Job Description

You will provide sound financial advice to Trustees, the Finance Committee, the Chief Executive and budget holders, a high standard of financial management of the organization and support for the growth of new activities such as nature-based solutions. Key responsibilities include:

• Ensure financial systems, controls and processes are operated that secure the Trust’s assets and manage its liabilities.
• In particular, ensure cash flow is managed to meet day-to-day and long-term needs of the Trust.
• Lead on securing the long-term financial sustainability of the Trust.
• Work closely with the Senior Management Team and Trustees and particularly the Treasurer and Finance Committee to set and implement the financial strategy.
• Manage the Trust’s cash reserves in line with the Investment and Reserves Policies including preparation of cash flow projections, placing investments and financial risk review.
• Risk Management: manage the Trust’s Risk Management process including regular review of risks, mitigation plans and financial risk reserves.
• Review Risk Management Strategy working with the Trustee with delegated responsibility for risk.
• Ensure the Trust complies with current financial, accounting, legal and regulatory requirements relating to financial and company secretarial matters including HMRC, Charities Commission, Companies House.
• Maintain an effective relationship with the Trust’s professional advisors such as auditors, bankers, lawyers.
• The Finance Director is also the Company Secretary and responsible for ensuring the Trust operates in accordance with the Articles of Association with particular focus on ensuring a smooth-running AGM.
• Work with management and insurers to ensure insurance cover is adequate for assets and business risk.
• Work with the administration team to resolve insurance claims.
• Work with the Finance team and other stakeholders to identify and implement ways in which the newly adopted finance system can support the Trust.
• Year-end: Prepare the annual Trustees Report and Accounts on a timely basis and in accordance with relevant legislation, regulation and best practice.
• Work with the auditors to ensure a smooth and efficient annual audit.

Benefits

Pension (7%), 25 days holiday, death in service, hybrid/flexible working, 2 days per week minimum in the office. A full driving license is required as it will be necessary to visit other Trust locations not easily accessible by public transport.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

An experienced, strategic and financial specialist with commercial acumen and a balanced, knowledgeable approach to managing complex business operations; a practical, logical thinker who also has the imagination and determination to expand and explore alternative approaches.

• Able to develop and articulate proposals that exploit new opportunities and create practical plans;
• Excellent communicator, verbally and in writing across several media, to a wide range of people and organizations at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage a team and drive plans forward by empowering staff; ability to inspire, lead, motivate and manage teams, and work co-operatively as part of the leadership team; prioritizing effectively, responding to swiftly changing demands, and dealing with multiple complex issues.
• Able to handle, control and report on a complex budget with multiple cost centre’s, income streams and externally funded projects.
• Relevant experience successfully managing the finances of a complex, multi-function organization; recognized accounting qualification together with expert knowledge of financial control procedures, SORP and charity accounting
• Significant strategic and business planning experience, scenario planning and investment management together with the development and implementation of financial systems, policies and procedures
• Hands on involvement in the development and implementation of strategic plans and achievement of time-dependent targets, including financial targets.
• Dealing competently with a substantial amount of personal responsibility, delegated authority and autonomy.
• Understanding of legislation relating to charitable giving and financing and VAT.