Job Description

The British Society for Rheumatology is looking for a talented finance professional to join its operations team.  It's an opportunity to lead our finance function in to an exciting future as we embark on our new 3 year strategy.

Role purpose

The Head of Finance is a key role which has responsibility for providing accurate and timely financial information, advice and support to the Senior Management Team and Board of Trustees to enable them to make high-quality, informed business decisions to ensure the effective and efficient operation and governance of BSR (the charity) and its trading subsidiary, BSR Enterprises Ltd. 

The post holder has responsibility for financial and management accounting, accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, cashflow, budget planning and monitoring, and payroll, ensuring all are appropriately managed and follow best practice, audit and legal requirements, and that BSR and BSR Enterprises Ltd meets all statutory requirements with regard to financial matters.

Key responsibilities:

1 Supporting the Board of Trustees and the Senior Management Team (SMT):

• Give robust advice to the Trustees and SMT on all statutory duties to ensure good governance and compliance with financial legal obligations as set by the Charities Commission, Companies House, HMRC, etc.
• Lead the financial management reporting processes to Trustees and SMT and advise and assist with business decision-making where appropriate
• Lead the production of annual financial budgets with SMT and budget holders and ensure approval by the Finance & Risk Committee (FRC) and Board of Trustees
• Overall responsibility for ensuring that financial systems are established that allow for continuous monitoring of financial performance throughout the year
• Produce accurate and informative monthly management accounts and commentary, including the statement of financial activity, balance sheet and cash flow projection, outlining any potential impacts on cash flow.
• Develop and lead the production of accurate short, medium and long-term cash flow forecasts to ensure the Society remains a constant going concern and advise Trustees and SMT of any potential risks to cash flow and reserves.
• Lead the production of the statutory annual accounts in accordance with SORP 2015/2019, co-ordinate the production of the Trustees Annual Report, liaising with external auditors throughout the year-end audit process.
• Develop, review and update the financial policies and procedures in accordance with current governing legislation.
• Attend FRC meetings to present current management accounts and financial statements and promote best financial practice.
• Identify and evaluate areas of financial activity or processes within BSR that can be improved.

2 Lead and manage the day-to-day financial activities of the charity and trading subsidiary, including the following:

• Ensure appropriate systems, policies and procedures for financial control are in place and adhered to, maximising the efficient use of IT systems.
• Seek to continuously develop the current computerised accounting and payroll system to ensure BSR keeps up with innovations in this area.
• Ensure that all financial transactions adhere to the Data Protection Act 1998, General Data Protection Regulation 2018, and SORP2015/2019.
• Oversee the processing of all financial transactions including petty cash
• Be the lead for treasury management, monitoring liquidity and investments, liaising with our investment company
• Be the lead for HMRC and other government departments, bankers, investment advisers, and service providers.
• Oversee payroll, pensions and PAYE, employer NI contributions and year-end procedures and advise SMT of any payroll and pension regulation changes.
• Manage the quarterly and annual VAT reconciliation incorporating the Capital Goods Scheme, seek and give professional advice to SMT and the Board of Trustees concerning VAT matters.
• Identify any areas of cost savings that can be made, discuss with SMT and lead on implementation.

3 Staff management, training and development:

• Manage the work, objective setting, and personal development plan of the Finance Officer
• Delegate work where required, supervise and mentor, identify and implement plans for training needs.
• Identify and implement plans for own training and development needs.
• To undertake additional duties as required.

Inclusion & diversity statement

BSR is committed to encouraging inclusion, equality and diversity among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation by complying with the Equality Act 2010.

We want a working environment free of all of the above, where individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued.

To do this, we will proactively tackle discrimination and disadvantage and ensure that no individual or group is directly or indirectly discriminated against for any reason.

BSR values statement:

Leadership - we drive excellence in rheumatology care

Collaboration - we listen, we learn, we improve

Openness - we are inclusive and accessible

Celebratory - we support and celebrate success

Person Specification

Training, experience & qualifications

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIPFA, CIMA).

At least three years’ management experience

Experience of computerised accounting and book-keeping (Sage) and advanced Excel spreadsheet skills.

Significant experience of producing statutory and financial management accounts.

Experience of managing and co-ordinating budget planning and monitoring processes.

Experience of managing payroll, HMRC and VAT administration and preparation of returns.

Excellent verbal and written skills with the ability to communicate complex financial concepts to non-financially trained colleagues in both verbal and written format.

Experience of effective line management. 

Experience of using a CRM system integrated with finance systems.

Experience of managing a trading subsidiary

Experience of finance in a professional membership organisation, preferably of a medical specialty.

Understanding of issues affecting a medium-sized charity.

Experience of working closely with trustees and committees.

Knowledge & skills

Excellent analytical skills.

A proactive approach to improving systems, processes and policies.

Knowledge of the requirements of SORP 2015/2019 and charity accounting.

Ability to effectively communicate with all levels from junior staff to Trustees and funders, on a one-to-one basis and in formal settings.

Able to maintain total confidentiality.

Flexible and adaptable to changing priorities.

Resourceful and practical; can think on your feet and solve problems quickly and effectively.

Positive ‘can do’ attitude.

Proven ability to motivate, enthuse and manage a team; thrives during periods of pressure and high volume of work.

Experience of presenting to a wide range of stakeholders.