies and practice, and interaction with staff on HR matters. A priority 2024-2025 will be working in conjunction with the onsite Project Team to ensure that the financial aspects of a large capital transformation program is prudently and efficiently managed and controlled.

What are the key areas of responsibility?

• Ensure compliance with financial regulations through system management, financial processes and ensuring effective and appropriate policies and procedures.
• Lead the Audit & Risk Committee and all aspects of financial governance.
• Conduct strategic financial planning to support the decision making of the SLT and Board
• Identifying and managing risks
• Act as strategic lead on financial processes, systems development and internal controls.
• Finalise annual financial statements/periodic financial reports (where required),and provide them to the Director and Board.
• Lead on annual audit process, working with the external auditors.
• Lead on budgeting and reforecasting
• Oversee the production of management accounting information using Sage
• Ensure VAT compliance
• Responsible for cash flow management.
• Oversee financial aspects of capital projects.
• Fulfil Company Secretarial duties including submitting information as required to Companies House and the Charity Commission in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with agreements and contracts in relation to banks and external service providers.
• Monitor and report on the overall funding status and ensure the timely reporting on grants is well supported.
• Support the preparation of applications for fundraising. Conduct financial analysis and review of existing and proposed strategic programmes, projects, and campaigns, contributing to decision making in this area..
• Ensure the banking and payment systems operate effectively.
• Oversee staff payroll and pension processes, handling of petty cash and banking of donations, and credit control process.
• Review external contracts to ensure that they are line with the annual budget and provide the best value
• Lead on policy management.
• Work with the Director to ensure that governance arrangements are fit-for-purpose and compliant with regulatory requirements and Charity Commission guidance.
• Lead all HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and employee relations.

• Review and strengthen leadership and management development ensuring staff have access to high quality support and training so they can develop and grow.
• Develop and co-ordinate the HR function and manage all HR policies and procedures including in relation to performance review and accountability.
• Promote and develop best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion across all HR functions, and contribute to the development of EDI work across the wider organisation.
• Liaison with external HR contractor to ensure efficient and responsive HR service.
• Develop the volunteer programme ensuring volunteer policies and procedures are adhered to.

What skills and experience are required?

• Knowledge and experience of charity accounting (desirable but not essential)
• Track record of achievement in a senior strategic-level financial management role.
• Demonstrable financial leadership and a thorough understanding of best practices in setting and managing budgets and oversight of day-to-day financial management.
• Experience of preparing financial statements, consolidated accounts and seeing through the audit process from start to finish, including dealing with external auditors.
• Experience of overseeing HR processes and procedures, managing the full employee cycle and coaching others on HR issues.
• Experience of dealing with the financial aspects of cross-departmental project management.
• Experience of managing external IT support providers.
• Demonstrable experience in working successfully as part of a senior leadership team.
• Experience of managing change and growth.

Personal traits suited to the role:

• Ability to build trust and respect internally and externally, including with trustees and external stakeholders.
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy.

What are the salary and benefits being offered?

• Salary is £51,000, the Employers pension contributions 7%, annual leave allowance 23 days plus bank holidays (increasing with length of service).
• Hours of work present flexibility - full time is 37 hours (Mon-Fri), ability to start/finish early/late, slightly reduced hours would also be a consideration.
• Hybrid working - 1 day per week
• Working in a beautiful Georgian Townhouse in the Heart of the city

Closing date: 12noon Thursday 22nd February