Finance Director

About Us

Freeways and Freeways Trust are linked local charities that supports adults with learning disabilities.

Freeways is a highly regarded provider offering a range of social care support services and Freeways Trust owns and manages a portfolio of properties which support the work of Freeways. Both charities are passionate about helping people to become as independent as possible by supporting them to make choices, learn new skills, and make links with their local community.

About the Role

The Finance Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the strategic direction of both Freeways and Freeways Trust and will be responsible for developing  and delivering financial strategies that align with the charities' objectives while maintaining financial sustainability. This position also involves overseeing financial management, ensuring compliance and leading the finance team to achieve operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership and Financial Planning: Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to set strategic direction and develop financial strategies and budgets.  Develop the financial strategy and five-year budget plan, including capital investment plans and cashflow forecasts that align with strategic priorities and operational plans.

• Financial Management and Control: Oversee finance operations, ensure timely reporting, and lead the annual audit process.  Maintain, review, and update internal financial controls across the finance function, identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks. Be responsible for the review and audit of financial processes across the organisation including for the people we support.

• Organisational Performance: Manage budget-setting and performance tracking, providing insightful analysis to stakeholders. 
• Governance: Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with charity law and maintaining essential records with the Charity Commission and Companies House.
• Leadership, Management and Culture: Build strong relationships with key stakeholders and lead the finance team to achieve operational excellence and foster a positive organisational culture.

About You

You will be a qualified and experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a commitment to improving financial processes. Your strategic thinking and exceptional communication skills will allow you to explain complex financial information to various audiences and help them understand the impact on the wider charity and the potential future options. You will also possess a solid understanding of financial management, compliance, and governance, along with the ability to lead and develop a team.

Benefits

• 35 days (pro-rata) annual leave entitlement (including public holidays)
• Company sick pay
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance cover of twice your annual salary (subject to rules of the scheme)
• Free parking on site
• Family-friendly/work-life balance policies
• Free DBS check every 3 years
• Occupational health provision
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour access to a counselling and legal helpline

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS and Adult Barred List check.