3 Head of operations jobs in Exeter, Devon

Head of Finance and Operations

We are seeking an experienced finance and operations professional to provide strategic leadership within a growing environmental charity.

Salary: £60,000 FTE, £48,000 actual
Location: Home-based, UK, with some travel to London and occasional UK travel
Hours: 28 hours per week, four days
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 4 October

Interviews: First round on 13 & 14 October; Second round 16 October

About the role

This is a broad and influential senior leadership role covering finance, governance, operations, people and organisational development.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees, you will ensure the charity has the financial insight, effective systems and strong infrastructure needed to deliver its ambitions. You will also deputise for the Executive Director occasionally and provide line management for support functions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading financial operations, controls, budgeting, cash flow forecasting and management reporting
• Producing statutory accounts and managing the annual audit
• Monitoring restricted, designated and unrestricted funds
• Supporting the Board and Finance Committee with clear reporting, papers and effective governance
• Overseeing organisational risk, compliance, data protection, cyber security, insurance and business continuity
• Improving HR, IT, CRM, digital and operational systems
• Leading the responsible adoption of digital tools, automation and AI
• Coordinating organisational workplans and monitoring delivery against strategic priorities
• Overseeing recruitment, onboarding, employment processes and staff development
• Supporting an inclusive, collaborative and high-performing remote working culture

About you

You will be a qualified ACA, ACCA, CIMA or AAT accountant with at least seven years’ experience in finance and operations management, ideally within a charity or similarly values-led organisation.

You will also bring:

• Experience across HR, IT, risk, data protection and health and safety
• Strong financial planning, reporting and analytical skills
• Knowledge of accounting software, spreadsheets and CRM systems
• Experience managing and developing people
• Strategic thinking and proven project management skills
• Confidence working with trustees and producing board-level reports
• An understanding of how organisational systems support small, remote teams
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a collaborative, self-directed approach

Knowledge of charity governance, philanthropy, Salesforce, Xero or digital transformation would be advantageous. An interest in environmental issues and improving the planet for future generations is also welcomed.

About the organisation

You will join a UK environmental charity working to strengthen philanthropy and increase its impact in response to the climate and nature emergency.

The organisation supports a significant network of funders, advisers and fundraisers by sharing research and expertise, building relationships and encouraging greater investment in environmental causes.

It is a fully remote organisation with a culture founded on kindness, trust, inclusion and mutual respect. Benefits include flexible working, a 7% employer pension contribution, learning and development opportunities, and additional discretionary closure between Christmas and New Year.

Applications are encouraged from people who may not meet every element of the person specification. Adjustments can be made to support an accessible and inclusive recruitment process.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Finance Director, Director of Finance and Operations, Head of Finance, Head of Operations, Chief Operating Officer, Charity Finance Director, Head of Resources or Director of Resources.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, NFP People.

Prospectus is pleased to be working with a social change organisation in the UK to recruit for a Head of Operations. This is a permanent, part-time vacancy offered at 0.6 – 0.8 FTE (3 or 4 days per week). This is a fully remote based role with some UK travel expected, including a monthly visit to Bristol or Reading.

The role will be responsible for supporting and coordinating the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team to function as effectively as possible. This includes developing their internal set up, processes and systems and overseeing compliance and risk management. Other responsibilities include coordinating team growth, culture and performance and overseeing long term financial planning and forecasting.

The successful candidate will bring previous experience having worked in a similar operational role. You will bring a passion for the mission and will have strong experience of embedding systems and processes. You will also have a good understanding of budgets and overseeing aspects of finance, although you are not required to be accountancy qualified for this role. You will have some experience relating to risk or compliance and will demonstrate excellent people skills, with the ability to engage with internal stakeholders at all levels. You may not have experience in every area of this job description and we would welcome applications from candidates looking to develop skills in some of these areas.

For details on how to apply please click through to the job on the Prospectus website where you can also find the full Appointment Brief.

Please note: Due to the urgency of this vacancy, shortlisting and interviews will take place on an ongoing basis therefore we encourage applications ASAP. We therefore reserve the right to close the application process early if necessary.

As a specialist Recruitment Practice Prospectus is committed to building inclusive and diverse organisations, and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Prospectus invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you in your application.