Head of Finance

Head of Finance
 
Location: Suffolk
 
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join a well-established, values-led organisation operating within a dynamic and community-focused environment. This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for leading financial operations, supporting strategic decision-making, and ensuring robust financial control across a complex organisation.
 
The Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will take ownership of all aspects of financial management and control. You will lead a small finance team and play a key role in supporting senior stakeholders with accurate, timely and insightful financial information.
 
Key responsibilities include:
Financial Management & Reporting

Full responsibility for the integrity of financial records and accounting processes
Production of timely monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis
Preparation of annual statutory accounts and management of the external audit process
Oversight of all ledgers, including income, creditors, and fixed assets
Monitoring financial performance, identifying risks and opportunitiesPlanning, Budgeting & Forecasting

Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting cycles
Provide robust financial modelling and scenario planning
Partner with budget holders to monitor expenditure and performanceCashflow, Compliance & Controls

Ensure effective cash management and financial controls
Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements
Oversee VAT returns and liaise with external advisorsPayroll & Operational Finance

Oversee outsourced payroll and ensure accuracy and compliance
Manage income processes, including credit control and customer accountsGovernance & Stakeholder Engagement

Prepare reports for senior leadership and governing bodies
Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Support strategic initiatives, process improvements and systems developmentLeadership

Lead, mentor and develop a team of four finance professionals
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance 
About You
We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented finance leader who combines technical excellence with strong interpersonal skills.
You will bring:

A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
Significant experience in a broad financial management role
Proven experience leading and developing teams
Strong analytical capability and the ability to translate financial data into clear insights
A hands-on, solution-focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement
Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust across stakeholdersExperience within a complex or multi-income organisation (e.g. education, not-for-profit, or similar) would be advantageous but is not essential.
 
The Opportunity
This role offers the chance to:

Play a key role in a purpose-driven organisation with a strong sense of community
Influence strategic and operational decision-making at senior level
Lead financial improvements and systems development initiatives
Work in a collaborative, values-led environment with strong leadership supportA competitive salary and attractive benefits package are on offer.
 
Next Steps
For a confidential discussion and full details, please get in touch directly