Head of Finance

Salary: £60,000 per annum or £48,000 per annum for 0.8 FTE

Location:

Ambleside, Cumbria

This is an opportunity to make a significant impact within a respected and purpose-driven charity. The Head of Finance will play a key role in supporting Brathay’s sustainability, strengthening financial leadership and helping the organisation continue delivering transformational work with young people across the UK.

The Head of Finance as part of the SLT will provide strategic and operational financial leadership across the Trust, ensuring robust financial management, effective governance, regulatory compliance and strong organisational performance. The postholder will support the Chief Executive and Trustees by providing clear financial insight, strengthening financial controls, overseeing statutory responsibilities and helping drive organisational sustainability and improvement. This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic oversight and operational delivery.

The Role:

• Provide administrative support to the CEO / Senior Leadership Team (SLT):
• Act as a member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to strategic and operational decision-making.
• Support the SLT with financial insight, analysis and recommendations.
• Contribute to organisational planning, sustainability and business development.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to support delivery of Brathay’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Lead and support teams to encourage high performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Attend and report into the Trustee Board and Finance & Risk Committee meetings.
• Provide leadership support during periods of organisational change and transition.
• Contribute to risk management, business continuity and organisational resilience.

Financial Leadership and Management:

• Lead the day-to-day financial management of the Trust.
• Ensure effective financial controls, systems and processes are in place and operating efficiently.
• Oversee the production of accurate and timely management accounts, forecasts, cashflow reporting and financial analysis from the Management Accountant.
• Lead the annual budgeting and forecasting process.
• Business partner budget holders with financial planning, monitoring and decision-making.
• Ensure the organisation operates within approved budgets and financial policies.
• Develop and improve financial reporting and management information.
• Oversee cashflow management, banking relationships and investment monitoring.
• Identify and manage financial risks and opportunities.
• Support the development of financial sustainability and income growth strategies.

IT & Systems Oversight:

• Provide leadership guidance to support our digital transformation journey.
• Line Manage the IT & Data Systems Manager and external providers to ensure secure, reliable and effective IT services.
• Support improvements in systems, reporting and digital processes.
• Ensure effective controls are in place relating to data security, GDPR and cyber security.

Governance, Compliance & Company Secretarial Responsibilities:

• Support effective governance arrangements across the Trust.
• Act as Company Secretary and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee preparation of statutory accounts and coordinate the annual audit process.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and frameworks including:
  Charities Act, Companies Act, HMRC requirements, Financial reporting standards
• Maintain effective relationships with external auditors, accountants, solicitors, insurers, banks and other professional advisers.
• Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements are maintained and reviewed.
• Support organisational compliance, risk management and policy development.

Operational Support

• Provide practical and responsive leadership support…