Our client is one of the largest Credit Unions in the UK. As a financial co-operative, they aim to be a financial partner for life to 19k+ members. As a not-for-profit, any income generated, is used to pay dividends to our members or to fund projects and services that will benefit the community and the interests of our members. Members come from a wide range of industries including transportation, logistics, engineering, civil aviation and members of the Armed Forces.

The Head of Finance is responsible for the successful running and all day-to-day management decisions of the finance team, a key contributor of the senior management team in setting direction and control of the organisation, providing strategic guidance and direction in ensuring that annual operating plans and strategic objectives are met. This includes assuming delegated responsibility from CEO where required for the operation, conduct and compliance of the business.

• Position: Head of Finance
  
• Reports to: CEO
• Line Management: Finance Manager
• Hours: Full Time
• Location: Brentford, Greater London

The HoFs role is both operational and strategic in nature and, as such, the ability to develop and deliver strategy, while maintain effective operation of the finance team, is key to the success of the role. It is critical that the HoF has the capacity to maintain effective relationships and influencing positions with key stakeholders, representing and advancing the profile and aims of the organization for its members.

The HoF is a trusted and analytical financial expert with a keen eye for detail who ensures that the business runs effectively, efficiently and profitably. The HoF is also the custodian of the finance processes, policies and procedures, and is able to deliver financial reporting that will empower the business to make sound decisions based on its current or projected financial position.

Being a not-for-profit financial co-operative controlled by members, authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), and jointly regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the PRA the business is a somewhat complex organisation. The role-holder will need to ensure a balance of focus and synchronisation of priorities and objectives between these different stakeholders. The successful applicant must have the ability to perform Senior Manager Function (SMF8) statutory responsibilities as defined by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA).

Qualifications, experience, knowledge & skills

Qualifications

• Accountancy Qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA, etc) – essential
• MBA or similar higher education / business qualification – desirable
• Full driving licence - essential

Experience

• Demonstrable success in a commercial environment; ideally within financial services or accountancy firm
• Experience of financial reporting and forecasting
• Experience of interpreting and analysing data
• Senior-level experience of managing people, stakeholders and resources
• Proven experience in developing and implementing long term strategic plans

Knowledge

• Excellent understanding and awareness of costs, margins and returns and how to ensure profitable, and sustainable, growth in difficult economic conditions
• Good understanding of the regulatory requirements for financial service organisation (Financial Conduct Authority and Prudential Regulation Authority) and ability to be approved to undertake relevant Senior Management Functions

Skills

• The ability to successfully lead and implement change 
• The ability to lead, manage and motivate employees in diverse teams to successfully deliver business objectives
• Excellent communication skills, in a variety of contexts, including written report writing
• Well-developed negotiating and influencing skills, able to persuade and leverage in a politically sensitive or complex stakeholder environment
• The ability to build effective working relationships and strategic partnerships, demonstrating self-awareness, flexibility and a collaborative approach
• Ecellent presentation skills
• Creative and innovative problem-solving skills
• Ability to learn, digest and apply new information quickly