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Director of Finance

Cardiff/Hybrid

Permanent

Salary: c. £45,000

Role Purpose:

The Director of Finance (DoF) is responsible for providing strategic and professional leadership and standard setting for financial management planning, tracking and reporting, ensuring the Board of Directors and Trustees, SMT, senior managers and budget holders are provided with appropriate and authoritative advice, support and guidance. The DoF will ensure that WCVA financial systems, processes and procedures are robust and rigorous and compliant with legislation and regulatory requirements. Additionally, the DoF will ensure sound and robust financial management throughout the organisation and ensure the provision of timely and accurate financial information to both internal and external users. The DoF will assume responsibility for financial compliance and the safeguarding of WCVA's assets, as well as for optimising the management of reserves and investments in line with WCVA's strategic plan. Across the wider organisation the DoF will exercise strong financial leadership to influence business decisions and to improve financial practice at an operational and strategic level. This role will ensure that the Finance team delivers an excellent service to the organisation through effective business partnering. The Director of Finance (DoF) reports to the Chief Executive of WCVA and leads the Finance Function.

Main Duties:

Finance, Audit and Risk

  • Lead WCVA's financial strategy and policy, including matters relating to banking, pensions, investments, reserves and cash flow.
  • Produce and present timely financial reports, budgets and projections, and provide advice and analysis for the Trustees, Senior Management Team and managers.
  • Maintain the highest standards of financial management and control, and fully meet the requirements of external partners/funders, including Welsh Government and the Wales European Funding Office.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements of the Charity Commission, VAT, corporation tax, statutory accounts and the areas relating to finance within GDPR, PQASSO etc.
  • Develop and implement financial plans and budgets for all functions, ensuring services are sustainable, functionally viable and delivered within budget, while promoting organisational efficiencies.
  • Negotiate with funders and partner organisations over contracts, budgets and related matters.
  • Oversee the development of effective policies and efficient systems, controls and procedures for all matters relating to finance.
  • Help to grow WCVA's portfolio of services by providing strategic input and advice in the preparation of significant tenders, contracts and proposals including meetings and negotiations with third parties as necessary.
  • Lead the production of the group's annual statutory accounts and liaise with the auditors.
  • Provide leadership for the organisation as a full member of the Senior Management Team, developing and promoting WCVA's strategy, services and culture in accordance with its Values and Mission, and contributing to the development and implementation of WCVA's strategic delivery plan.
  • Appraise options for providing business services for other third sector organisations by WCVA or through a collaborative venture and develop services as appropriate.
  • Manage WCVA's Risk, Procurement and Governance activity; working with the staff responsible to meet the necessary reporting and monitoring requirements.
  • Manage the procurement strategy / framework for WCVA to ensure value for money is delivered.
  • Ensure that business continuity plans and disaster recovery procedures are in place.
  • To manage WCVA's risk management framework to ensure robust mitigations plans are in place across WCVA.
  • Additional project management from time to time, as required.
    • This is not an exhaustive list. The post holder may be asked to carry out additional duties from time to time or, as required, by the developing needs of the service or organisation.

    Person Specification:

    The following are essential skills (candidates who do not demonstrate how they meet the following skills will not be short listed)

  • 1. A recognised financial qualification (e.g. membership of CIMA, ICAEW, CIPFA or ACCA)
  • 2. Proven experience in financial management and the development and implementation of robust systems and policies
  • 3. Understanding of the funding environment (including Welsh and European funding) with experience of operating complex funding programmes
  • 4. A commitment to WCVA's purpose and its equal opportunities and Welsh language policies
  • 5. Staff management skills
  • 6. Knowledge of IT and experience of financial IT systems (Exchequer, Sage)
  • 7. Ability to understand and solve problems in a practical and cost effective manner
  • 8. Clear understanding of principles and practices of corporate and business planning
  • 9. The flexibility to adjust, and help others adjust to change and innovation
  • 10. Good oral and written presentation skills
  • 11. Good personal and communication skills.

    • The following are key skills: (these skills are needed for the role but could be acquired on the job or through training within 6 months of appointment)

  • 1. Experience of the meeting the financial and reporting requirements for European Structural Funds
  • 2. An understanding of charity accounting
  • 3. An empathy with and knowledge of the voluntary sector and the confidence to ensure that the needs and views of the voluntary sector are paramount and are not overlooked in any action, discussion etc.
  • 4. Experience of working with Welsh government departments, political representatives, voluntary and community sector organisations.

    • The following are desirable skills: (these skills are preferable, and would enhance the application)

  • Welsh language skills would be an asset to the post but are not considered essential.

    • For further information please contact our team on 02922 400294 or at resourcer@head4talent.com