Head of Finance and Operations

This is a senior leadership position offering a pivotal opportunity to shape our organization's financial and operational future. The Head of Finance and Operations will provide strategic guidance while ensuring the efficient and effective daily operations of all financial and administrative functions.

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will deputize in their absence, contribute significantly to our organizational growth and success, and ensure a robust and compliant financial framework.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Financial & Operational Leadership

• Partner with the CEO to develop and implement long-term financial and operational strategies, including horizon scanning and risk management.

• Manage the organization's financial systems, specifically overseeing and optimizing the use of QuickBooks for all accounting and reporting functions.

• Identify and implement operational improvements to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

• Develop, review, and implement financial policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and industry best practices.

• Oversee reviews and renewals of organizational insurance policies.

2. Financial Management & Oversight

• Oversee all financial activities, including budgeting, forecasting, payroll, and taxation.

• Lead the annual audits for UK and US entities, ensuring accuracy and transparency and managing relationships with auditors.

• Maintain and manage banking relationships.

• Conduct regular variance analysis and recommend corrective actions to the CEO and leadership team.

• Oversee management of restricted funding.

• Develop and implement robust financial controls.

3. Fundraising and Data Systems

• Ensure accurate and timely financial reconciliation between CiviCRM and QuickBooks.

• Provide financial insights and analysis to support fundraising strategies and donor reporting.

4. Leadership & Governance

• Deputize for the CEO as needed, ensuring continuity across all operations.

• Maintain strong relationships with board members, providing comprehensive and insightful quarterly financial reports to foster understanding and engagement.

• Provide strategic leadership to your team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

• Be responsible for managing relationships with our US bookkeeper (consultant) and both UK and US auditors, and for the line management of the UK Finance and Admin Officer.

5. Operational Excellence

• Lead and manage a team of finance and operations professionals.

• Develop and implement efficient systems and processes to optimize performance across all administrative functions.

• Monitor and assess operational activities, proactively identifying and addressing potential issues.

• Conduct regular cost analysis and implement cost-saving initiatives.

• Oversee HR and payroll functions

Person Specification

Essential

• Professional accounting or finance qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).

• Proven experience in a senior finance and operations role (at least three years experience).

• Experience in preparing UK statutory accounts and managing external audits. 

• In-depth knowledge of UK FRS 102 and Charities SORP. Exposure to/experience of US GAAP.

• Experience in preparing the annual budget, working closely with budget holders.

• Experience in supporting grant management.

• High proficiency in using financial software. (e.g. QuickBooks, Xero etc.)

• Experience in driving continuous improvement of financial processes and systems. 

• Strong strategic and financial planning skills.

• Experience leading and managing a team.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.

• You enjoy a mix of leadership and rolling up sleeves to get hands-on.

Desirable

• Experience working in a not-for-profit sector.

• Experience working in an international organization.

• Experience with CiviCRM or other similar donor management systems.

• Experience in remote working.

• Strong commitment to Humanists International’s mission.