Head of Finance Job Liverpool area,England UK,Finance & Banking

About the role Key responsibilities Strategic

Partner with the CEO and SLT to develop financial plans, forecasts and models that support delivery of the business plan and long-term sustainability.
Develop and monitor clear financial indicators, including income, expenditure, cash flow, reserves, restricted funds and financial risk.
Provide financial scenario forecasting, options appraisal and stress-testing to support sound decision-making by the CEO, SLT and Board.
Advise the CEO, Treasurer, Finance and Risk Committee and Board on financial risks, opportunities, reserves, cash flow and internal controls, presenting clear recommendations to support informed decisions.
Build financial understanding across the SLT, Trustees and budget holders so that financial responsibility is understood and embedded across the organisation.

Partnership and Subsidiary Oversight

Act as the lead financial contact for key delivery partners, ensuring robust financial reporting and compliance across collaborative projects.
Oversee the financial management and governance of any subsidiary companies, ensuring they meet statutory obligations and contribute to the charity’s mission.
Conduct financial due diligence on potential new partners or commercial opportunities to mitigate risk.

Financial Management and Governance

Hold accountability for financial operations, ensuring compliance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), charity and company law, and Citizens Advice standards.
Design and lead the annual budgeting process, providing support and constructive challenge to internal budget holders.
Prepare and present insightful management accounts, monthly and quarterly project reports, and variance analysis for the SLT and Board.
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• Lead the annual audit process and produce comprehensive schedules to support statutory accounts preparation.
Manage operational cash flow and lead annual reserves policy reviews with the Board.

Funding and Contract Excellence

Provide financial oversight and internal sign-off on all grant and funding applications before submission.
Collaborate with the SLT to develop feasibility plans for new income-generation opportunities and innovative propositions.
Manage and provide financial sign-off for financial terms in contracts, facility leases and service subscriptions.

Team Leadership and Compliance

Lead, support and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement and strong financial practice.
Provide financial skills development for key stakeholders and budget holders across the organisation.
Regularly review and update financial policies, procedures and internal controls to mitigate risk.

Person specification

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
Proven experience and a deep understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP) and the management of restricted and unrestricted funds.
Experience in financial modelling and the ability to translate complex financial data into clear reports for non-finance audiences.
Advanced Excel skills and proficiency in Quick Books Online or similar accounting software.
Experience of leading a finance team and influencing at SLT or Board level.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving and written and verbal communication skills.
A demonstrable commitment to the aims, values and mission of Citizens Advice Liverpool.

Additional Requirements

Experience of managing financial relationships within a group structure or with external delivery partners.
Experience in an income-generation environment and developing financial models for new business cases.
Knowledge of HR and payroll processes, including pensions auto-enrolment.
Experience of leading a team through organisational change.
Familiarity with data protection regulations (GDPR).