Head of Finance

Description:

Ashley Kate HR & Finance is recruiting a Head of Finance for a Middlesbrough-based organization. This permanent, full-time role (35 hours/week) is ideal for an experienced and strategic financial leader ready to make a high-impact contribution to a mission-driven organization. The position combines high-level strategic planning with hands-on financial operations, overseeing a professional finance team while acting as a financial advisor to senior leadership and trustees.

The organization offers a hybrid work arrangement, competitive salary of £60,000 annually, 6% employer pension contribution, 20 days annual leave, and additional discretionary holidays at Easter and Christmas.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and lead the organization’s long-term financial strategy, aligned with mission and values.

• Manage day-to-day financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.

• Oversee investment and treasury activities, ensuring ethical and responsible returns in collaboration with external advisors.

• Provide strategic financial analysis and guidance to senior leaders and trustee boards.

• Lead and mentor the finance team, promoting high performance and accountability.

• Maintain regulatory compliance and enforce internal financial controls and policies.

• Oversee risk management, including financial risk registers and audit processes.

• Support and train operational teams to improve financial understanding and compliance.

• Collaborate with IT to maintain secure and efficient financial systems and cybersecurity protocols.

• Manage payroll and pensions in partnership with HR.

• Coordinate insurance coverage and maintain relationships with relevant providers.

• Engage with external partners such as auditors, lawyers, bankers, and investment managers.

Candidate Requirements:

Essential:

• Proven leadership in financial, asset, and resource management, preferably in a comparable setting.

• Strong experience in investment and property portfolio management.

• Sound knowledge of financial systems, accounting applications, and MS Office.

• Confident presenting and advising at board level.

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.

• If not qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA), must demonstrate substantial financial leadership experience (QBE – Qualified by Experience).

• Ongoing professional development evidence.

• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and communication skills.

• Skilled in people management, able to inspire and lead effectively.

• Ability to convey complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).

• Driving license and access to a vehicle.

• Willingness to travel within the UK and occasionally work beyond standard hours.