Head of Finance and Reporting

The Head of Finance and Reporting is a critical and exciting new position that sits at the very heart of the Design Council, with a broad and varied remit.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Operations, this hands-on role will be responsible for ensuring the organization achieves its charitable and strategic objectives by protecting value, managing risk and providing excellent business partnering in the form of insightful and transparent management information, independent challenge and commercial acumen.

About you

The role includes the following responsibilities:

Being overall owner of the financial results, controls and processes
Developing and owning annual budgets, and tracking performance
Delivering robust financial reporting – both accurate actuals and credible forecasts
Providing management information, KPIs and analysis to help drive decisions
Working with the Director of Finance & Operations to implement strategy
Managing cash flow and treasury functions including bank payments
Work with colleagues to ensure compliance with Charity Commission reporting requirements
Collaborating with other teams to solve problems and drive improvements
Work with external partners to ensure compliance and cost-effective service delivery

Skills & Experience

We are looking for a high calibre and hands on individual used to working at a senior level, with demonstrated financial management and business partnering experience. You will have experience of designing and implementing process improvement and controls, as well as working across teams and at different organisational levels. You will also be passionate about operational excellence and the power of data to transform business decision-making and organisational outcomes.

Qualified financial professional (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent)
At least 5 years working in a managerial finance role
Business partnering experience is a must
Knowledge of Microsoft Business Central ERP is an advantage
Experience of financial analysis, forecasting and modelling
Able to produce meaningful management information and provide insights
Used to working with and adapting fit for purpose processes and controls
Confident delivering through others including external service partners
Reasonable level of understanding of VAT accounting and rules
Excellent time-management skills and ability to prioritise
Experience of charity accounting / non for profit is a plus

You will also be:

An excellent communicator
Empathetic, pragmatic and adaptable, with a solutions-mindset
Proactive, hands on and willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in
Confident working at different levels within an organisation including Exec and sometimes Board level
Willing and able to take a risk-based approach to making decisions
Tech-savvy and interested in data, systems and smart IT solutions
Comfortable and happy to work outside your core area
Curious and open to new ideas and ways of working
A team player but also comfortable working on your own
Have an interest in design and sustainability
Aware of some of the challenges and rewards of working in the not-for-profit sector

Our values and behaviours:

Boundless Curiosity. Dynamic scoping of new ideas and best working practices to create and demonstrate impact.
Inspire Possibility. Brilliant team and project leadership so we clearly communicate the value and impact of design.
Powerful Together. Role modelling how to get the best out of everyone so we all maximise our contribution to Design for Planet.

Corporate responsibilities:

Proactively identify and manage risks and financial controls in relation to the Design Council and your specific area of responsibility.
Comply with the Design Council’s operational policies and procedures including financial and risk management, project management and evaluation processes, brand guidelines, GDPR, information security and internal health and safety policy.

Applications

Please submit your application by 21 April 2024.

Apply

Download the candidate pack

Please email Ishbel Allotey, HR Manager recruitment@designcouncil.org.uk if you have questions about the role.

The Design Council is fully committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation. We welcome applications from everyone who meets the criteria. If you need any additional support, please do send in an early alert to our email address below.