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 opportunities

Planning, 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 performance

Cashflow, 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 advisors

Payroll & Operational Finance

• Oversee outsourced payroll and ensure accuracy and compliance
• Manage income processes, including credit control and customer accounts

Governance & 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 development

Leadership

• 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 stakeholders

Experience with in 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 support

A competitive salary and attractive benefits package are on offer.

Next Steps
For a confidential discussion and full details, please get in touch directly.