Finance & Risk Director

*Full-time role with salary up to £70,000, commensurate with experience. Exceptional part-time candidates considered if able to effectively deliver all responsibilities.

The role

The Finance and Risk Director at the Impact Investing Institute (“the Institute”) plays a critical role in achieving our mission. You will provide strategic and financial leadership to ensure that the Institute’s strategic funding model and day to day management of its finances is sound. You will develop all necessary policies and procedures to ensure the effective operation of an enterprise-wide risk management framework including fit for purpose systems and controls. The Finance and Risk Director is a member of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and works with the CEO and Executive Directors to ensure that the Institute remains financially viable and operates within risk appetite limits established by the Board.

Key responsibilities

Resource Planning, Budgeting and Reporting

• Direct the Institute’s annual budget setting and longer term strategic financial planning, with a robust analysis of past financial performance and intended expenditure, forecast income and net cashflow
• Deliver to the Chief Executive, Board, Finance, Risk and Audit Committee (FRAC) and SMT a high-quality balanced scorecard, providing advice and support on resource planning. Ensure budget holders receive up to date timely and accurate management accounts and information in order to maintain day to day control of the expenditure budget
• Review all grant and funding agreements (income) as well as contracts for services (expenditure); ensuring contractual risks are mitigated across the enterprise. Generate high-quality information on fundraising pipeline and financial forecasts, as well as financial reporting for grant purposes
• Ensure income and expenditure are appropriately apportioned and tracked for grants, projects, and services, maintaining clear records for reporting and compliance purposes
• Ensure effective financial management to optimise interest income and corporation tax
• Encourage innovation and seek best practice for a business of the Institute’s size and ambitions, and enhance the processes in place for effective resource allocation and performance monitoring

Financial Systems, Control and Accounting

• Ensure the Institute (and any future subsidiaries) operates robust accounting procedures and systems of internal financial controls, in line with current good practice
• Manage all tax-related activities including in relation to VAT, ensuring that accurate VAT records are maintained and VAT returns compliant with tax regulations are submitted. Seek external tax advice where appropriate and liaise with external tax advisers
• Lead the preparation of the annual report and accounts for audit in line with good practice, liaising with the auditors and presenting the final accounts to the FRAC and Board for approval
• Lead payroll provision and ensure accurate and timely salary and related payments
• Ensure that an appropriate register of assets is maintained, that the Institute has adequate cash holdings, and that cash is moved to interest-bearing accounts as appropriate

Risk management

• Manage the Institute’s approach to strategic, financial and operational risk, with the support of the Executive Team and the FRAC
• Implement, oversee and review the Institute’s systems of enterprise-wide risk management and controls assurance, ensuring financial and business risks are identified and managed on a continuous basis
• Oversee the maintenance and regular updating of our risk register, risk universe, risk appetite matrix, and key risks, ensuring they reflect current likelihoods, impacts, and mitigation strategies
• Collaborate closely with the SMT the FRAC and the Board, providing regular, detailed reports on the Institute’s risk profile and the effectiveness of mitigation efforts
• Develop and monitor risk mitigation plans, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and compliance with regulatory requirements
• Promote a risk-aware culture across the organisation through training and communication

Functional leadership

• Lead the design of the function to deliver an efficient and effective approach to finance and risk, including identifying the most cost-efficient balance between internal and outsourced resourcing
• Create, lead, manage, inspire and develop a positive, inspirational and proactive culture.
• Be visible, energetic and participative, encouraging cross-team working
• Effectively manage the performance of team members if/as required, ensuring they are working to agreed objectives, delivering outcomes and that they receive appropriate training and support.

Personal Profile

• Financial Expertise and Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with over 10 years of financial management experience, demonstrating robust financial systems control, and accounting proficiency.
• Good understanding of tax matters, including ensuring that the organization is prepared for any tax-related contingencies
• Risk management: Proven track record in strategic risk management and leadership in risk-aware organisational cultures.
• Demonstrates strong analytical skills, resilience in the face of complex challenges, and a keen ability to align risk management with broader organizational goals.
• Skilled in maintaining a comprehensive risk register and developing risk mitigation strategies
• Analytical and Strategic Planning: Exceptional analytical and decision-making skills with a strong focus on strategic financial planning, resource allocation, and performance monitoring.
• Proficient in using financial modelling to support strategic decisions and operational improvements
• Financial Systems and Control: Expert in implementing and managing financial systems and controls to ensure data integrity and operational efficiency.
• Adept at leveraging technology for financial reporting, forecasting, and budgeting
• Resource Management and Compliance: Demonstrated ability in resource planning, managing budgets, cash flow, and capital, alongside a solid understanding of accounting principles, tax regulations, and compliance requirements to drive sustainable growth and financial integrity.
• Desirable — experience of government and/or charity sector funding
• Leadership and Collaborative Communication: Accomplished leader with a proven track record in managing and motivating cross-functional teams, fostering a positive organizational culture, and promoting a risk-aware environment through effective collaboration with the SMT, external providers, and stakeholder

How to Apply:

All applications must be submitted via BeApplied. We are committed to equal opportunities, and the initial screening stage will be based on your responses to role-specific questions (250 words limit). These responses will be reviewed anonymously and randomly, so please take the time to answer fully.

Important Notes:

• The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK by the start of employment.
• The Impact Investing Institute is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all sections of society and do not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race. (Note to applicants: DIE information submitted in the application is anonymous and helps us to ensure our roles are reaching a wide pool of candidates.)
• Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the application process.
• When submitting your application, you will be required to declare that you have not used auto-generation software.
• You can view our policies at https://www.impactinvest.org.uk/our-policies/

If offered the role, you will need to provide:

• Proof of your right to work in the UK.
• Two referees, one being a previous line manager or professor. Roles including line management responsibility should include a referee who they previously line managed.
• Details for pre-employment checks, including proof of ID and address.