Head of Finance - Charity

Freelands Foundation is looking for a Head of Finance to deliver and contribute to Freelands Foundation's financial strategy to enable the Foundation to achieve its ambitious strategic objectives. This role will play a pivotal part in supporting the scaling of the Foundation over the next few years, including a major capital project for our Errol Street building, a significant expansion of key programmes, and reaching new audiences for our work.

This opportunity is perfect for a qualified chartered accountant with at least five years' experience at a senior level, who is excited and ready to bring their skills to a growing team with the aim of making a real impact in art education. We are looking for someone with significant experience working in the charity sector in a finance leadership position, with in-depth knowledge of both UK Charity SORP requirements and US Private Foundation regulations.

Job Description - Role purpose

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, the Head of Finance will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the Foundation's Finance function, leading on all reporting, payments and compliance. This role will also deliver and contribute to Freelands Foundation's financial strategy by managing financial planning and running accounting systems, ensuring that they meet Freelands Foundation's strategic objectives and align with our values. The Head of Finance will line manage the Finance Officer.

Role responsibilities - Financial strategy and planning

• Lead the annual budgeting and reforecasting process, working collaboratively with departmental budget holders to ensure expenditure is accurately monitored and any variances are clearly understood.
• Conduct scenario modelling and financial analysis to support new programmes, grant rounds and capital projects.
• Maintain accurate cashflow forecasts to allow appropriate drawdowns from the Foundation's investment portfolio.
• Manage relationships with the Foundation's banking partners and financial software providers, ensuring a high level of service and that all tools are fit for purpose.
• Produce monthly management accounts to provide the Foundation's leadership with accurate and timely information on the financial health of the organisation.
• Prepare high-quality financial reports and papers for the Executive Leadership and Board of Trustees.
• Manage the year-end audit process and produce statutory accounts compliant with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements,
• Lead on the preparation of the Foundation's US tax filings, including the FBAR, 9990PF and estimated tax payments.
• Prepare and submit UK Corporation Tax returns when necessary.
• Prepare and submit the Foundation's P11D reporting.

Payments

• Manage the Foundation's bi-weekly payments process, ensuring all suppliers and expenses are paid accurately and on a timely basis.
• Liaise with the Programmes team to ensure that all grant payments are made promptly and accurately, in line with our governance processes.
• Lead the monthly Payroll process for employees and temporary workers, including payments of salaries, benefits and employment taxes.

Compliance and risk management

• Ensure the Foundation adheres to all relevant accounting standards & regulatory requirements, including the Charity SORP & US Private Foundations 5% min distribution rule.
• Ensure all financial controls are complied with and continuously seek improvements to our internal processes to minimise risk.
• Put procedures in place to protect the organisation from financial fraud and conduct relevant training to ensure all team members are aware of the latest risks.

Team leadership and business partnering

• Provide inspiring and supportive line management to the Finance Officer, with clear objectives and effective ongoing performance management.
• Support the wider organisation in finance-related decision-making, including upskilling the wider organisation in financial awareness.
• Ensure the Foundation's financial processes enable the wider team to achieve their strategic objectives, actively seeking feedback on ways to improve the service Finance provides.

Freelands Foundation contribution

• Undertake such tasks that are needed to deliver this role's responsibilities.
• Work in cooperation with colleagues across the organisation, providing support and cover as needed within available time and resource.
• Undertake organisational training as required.
• Work within the organisation's agreed policies and processes, confirming such with a senior manager where clarity is needed.
• Uphold the organisation's values and mission in all internal and external interactions undertaken on behalf of Freelands Foundation.

Person Specification - Essential Experience

• At least five years' experience working in the charity sector in senior-level finance positions.
• Substantial senior-level experience working with external auditors on annual audits and tax filings.

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of the UK Charity SORP requirements.
• In-depth knowledge of US Private Foundation federal and state regulations.
• Good working knowledge of Xero software and Expensify.

Qualifications - Qualified chartered accountant: CIMA, or ACCA, or ACA.

Apply now 😊andrew@handle.co.uk

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