Head of Finance

The organisation

Based in the heart of the City of London, the Girdlers’ Company is one of the City’s historic Livery Companies, where centuries of heritage sit alongside a modern and active role in charitable giving, education and the wider community. Reflecting its origins in the craft of making girdles and belts, the Company retains the honour of presenting the ceremonial girdle and stole worn by the Sovereign at each coronation.

The Company’s charitable work is primarily funded by a substantial commercial and residential property portfolio, helping it support a wide range of organisations and communities, including the Armed Forces.

The job

Reporting directly to the Clerk, the Head of Finance will take sole ownership of the day-to-day finance function and play a central role in supporting the Company’s financial management and long-term planning.

This broad, hands-on role encompasses management reporting, budgeting, cash flow management, maintaining financial controls and oversight of key finance processes. The role includes managing and reviewing the support provided by the Company’s external accountants. You will attend and prepare supporting papers for various committee meetings including the Finance, Property, Hall and Charity Committees. Working closely with colleagues across the Company, the Head of Finance will provide clear, timely financial information to support effective decision-making.

The person

We are looking for a qualified accountant, ideally ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent, with strong experience of statutory accounts preparation and managing the external audit process. The role calls for sound technical accounting knowledge, a keen eye for financial control and the confidence to operate with a high degree of autonomy.

You will be an effective influencer and excellent communicator, with a sociable, approachable manner and the confidence to engage with a diverse group of stakeholders.

Experience of property and/or charity accounting would be particularly valuable, while knowledge of Xero or a similar accounting system would be helpful.

What’s in it for you?

You will join a friendly, close-knit office team of seven. Alongside a varied and responsible finance role, the Girdlers’ Company offers an excellent benefits package, including:

• 15% employer pension contribution based on gross salary, with no employee contribution required
• Private medical insurance
• Life insurance
• Hybrid working, currently three days in the office and two days working from home
• 23 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
• Discretionary bonus

What to do now

If you are interested in this opportunity and would like to find out more, please apply with an up-to-date CV.

For an informal and confidential conversation about the role, you can also contact Peter O’Sullivan at HAYS, who is managing the recruitment process on behalf of the Girdlers’ Company.