About us

The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute is working for a world in which the vicious cycle of money and mental health problems is broken, so that we all have an equal chance of financial security, regardless of our mental health; and everyone’s mental health can flourish, regardless of their financial circumstances. We aim to be a world-class centre of expertise, but we don’t produce research to just sit on shelves. We develop practical policy and solutions, working in partnership with those providing services, those who shape them, and those using them, to find out what really works. We campaign, build, test and innovate until our research leads to real change. 

Role

We are looking for an experienced Head of Finance and Operations to form a key part of our Senior Management Team. This is a vital role for the organisation, ensuring that our finances, governance and operations are managed to a very high standard, supporting the organisation’s infrastructure and culture during a period of growth, and forming part of the core team shaping the charity’s development into the future.

Job Description

The Head of Finance and Operations forms a key part of the Senior Management Team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive. With the support of the Operations Assistant on some tasks, the successful candidate will be responsible for:

Finance and accounting

Managing the charity’s finances to the highest standards, including ensuring:

• A successful annual audit process
• Effective cash management (including transferring funds and potential future investments)
• Timely filing of VAT returns and statutory annual accounts / annual return
• Timely delivery of management accounts, liaising with external accountants on the preparation of monthly ledgers (using Xero) 
• Processing of payroll liaising with external accountants   
• Leading development of the charity’s annual budget, working in collaboration with the Chief Executive, Senior Management Team and Finance and Audit Committee (sub-committee of the Board of Trustees).

Operations and HR

• Managing all office operations, HR and IT, including ensuring that new staff members are onboarded appropriately and have the right IT equipment and liaising with external contractors including external HR consultants
• Ensuring that the office meets Health and Safety requirements and the charity has appropriate insurance
• Supporting the organisation’s recruitment processes, including exploring best practice to help us remain an inclusive employer
• Project managing the charity’s return to the office post-pandemic, or sourcing and potentially moving to a new office as required
• Working with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to create an inclusive, supportive culture where every team member can reach their full potential, thrive at work and feel connected to the charity’s mission. This includes taking steps to proactively understand the team’s needs as the organisation develops, including through our annual staff survey.

Governance and organisational leadership

• Providing support on all legal matters (including contracting with suppliers and funders), working closely with the Chief Executive and legal trustee
• Ensuring compliance with charity governance requirements, GDPR, other relevant legislation and the charity’s own safeguarding policy
• Maintaining the charity’s risk register
• Advising the Chief Executive and trustees on developments in charity finance and governance and supporting the continual improvement of the charity’s processes including through our regular governance audit
• Leading the development and updating of organisational policies as needed
• Leading the organisation of and preparation for trustees meetings, including preparing papers
• Taking part in Senior Management Team discussions about organisational strategy
• Line-managing the new Operations Assistant, with a focus on their personal and professional development
• Liaising with the Treasurer and Finance and Audit Committee as necessary, presenting to trustees and leading discussions.

Income generation and business planning

• Supporting the preparation of fundraising applications, including producing the organisation’s pricing menu, costing proposals and providing timely financial reports when reporting to funders
• Working with the Chief Executive and Senior Management Team on financial projections and business planning for the charity.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

• A relevant professional qualification in accountancy (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CIPFA) or substantial relevant finance experience including the ability to produce all aspects of management and statutory accounts and lead on external audit.
• Strong knowledge of the charity accounting SORP.
• Experience of providing useful financial information, annual reports and accounts for non-financial experts.
• Experience of long-term financial budgeting, modelling, forecasting and risk management.
• Experience of creating and maintaining appropriate organisational policies and procedures.
• Experience of providing financial information for fundraising bids, competitive tenders and reports in order to secure resources for the charity.
• Knowledge of charity governance and Charity Commission frameworks

Essential qualities

• A genuine commitment to the organisation’s mission, as well as to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, managing a busy to-do list
• Ability and desire to be hands-on and get stuck in, as well as acting strategically
• Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate complex financial and legal issues clearly to non-expert audiences
• Excellent line management skills and a commitment to supporting personal and professional development
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to high standards
• High levels of integrity and probity
• Willingness to oversee IT functions

Desirable skills and experience

• Experience in developing and implementing fundraising strategies related to corporate, institutional, trusts and foundations and an awareness of the current fundraising landscape and trends in light of Covid-19.
• Experience of overseeing HR systems and processes, and a basic understanding of employment law and Human Resources issues.
• An understanding of data-management best-practice and cyber-security.
• Experience working closely with a Board of Trustees.

Terms and Conditions

• Reporting to: Chief Executive
• Staff supervised: Operations Assistant (due to join the organisation in Sept 2021)
• Annual gross salary: £55k (FTE)
• Location: Money and Mental Health’s central London office OR suitable for a home-worker who is able to travel to London on a regular basis. The Money and Mental Health team has been working remotely since March 2020. Hybrid-working combining office and home working is likely to be implemented from September 2021 in line with the latest government guidelines and the Charity’s new flexible working policy.
• Hours: Either full time or 30 hours per week, which can be distributed flexibly. The charity is currently trialing a new flexible working policy with core hours of 10am - 3pm and remaining contracted hours distributed through the week flexibly. We would be happy to update you on this at the interview stage.
• Contract type: Permanent
• Holidays: 28 days p.a. (including 3 days of annual leave between Christmas and New Year when the office is closed) plus bank holidays (if the role is taken on a part time basis this will be calculated on a pro rata basis.)
• Pension: Opportunity to be enrolled in the work pension scheme (subject to meeting standard auto-enrollment qualifying criteria). After auto-enrollment the charity will make a monthly contribution to the scheme equivalent to 5.5% of the monthly gross salary you receive, subject to you making a minimum contribution of 2.5% of the monthly gross salary you receive.
• Other benefits: 
  • The charity provides enhanced maternity/paternity/parental leave terms at an equal rate. All employees eligible for Statutory Maternity/Paternity/Shared Parental Pay receive 90% of their earnings for up to 12 weeks. 

We are an equal opportunities employer and Mindful Employer and welcome applications from all, including those with lived experience of a mental health condition and other under-represented groups. We are also committed to improving employment opportunities in the charity sector for minority ethnic groups, and are particularly keen to receive applications from members of diverse ethnic communities. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process or once in post.