Head of Finance

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.
• .• 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 QuickBooks 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).

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