Robert Half are really excited to be partnering with the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) on a retained basis in their search for a Head of Finance & Planning on a permanent contract. NCT is the national & most trusted charity for parents and expectant parents across the UK & Channel Islands for services tailored to meet their needs. Founded in 1956, NCT deliver the widest range of antenatal classes, postnatal courses, workshops and services to over 70,000 people every year – they help parents feel prepared and confident on their journey into parenthood whilst also making life-long friends in their local community! Togetherness & support really is at the heart of everything they do – they believe that no parent should isolated and that all parents are supported to build a stronger society. They champion being an open, diverse and inclusive charity, so if you’re looking for a role where you really can make a difference to thousands of lives and new lives, then look no further!

The Head of Finance and Planning provides leadership for all finance and planning activities and is the key person that Trustees, Directors, Managers and staff look to in ensuring that:

  • financial advice is tailored, relevant and provided on a timely basis to support effective decision making;
  • the finance and planning systems and processes ensure sound controls and accurate information;
  • the finance team is well led
  • The role will have 2 direct reports and will report into the Director of Finance & Planning. You will be a member of the SLT & Organisational Services Management Team and will have significant operational & budget autonomy to make independent decisions within the planning and budgeting framework. This is a critical position that will heavily partner with Directors, Head of Department, Managers and Staff across the whole organisation.

    Based in Clifton, Bristol, hybrid working is supported. The salary on offer is up to circa £65,000 + benefits (DOE).

    Responsibilities:

  • Ensure that NCT’s accounting records are properly maintained and organised, including through reviewing month-end and year-end procedures
  • Make judgements in preparing accounts based on the application of FRS102 and the Charities SORP plus other accounting conventions
  • Review, maintain and develop Finance systems, policies and procedures, and ensure that they are properly implemented to ensure effective financial control
  • Provide sponsorship and / or strategic input on new system development projects, including on Salesforce
  • Oversee the annual audit, agreeing the plan, liaising with the audit manager throughout and implementing any recommendations to the Audit, Risk and Scrutiny Committee (“ARSC”) of the Board on various governance matters and Committee decisions
  • Ensure that cash flow management, including regular forecasting, meets the needs of the Charity and manage the Investment Managers to ensure that they understand and comply with the agreed Investment Policy
  • Lead the annual budget-setting and forecasting processes
  • Tracking performance against plans and supporting managers identify and overcome delivery roadblocks
  • Oversee the preparation of the management accounts and make recommendations based on these
  • Ensure that high quality, succinct and decision relevant management information is available for Directors, members of the ‘Heads of’ group, other managers and Trustees
  • Support the Director of Finance & Planning in meeting internal & external legal and governance requirements
  • Manage the Bristol office on a day-to-day basis including H&S standards
  • Lead the finance team, including mentoring and developing and ensuring their welfare
  • Set priorities and long-term objectives for the Finance Function
  • Work collaboratively with everyone at NCT to ensure the Charity’s financial sustainability and enhance the positive impact of its activities
  • About You

  • Qualified Accountant (ACCA/CIMA/ACA)
  • Prior experience in preparing financial and management accounts, including forecasts & annual plans
  • Experience in VAT & PAYE
  • Prior management experience – including having emotional intelligence and the ability to collaborate with a range of people
  • Charity experience & SORP accounting knowledge is ideal, but not essential
  • Have a passion for NCT’s vision and mission
  • For more information on this opportunity, please reach out to Paige Birks on 01179 935 445. To apply, please e-mail . All conversations remain confidential.

    Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: