Head of Finance – Impact Initiatives, Permanent

JOB DESCRIPTION & PERSON SPECIFICATION

Head of Finance
JOB REFERENCE
SERVICE

Central

LOCATION

Emmaus, Manor Road Portslade or hybrid

HOURS

30 hours per week (with potential to increase in line with the
needs of the business)

CONTRACT

Permanent

SALARY

Band 9, Scale Point 43– 51 £54,218 FTE (£43,961 actual salary
for 30 hours per week), paid monthly by Automated Credit
Transfer on the 25th of each month

HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT

27 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays and an additional 3
days at Christmas (all pro rata)

ACCOUNTABLE TO

CEO

LINE MANAGED BY

CEO

ROLE PURPOSE
Role Purpose
The Head of Finance is responsible for providing strategic financial leadership and ensuring
the effective financial management and contributing to the long-term sustainability of
Impact Initiatives. As a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, the postholder will work
closely with the CEO, Trustees and service managers to support organisational planning,
informed decision-making and the delivery of the charity's objectives. The role includes
overseeing financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and compliance, ensuring
robust financial controls and effective use of resources. The Head of Finance will lead and
develop the finance team, ensuring the provision of accurate, timely and accessible
financial information across the organisation.

Informal enquiries please contact: Caroline Ridley CEO caroline.ridley@impactinitiatives.org.uk

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF IMPACT INITIATIVES
Supporting People, Connecting Communities and Changing Lives Across Sussex
Who we are
Everyone needs a helping hand sometimes, whether that’s a child struggling with their
mental health, or an older person feeling lost and alone.
Some organisations focus on one issue at a time. But we’re the thread that helps hold
things together, and we have been since 1978. Connecting people of all ages
throughout Sussex to the support that’s right for them. So, they can feel like they
belong.
What we do
We’re built on a simple belief: if we give someone the right support at the right time, we
can change the course of their life. One trusted conversation, one safe space, one
peaceful night’s sleep – small moments like these can lead to a whole new future.
We leave no one behind, so our services reach far and wide across Sussex:
Children and young people
We focus on what matters most: safety, support and belonging. Our Children & Young
People’s team provides one-to-one and group sessions that help people grow their
confidence; in schools, in nature and at our Young People’s Centre. Our help means
they can believe in themselves for perhaps the first time in their lives. Our Stopover
service provides a safe home and trusted support for young women aged 16-25 years
old.
Adults and older people
Loneliness is an epidemic in the UK. We’re determined to change that. For example,
The Hop50+ is a safe place offering vital support and connection for older people. But
it’s also a hive of activity, buzzing with live music, classes, delicious lunches and
welcoming friends.
Our Advocacy service supports adults with disabilities to navigate complex systems
and ensure their voices are heard. Our Workability team helps people with disabilities
in West Sussex to find the right job for them, so they can feel independent and fulfilled.
Why we do it
The social fabric that helps hold communities together is frayed. Here in Sussex, we see
it every day. Rising mental health issues, loneliness, housing problems and inequality.
Without our support, people can fall through the cracks.
We believe that repairing it starts locally. That’s why we’re here – to weave a safety net
of support for the people of Sussex.

About the Senior Leadership Team
The Senior Leadership Team (SLT) is responsible for providing strategic leadership and
direction across Impact Initiatives, working collaboratively to ensure the effective
delivery of our services and achievement of our organisational objectives. Led by the
CEO, the team comprises the Heads of Adult and Older People's Services, Children and
Young People's Services, Supported Housing, Finance, Business Development and
Infrastructure and Compliance. Together, the SLT provides leadership across the
organisation, contributes to strategic planning and decision-making, oversees
organisational performance and resources, and identifies opportunities for
development and improvement. Members of the SLT are expected to take a collective
approach to leadership, contributing to the success and sustainability of Impact
Initiatives as a whole, alongside their individual areas of responsibility.
HEAD OF FINANCE MAIN TASKS
Strategic Financial Leadership
•

Contribute to the strategic leadership and long-term financial sustainability of
Impact Initiatives as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.

•

Provide financial advice and guidance to the CEO, Trustees and managers to
support planning, decision-making and effective management of resources.

•

Lead financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management,
identifying financial risks and opportunities.

Financial Management and Reporting
•

Oversee all finance and accounting functions, ensuring effective financial controls
and accurate, timely financial information.

•

Prepare and present monthly management accounts, forecasts and quarterly
financial reports to the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees.

•

Lead the preparation of annual statutory accounts and manage the external audit.

•

Oversee banking, payments, payroll and investments, ensuring compliance with
relevant financial, accounting and regulatory requirements, including VAT and
taxation.

•

Monitor expenditure, identify opportunities for efficiencies and ensure value for
money.

Financial Governance and Risk
•

Maintain and develop financial policies, procedures and controls, ensuring
effective financial governance and risk management.

•

Monitor and advise on financial performance, reserves and risks, reporting to the
CEO and Trustees and attending relevant meetings.

•

Provide financial input into funding applications, contract tenders and service
development proposals, including costing and financial viability.
Finance Team Leadership and Development

•

Lead, manage and develop the finance team, ensuring effective performance and
clear responsibilities.

•

Review and improve financial systems, processes and reporting to support efficiency
and continuous improvement.

•

Promote excellence in financial management across the organisation, providing
guidance and training to managers and staff as appropriate.

•

Contribute to organisational meetings, staff conferences and the AGM as required.

General Duties and Responsibilities
•

To work within the service specific and organisational policies and procedures.

•

To attend regular one-to-one meetings as required by the CEO.

•

To attend regular SLT meetings and Impact Conference days as required.

•

To attend training events as relevant to your service area.

•

To be aware of the needs of other workers, paid or unpaid, and contribute positively
to a supportive working environment.

•

To comply with and implement Impact Initiatives Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Policy and any specific policies and procedures designed to promote and monitor
diversity, equalities, and inclusion.

•

To comply with and implement Impact Initiatives Health and Safety Policy and
Procedure relating to the specific activities on which you are employed. Generally, to
take reasonable care for health and safety of all those affected by this work.

•

To undertake any other duties, as appropriate to the character of this work and as
requested by the CEO as reasonably required.

PERSON SPECIFICATION
The criteria below will be used to assess suitability for the role.
Criteria

A recognised professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or
equivalent), or substantial senior level financial management experience
demonstrating equivalent knowledge and competence

Status

Essential

Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, statutory
reporting and financial controls, including charity accounting requirements and
restricted and unrestricted funds

Essential

Significant senior-level finance experience, including managing complex
budgets, multiple income streams, financial planning, forecasting, cash flow
and management reporting

Essential

Experience of preparing accounts, managing external audits and ensuring
compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements

Essential

Experience of leading and developing staff, managing performance and
improving financial systems, processes and reporting.

Essential

Experience of providing clear financial advice to senior managers, contributing
to strategic planning and organisational decision-making.

Essential

Excellent analytical skills, sound judgement and attention to detail, with the
ability to interpret financial information, identify risks and provide practical
recommendations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain
financial information clearly, build effective working relationships and provide
constructive professional challenge.
Excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to work
independently, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines and respond
positively to change.
Strong IT skills, including advanced Excel, together with a proactive,
collaborative approach to leadership, high standards of integrity and
commitment to Impact Initiatives' values and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Essential

Essential

Essential

Essential

Criteria

Knowledge of Xero accounting software and evidence of relevant continuing
professional development

Experience of charity or voluntary sector financial management, including
grants, contracts, restricted funding and reporting to Trustees or an equivalent
governing body.

Status

Desirable

Desirable