Head of Finance & Operations

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Head of Finance and Operations for this well-established Charity based in North London

• Location: North London
• Salary: to £65,000 per annum depending on experience  
• Hybrid working: 2 – 3 days a week is required at our offices.
• Working pattern: Flexible working hours, with home and office working
• Reports to: Chief Executive
• Direct reports: Senior Finance Officer 
• Key working relationships: Senior Management Team / Treasurer / Board of Trustees

Purpose of Role

The Head of Finance & Operations is a pivotal senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the financial sustainability, operational effectiveness and strong governance of the charity.

Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with the Board of Trustees, Treasurer and Senior Management Team, the postholder will lead the charity's finance function whilst overseeing governance, risk, compliance, systems, facilities and business operations.

This is a hands-on role within a lean and ambitious organisation, requiring both strategic leadership and operational delivery. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting organisational decision-making, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring the charity is well-positioned for future growth.

Key Responsibilities
 

Financial Leadership

• Lead financial planning, budgeting and forecasting processes
• Develop and manage cashflow, ensuring long-term financial sustainability
• Produce timely and accurate management accounts and financial reports for the CEO, Board and Committees
• Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts and manage the external audit process
• Ensure strong financial controls, compliance and fraud prevention measures
• Support the CEO, Treasurer and SMT with financial insight, analysis and scenario modelling
• Line-manage the Senior Finance Officer to ensure effective financial reporting and controls.
• Develop longer-term financial planning, cash flow and budgeting processes to help shape the future financial direction of the charity.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies, procedures, and fraud prevention controls.

Strategic Leadership & Organisational Planning

• Act as a key member of the Senior Management Team, contributing to organisational strategy and planning.
• Translate financial and operational data into clear, actionable insight.
• Support performance monitoring and organisational decision-making across the charity.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of sustainable growth plans.
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and organisational effectiveness.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Lead the coordination of Board and Committee cycles, ensuring meetings are effectively planned and delivered.
• Oversee the preparation and collation of Board and Committee papers, working with SMT colleagues to ensure timely submission of reports.
• Maintain the governance calendar and ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory deadlines.
• Attend Board and Committee meetings as required, providing financial and operational insight.

Systems, Data & Information Governance

• Provide strategic oversight of the charity's systems, technology and data infrastructure.
• Lead systems improvement projects to enhance efficiency, reporting and user experience.
• Oversee the charity's CRM, finance systems and reporting platforms.
• Manage relationships with external IT providers and consultants.
• Act as the charity's Data Protection Accountable Person.

Operations, Facilities & Procurement

• Oversee office operations and facilities management.
• Manage supplier relationships and key service contracts.
• Lead procurement processes and ensure value for money across operational expenditure.
• Ensure operational policies, procedures and controls support effective service delivery.
• Support organisational resilience and business continuity planning.