Head of Finance

Overview

We are looking for an experienced and values-driven Head of Finance to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will play a key role in supporting the organisation by providing strong financial leadership across a complex and diverse operation.

• Lead the annual budgeting process and quarterly reforecasting, working collaboratively with budget holders to ensure robust planning and effective challenge.
• Oversee day‑to‑day cash flow management and longer‑term forecasting of income, expenditure and capital investment.
• Provide financial challenge and guidance on commercial and non‑commercial initiatives, ensuring decisions are financially sound, compliant and aligned with Chester Zoo’s values and mission.
• Oversee organisation‑wide tax and regulatory compliance, including VAT, Gift Aid and other statutory obligations, working with advisers where appropriate to ensure compliance and best practice.
• Support Chester Zoo’s ongoing digital transformation, including the development and integration of finance systems such as Microsoft Business Central.
• Work closely with the Financial Accountant to ensure statutory and group accounts are produced in line with Charity SORP, FRS
  102, the Companies Act and UK GAAP, supporting a clean external audit.
• Strengthen internal controls and financial processes to improve efficiency and reduce risk.
• Support business development by providing financial insight and challenge on new initiatives, helping to ensure sustainable growth aligned with our charitable mission.

• Be a qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA accountant.
• Have post‑qualification experience in a commercial or complex organisational environment.
• Have experience of leading and managing a finance team.
• Be an effective communicator, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to produce clear, high‑quality financial reports.
• Be confident building positive working relationships with senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Have strong systems knowledge and be comfortable working with finance and reporting systems.
• Be an advanced Excel user, able to manage and analyse large datasets.
• Have strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP, Charity SORP, Gift Aid and VAT.
• Be comfortable working in a deadline‑driven environment, with a high level of attention to detail and sound professional judgement.
• Experience of using Microsoft Business Central and Jet Reports would be an advantage, but is not essential.

In addition to a salary of 65,000 per annum, we offer a wide range of benefits, including generous leave, pension contributions, wellbeing support and the opportunity to work in a unique and inspiring environment.