Head of Finance

Head of Finance- Up to £80,000 DOE- London, W10

The Role

Do you have a proven track record as a Head of Finance, ideally within the charity sector? Are you a strong leader and adept at streamlining financial operations? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you.

The Westway Trust is a unique charity that stewards the resources of 23 acres of space under the Westway A40. We are seeking an experienced and proficient Head of Finance to join our growing team.

In this pivotal role, you will lead and improve all aspects of the Trust’s finance function. You will ensure the delivery of accurate and timely financial reports, while providing strategic financial support across the organisation. You will also line manage a team of finance professionals and contribute to the Trust’s overall leadership.

If you are a talented and motivated finance professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply and be a part of our mission to create positive change in the community.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage and improve the Trust’s finance function and provide accurate, timely and relevant financial reports as required by the CEO, Executive Team and the Trust Board.
• Be the Executive Lead of the Finance Audit and Risk Committee, ensuring timely papers to the CEO and to the Committee and Board as required and liaising with the Head of Governance and HR as required.
• Ensure the provision and reporting of financial accounts, forecasting and large-scale project/programme budgets, estate development plans, and the associated reporting.
• Oversight of the legal and financial statutory processes in line with the Charity Commission and Companies House requirements, including the Annual Audit. Allocating tasks for timely responses and keeping all colleagues abreast of progress.
• Monitor, cash flow, reserves, analysis of performance against the organisation’s annual business plan and dashboard as it relates to the finance function.
• Contribute to the overall leadership of the Trust and to the Trust’s future strategic and operational planning. Support Executive Team colleagues as required on the delivery of cross-team initiatives.
• With the CEO, play a role in the Trust’s 'Wholly Owned Subsidiary,’ ensuring the smooth running of the finance operation.
• Line management of the Senior Finance Manager, the Debt Recovery Consultant and the Development Partnerships Lead. Ensuring an excellent service to all budget managers, enabling them to make effective use of all systems and monitor and manage their income and expenditure.
• To attend the Executive Team meetings. To provide reports to Committees and for the Board of the Trust as requested.

The Company

Westway Trust is a dynamic and forward-thinking charity located in the heart of Portobello, West London. Established as a beacon of community-driven change, the Westway Trust is rooted in the heart of North Kensington. As a Westway Trust employee, you will have the opportunity to work in a dynamic and fulfilling environment while making a meaningful difference.

The Person

• Significant and successful experience of operating as a Head of Finance, ideally in a charity setting.
• A track record of working collaboratively with a team to develop successful internal partnerships and achieve joint success against shared objectives.
• Experience of the finance function and all the associated processes, with strong attention to detail.
• Experience of implementing enhanced reporting tools within financial software, including the ability to coach others.
• Practical knowledge of VAT, including accounting of partial exemption relevant to charities.
• Experience of cost-effective procurement in line with policy.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to give compelling presentations to a range of audiences.
• The ability to plan and prioritise workloads and work accurately to deadlines, staying calm and focused under pressure.
• The ability to be flexible and adaptable in response to developing priorities.
• The ability to contribute to practical solutions to complex issues.