VACANCY: Head of Finance (CLOSED)

June 5, 2024

PLEASE NOTE: CLAPA is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and will assess all prospective employees in line with this commitment. See the recruitment pack below for more details.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone. Find out more.

Head of Finance (Part Time)

Job Description

Salary: £45k-48k depending on experience (pro rata)

Hours: Part-time (28 hours per week)

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Based at: Based from home Home-based within the UK OR at the CLAPA Office (E2 9DA), Cambridge Heath, LONDON.  Two days per annum are required at the CLAPA Office for all-staff meetings (travel expenses paid).

Benefits:

• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata), plus bank holidays and closure over Christmas from 24th December to 1st January inclusive.
• Extra day off during birthday month
• Flexible working hours as agreed by manager, access to unpaid leave and ‘Time off in Lieu’ policy.
• Access to ‘Health Assured’ Employee Assistance Programme
• 5% non-contributory pension.
• This is a key post in the organisation with responsibility for the finance function, the role reports directly to the Chief Executive and works closely with the CLAPA Board of Trustees and in particular with the charity’s Treasurer.

Job Description

The Head of Finance has lead responsibility for overseeing the finance function of the organisation.  The role reports directly to the Chief Executive, is a member of the senior management team and works closely with the Board of Trustees and in particular with the Treasurer.  The post holder also has responsibility for the line management of the Finance Officer and the Feeding Service Administrator (Finance Team).

The role leads on all financial reporting and analysis to the team and to the Board and Finance Committee, the preparation of monthly management accounts, and budgets and forecasts, working with the Senior Management Team (SMT).

The Head of Finance leads the annual audit and preparation of the annual report and accounts working closely with the Chief Executive, Treasurer and Chair of Trustees. In addition, the role supports the wider team in compliance with financial policies and procedures and acts as Finance Business Partner, by providing support and guidance to budget holders.

Key Tasks

• Control of the general/purchase/sales ledgers, debtor and creditor management, bank reconciliations and credit card management
• Payroll management and project level allocations, pension management, and payroll administration of leave (sick, maternity, annual, etc.). Ensure compliance with payroll legislation.
• Quarterly stock counts/valuation, financial oversight of the feeding and retail service
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial accounting systems within the Charity
• Monthly project level reporting, management accounts, and cash flow reporting
• Annual budget setting and monitoring with budget holders, along with monthly budget variance analysis
• Management reporting to a wide variety of audiences, including CLAPA staff and the Trustee Board
• Quarterly Finance reporting to the Finance Committee
• Year End including prepayments/accruals, annual returns – SORP requirements and HMRC Returns
• Management of the fixed asset register and yearly depreciation
• Management of the trial balance, balance sheet and P&L
• Timely Cashflow reporting and assisting SMT with forecasting
• Preparation of the charity’s Annual Accounts in line with SORP requirements for annual audit
• Act as a principal lead with the Charity’s external Auditors on the organisational audit, working closely with SMT, Chief Executive and the Board.
• Implementation and monitoring of financial controls and development of financial policies and procedures
• Treasury management – ensure that CLAPA’s funds are secure, that all opportunities for investment are explored and that risks are minimised.
• Work closely with the Investments Committee to deliver the Investment Strategy
• Providing support to the Finance Team to manage receipt, payment and record keeping for all invoices, direct debits/standing orders, credit cards, expenses, bank, cash, Gift aid declarations and other expenditure
• Line management of the Finance Team
• Work closely with the Board, Chief Executive and other senior managers to ensure the efficient and effective running of the organisation
• To build the organisation’s Finance strategy to align with the charity’s Strategy and Operational Plans by working closely with the SMT and the Board
• Work alongside Head of Income to provide accurate and time critical funding reports
• Agree and set an annual Insurance Policy and liaise with colleagues with regards to any changes which require notification
• Liaison with external suppliers and contractors as required
• Carry out an annual review of all supplier contracts
• Required to keep up to date with updates within charity finance & governance sector
• Any other duties deemed appropriate

Person Specification

Essential

• ACCA/CIMA or equivalent qualified
• Senior experience in the charity sector, including producing charity SORP compliant accounts and monthly management accounts.
• At least three (ideally five) years’ experience in book keeping, particularly management of SAGE 50 accounts or any suitable SAGE product, producing annual accounts and SORP requirements
• Experience of managing a set of accounts
• Experience in improving and modernising financial systems and processes
• Experience of managing staff
• Proficient in Microsoft Office
• A keen eye for detail and transparent reporting systems
• Experience of working on own initiative, under pressure and to deadlines
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with a willingness to get involved with all aspects of the charity
• Working with a senior management team and board of trustees
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills

Desirable

• Knowledge of Salesforce database

How to Apply

APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.

Please complete the Application Form linked in the recruitment pack below. For safeguarding reasons we are not able to accept CVs.

Head of Finance Recruitment Pack (PDF) 

Applications close: Monday 1^st July

First Stage Interviews: Tuesday 9^th July

Second Stage Interviews: tbc

Start date: As soon as possible

If the interview or start dates will be an issue for you because of religious festivals or other key dates, we will make every effort to accommodate this. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

If you have not heard from us by Tuesday 9^th July please assume your application has been unsuccessful. We regret that due to our small team, we are unable to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

We request no contact from agencies about this listing.