Finance Lead

EA First is delighted to be partnering with a small, high profile public sector organisation to recruit a Finance Lead. This broad, hands on opportunity will suit an experienced finance professional who enjoys combining technical accounting, financial management and business partnering with the chance to improve systems, controls and ways of working.

Our client is a values led public body with a national remit. Working within a collaborative and supportive environment, the organisation places strong emphasis on impartiality, transparency, professionalism and evidence based decision making. Its compact structure gives the Finance Lead genuine visibility across the organisation and regular contact with senior leaders, budget holders and governance committees.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Finance Lead will manage the day to day finance function and provide timely, accurate and accessible financial advice. Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading monthly management accounts, budget monitoring and forecasting for senior leaders and governance stakeholders.
• Supporting medium term financial planning, business planning, modelling and organisational decision making.
• Partnering with budget holders to strengthen financial accountability and identify efficiencies.
• Maintaining and developing financial policies, procedures, controls and audit trails.
• Coordinating year end working papers, financial disclosures, internal and external audit activity and implementation of recommendations.
• Preparing financial submissions and returns to relevant government bodies, including support for formal funding estimate processes.
• Overseeing payments, income, banking, cash flow, reconciliations and other day to day financial operations.
• Acting as lead contact for the finance system supplier and using digital solutions to improve reporting and efficiency.
• Providing financial modelling and commercial input for procurement exercises, business cases, contracts and projects.
• Contributing to governance, risk management, business continuity, corporate planning and committee support.

The Finance Lead will be comfortable taking ownership of a varied finance remit in a small organisation and translating financial information for non finance colleagues. You will bring:

• Finalist or newly qualified status with ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ICAEW or an equivalent body.
• Strong practical experience of budgeting, forecasting, management reporting, reconciliations and financial controls.
• Experience of supporting year end accounts and audit processes.
• The ability to produce clear analysis and explain financial information confidently to varied audiences.
• Strong Excel, Microsoft 365 and financial systems capability, with an interest in process and digital improvement.
• A proactive, organised and collaborative approach, with the ability to balance competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Sound judgement, integrity and confidence when handling confidential or sensitive information.

Desirable experience

• A background in public sector, central government, local government or not-for-profit finance.
• Knowledge of public sector financial guidance, risk management or business continuity.
• Experience within a small organisation or broad corporate services environment.

Finance Lead

• A permanent position with a starting salary of £47,278, increasing by 3.5% to £48,743 after the first anniversary.
• Civil Service pension scheme with a 28.97% employer contribution and 5.45% employee contribution, or a non-contributory partnership pension option with up to 14.75% employer contribution.
• 27.5 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by one day every two years to a maximum of 30 days after five years.
• Flexible working practices and a hybrid arrangement requiring approximately two to four days per month in the London office for in person meetings.
• A visible, varied role offering exposure to senior decision makers and the opportunity to shape finance processes across the organisation.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.

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