Head Of Finance

About Us

This is a pivotal moment in the development of both the National Forest and the National Forest Company, with a new 25-year vision for the National Forest, an ambitious strategy for the organisation, and a renewed focus and purpose in light of the urgency of climate change.

The National Forest is one of the boldest environmentally-led regeneration initiatives in the country, demonstrating how trees can provide a catalyst for change both in the National Forest and beyond. Across our 200 square miles and over three decades we have a track record of making things happen, increasing forest cover from 6% to more than 22%, transforming the landscape and improving lives and the economy.

An exciting opportunity has now arisen for a Head of Finance to join our team on a full-time, permanent basis.

The Benefits

·         Salary of £51,626 - £58,876 per annum

·         Annual bonus

·         Civil Service Pension scheme with employer contributions of 28.97%

·         30 days’ annual leave plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays

·         Flexible working options

·         Cycle to Work Scheme

·         Employee Assistance Programme

·         Discounts on gym memberships

This is an exceptional opportunity for a high-calibre accountancy professional with senior level experience gained in the charity sector to join our impactful organisation.

If you want to join us in our mission of growing the future together, we would love to hear from you.

The Role

As our Head of Finance, you will actively lead on the management of all aspects of the finance function to include;

·         The production of interim and annual financial statements that comply with the requirements of the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

·         Preparing all information and supporting documentation for the annual audit, and liaising with the National Audit Office, and the NFC’s external auditors.

·         Supporting the internal audit process.

·         Fulfilling the accounting and reporting requirements to Defra.

·         Working closely with the Director of Corporate Services and Senior Leadership Team to develop strategic financial initiatives that support financial forecasting, goal setting and financial planning.

You will directly line manage the Finance Manager, ensuring the smooth operations of the finance function.

Your role will also involve:

·         Preparing the annual budget

·         Overseeing and signing off monthly payroll

·         Contributing to the development and management of financial systems and procedures

About You

To be considered as our Head of Finance, you will need:

·         To be a qualified accountant with at least five years’ relevant experience

·         Senior experience in the charity sector, including producing charity SORP compliant group accounts and monthly management accounts.

·         Experience of the financial management of complex restricted funded projects

·         Knowledge of charity trading and gift aid arrangements

·         Good written and oral communication skills

Everyone at the NFC is supported to develop their skills and capabilities. All new employees joining will have a full induction to the NFC’s work and our policies.

Other organisations may call this role Head of Accounts, Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Head of Charity Finance, Finance Director, FD, or Senior Management Accountant.

The National Forest Company is an equal opportunities employer, values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all employees and all applicants for employment. Equal opportunities are the only acceptable way to conduct business and we believe that the more inclusive our environments are, the better our work will be.