Job Description

Job title:Director of Finance and Resources

Reporting to:Chief Executive

Location:London E1

Budget responsibility:Core overheads budget and overall organisation budget

Management responsibility:Executive & Governance Coordinator

Finance Manager

Office Coordinator

HR Advisor

Hours:35 hours per week

Contract:Permanent

Living Streets is the UK charity for everyday walking. We are a dynamic and growing organisation, with a proud history dating back to 1929. Our finances are in good shape. Funding is secure for the next three years but we want to diversify our income.

What do we do? With our 80,000 supporters, we campaign for public policies. Our ground breaking projects achieve real change. Our walk to school challenge reaches children in over 3,500 schools. We also provide expert advice to local authorities and businesses to help improve streets and public spaces.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:

We are seeking to cover the post of Director of Finance and Resources until the end of December 2017 pending appointment of a permanent Director. The key responsibility of the post is providing effective financial management for Living Streets and Living Streets Services (our trading subsidiary) but the post is also accountable for HR and the provision of support services including IT and facilities management. We usethe Exchequer finance system and are about to conduct a Data Protection review and a review of our IT provision.

The post holderis responsible for meeting all statutory requirements through good governance and ensuring good financial planning, management and monitoring. The post holder must also ensure that the organisation effectively prioritises its resources to deliver its strategic and business objectives. The post holder will be a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

The post holder will bea member of the Senior Management Team (SMT), reporting directly to the Chief Executive. They will regularly report to the Board of Trustees and will act as Company Secretary, ensuring good governance and that Trustees meet their legal and regulatory duties.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial management

  • Lead the organisation’s financial management
  • Ensure good financial management of Living Streets and its trading subsidiary, Living Streets Services
  • Draw up, monitor and review annual budgets and business plans, in conjunction with the Chief Executive, ensuring an adequate system of full cost recovery
  • Manage the financial procedures of the organisation, and ensure the financial procedures are regularly reviewed, fit for purpose, and appropriately adhered to
  • Provide effective and supportive leadership and line management to the Finance and Resources team
  • Ensure timelyand adequate monitoring and reporting to staff and external bodies as required
  • Work with other managers to ensure financial systems develop and are appropriate, including ensuring that managers have the necessary financial skillsand providing training to staff and trustees as required
  • Ensure efficient accountancy computer software systems are in place
  • Provide sound advice to the Chief Executive, the SMT and Trustees, including preparation of monthly financial and performance management reports, and advising on any action required
  • Ensure good risk management in relation to financial management
  • Liaise with funders, including overseeing the preparation of financial reports
  • Oversee payroll and VAT returns
  • Oversee billing and credit control
  • Prepare year-end accounts to audit and liaise with Treasurer and Auditors for production of the Annual Report and Accounts.

HR, administration and facilities management

  • Lead on ensuring effective support services across the organisation
  • Oversee a tendering process of Living Streets IT facility and ensure that IT resources are adequate and provide value for money
  • Be the Data controller for Living Streets and ensure compliance with data protection regulations and GDPR.
  • Oversee and support the work of the HR Advisor in respect of the HR and recruitment function, including reviewing policies and ensuring efficient HR systems
  • Lead on equality and diversity policy within Living Streets.
  • Oversee the tendering/procurement of services and supplies and ensure Living Streets procurement policies are upheld
  • Ensure that all premises are well resourced and fit for purpose
  • Ensure that all aspects of administration, including customer enquiries, operate efficiently.

Governance and compliance

  • Leadon overall risk management to ensure that embedded processes of risk identification, monitoring and mitigation are in place
  • Ensure compliance with Living Streets’ governance requirements and undertake the role of Company Secretary, overseeing the Executive Assistant in the production of Board papers and minutes
  • Ensure compliance with all Charity Commission and charity law requirements, in addition to other relevant legislation such as data protection
  • Provide input and advice to any wider strategic and management discussions affecting the charity.

Other duties

Department

  • Be an active contributor to the Finance and Resources team and attend team meetings

Organisation

  • Contribute to the management of the organisation and be an active contributor to the SMT, staff meetings and internal communications
  • Deputise for the Chief Executive in their absence
  • Undertake other duties from time to time, as requested by Chief Executive
  • Champion the Living Streets corporate brand, messages, campaigns and communications initiatives to raise the profile and impact of Living Streets
  • Support fellow staff and provide internal mentoring and training to others where appropriate
  • Be an ambassador for Living Streets as requiredat public-facing eventsand in all dealings with partners, funders, wider stakeholders and the general public
  • Adhere to Living Streets policies and procedures, working within communications and wider protocols, maintaining good liaison with other teams across the organisation
  • Ensure the effective delivery of the Living Streets Strategic Plan and the Living Streets Strategic Objectives
  • Maintain good liaison with other teams and senior managers across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential

Applicants must be able to demonstrate:

Criteria / From application () / At interview ()
Experience
Demonstrable experience of operating in a financial management role / 
Experience in managing budgets / 
Experience in managing the HR function / 
Experience of facilities management / 
Experience of IT management and data protection / 
Experience of leading a finance and resources function for an organisation / 
Professional accountancy qualification / 
Knowledge and skills
Ability to be administratively self-supporting and work remotely with other team members / 
Ability to solve problems, deal with change and a range of complex issues simultaneously / 
Excellent financial management skills / 
Knowledge and experience of dealing with HR issues / 
Strong written and verbal communication skills / 
Sound knowledge of charity accounting, charity law and regulations / 
Strong IT skills. Knowledge of data protection and computerised finance systems and spread sheets /  / 
Personal
Totally reliable person, with keen attention to detail / 
Self-motivated and ‘can do’ approach to tasks and challenges / 
High level of integrity and ethical approach / 
Commitment to equal opportunities and ability to implement equal opportunities policy / 
Understanding of, and commitment to, the agenda of Living Streets / 
Willingness to take responsibility for and implement corporate decisions / 

Desirable

It would be preferable for applicants to also demonstrate:

Criteria / From application () / At interview ()
Experience
Experience working within the not-for-profit sector /  / 
Knowledge and skills
Experience in strategic planning /  / 
Experience in supporting committees /  / 

What we offer

Terms and Conditions

  • 25 days holiday in year 1 (in addition to public holidays and 2/3 days off at Christmas), rising by 1 day each year of service up to maximum of 30 days after 5 years (pro rata)
  • Pension - 5% employer contribution (employee contribution not compulsory)

After completion of 6 month probationary period:

  • Annual interest-free Season Ticket Loan
  • Cycle To Work Scheme (cheap cycle and cycle equipment purchase).
  • Child care vouchers