Head of Finance and Resources

Main purposes of the job:

Financial Management

• To ensure that the finances of the Surrey Community Action are managed efficiently and properly, in accordance with high standards of good practice in the charity sector, and that its numerous financial obligations in the UK are met efficiently.
• To ensure the good governance of the Surrey Community Action, including compliance with legal agreements.
• To provide authoritative advice to the Chief Executive and Trustees of the Surrey Community Action, constitutional and legal issues.
• Develop financial support tools and services for other Surrey charities and community groups.

  Facilities Management

• To ensure that high quality office facilities, services (including Communications and IT) and financial advice are available to the staff of the Surrey Community Action
• To ensure that high quality office facilities and services (including meeting rooms) are available to the tenants of the Astolat building.

  Organisational Management

• To contribute to the wider strategic direction and management of the Surrey Community Action as a member of the Management Team alongside the Chief Executive and Head of Communities and Development, including identifying opportunities for income generation and cost savings.
• To provide line management support to the Communications Manager, Finance Assistant, and Resources and Building Services Manager
• Act as Company Secretary

Main tasks

• To advise the Chief Executive, Treasurer and the Trustees on all aspects of financial management, legal, premises, health and safety and related issues and seek formal decisions from them where appropriate.
• Contribute to the strategic thinking and management of Surrey Community Action in order to maximise the benefits to the charitable causes which Surrey Community Action exists to serve and observe high standards of good charity practice in all aspects of Surrey Community Action’s finance and administration.
• Oversee all the accounting and auditing procedures of Surrey Community Action
• Actively manage the cashflow requirements of the charity, including liaison with the Surrey Community Action’s bankers and investment managers.
• Oversee the management of Surrey Community Action’s investments within criteria laid down by Trustees.
• Prepare the annual accounts of the Surrey Community Action and its trading subsidiary in accordance with statutory and Charities Acts requirements, and in line with an agreed timetable.
• Ensure the audit of the financial statements can be undertaken efficiently and expeditiously.
• Ensure the timely and efficient operation of the Surrey Community Action’s payroll and pensions system.
• Ensure the smooth and proper administration of all the Surrey Community Action’s financial transactions.
• Take the lead in further developing budgeting and cost control disciplines.
• Liaise closely and positively with budget holders in ensuring tight budget control and reconciliation.
• Take the lead in the mapping, monitoring and management of risk.
• Oversee the efficient management of Surrey Community Action’s offices and building, including health and safety, insurance and security.
• Oversee the work of the Finance Assistant (responsible for financial accounting and payroll services), Communications Manager (responsible for marketing and communications) and Resources and Building Services Manager (responsible for reception, reception volunteers, handling of mail, office management and use of office facilities by Surrey Community Action’s tenants).
• Keep abreast of significant developments in external circumstances, professional and charity practice as they might affect the work of the Surrey Community Action.
• Carry out other duties as required, in line with the role.

Contract and Hours

• This is a permenant contract.
• 28 hours per week, but we are committed to flexible working, and will consider job share or other ways to deliver the job description.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday, and all English Bank Holidays (both pro rata), plus an additional 3 days between Christmas and New Year.
• Pension scheme, contributing 5% of salary.  Under auto-enrolement, eligibility to join is after three months.
• Flexitime system
• Employee assistance programme

Person Specification

Essential

Desirable

Skills, knowledge and competencies

• Substantial experience at a senior level of accountancy, and financial management systems, including the preparation of financial statements.
• Proven ability to cope at very senior level with the financial management of Surrey Community Action.
• Understanding and practical experience of tackling VAT and other financial aspects.
• Wide and varied experience of successfully managing the relationship with professional advisers or outside contractors, e.g. for financial and legal advice, auditing, security, insurance, etc.
• Ability to give effective line-management support
• Interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal) sufficient to present complex issues lucidly to Trustees and other staff, achieve smooth and well-informed decision-making and articulate Surrey Community Action’s requirements without risk of misunderstanding.

• IT literate with experience of computerised accounting systems (currently Xero).

• Senior management experience with responsibility for IT, insurances, security and buildings management.
• Thorough understanding of the distinctive requirements of charity fundraising, including charitable grant-giving and stewardship of investments and other charitable assets.

Personal Qualities

• Secure, sensitive and flexible approach.
• Empathy with the charity sector ethos.
• Personal commitment to the broad values championed by Surrey Community Action.
• Ability to manage time effectively.
• Having a creative and entrepreneurial approach to maximise the use of Surrey Community Actions resources.

For an application pack, please contact Amanda Channer on 01483 447125 or amandac@surreyca.org.uk