Director of Finance and Operations - Bristol

Charity People have partnered with a leading wildlife trust based in Bristol, to help recruit their next Director of Finance and Operations.

This wonderful wildlife Trust is the largest local charity working to protect wildlife in the West of England area.  They are one of the 46 Wildlife Trusts and the Royal Society of Wildlife Trusts that collectively form The Wildlife Trusts.  This is an exciting time to be joining the Trust as they are implementing ambitious plans to invest in our future and increase the impact we have for wildlife. 

As Director of Finance and Operations, you will work closely with the Chief Executive, co-ordinating the Trust’s Finance, People and Resources functions to support this work, maintain the organisational health, and enable them to realise the organisational goals.

The ideal candidate will be experienced working at a senior level and comfortable working strategically as well as hands-on as required. As part of a senior leadership team, you will take shared responsibility for delivery of the strategy set by the board and you will also work closely with your team, including managing the Head of People and Resources, Head of Commercial Development and the Finance team.

Salary: £65,000 - £70,000 per annum 

Contract: 37 hours per week, Permanent

Hybrid: Office based in Bristol and you will be required to go in 2-3 days per week

Key duties and responsibilities will include:

• Lead the development of annual financial, budget and operational plans. 

• Develop financial strategy in line with the strategic plan to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the organisation. 

• Ensure an appropriate risk management framework is in place.

• Ensure that systems are in place to support the Head of Fundraising in the delivery of income targets.

• Lead on financial planning, operations and accounting, including budgets, restricted fund management, banking and investments, payroll, pensions, tax, VAT, financial accounting and reporting, and end of year accounts.

• Provide senior leadership and lead and manager the Finance, Human Resources and Commercial Development teams.

• Ensure that the financial reporting, analysis, systems and controls and other financial records meet the evolving needs of the charity.

Candidates applying for this role must have the following:

• Strong understanding of charity governance and Charity Commission requirements

• A recognised CCAB qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) 

• Experience of working in the charity sector with a good understanding of the charities SORP

• Senior level financial leadership and operational management experience

• Experience preparing and presenting financial and management accounts and reports.

• Empathy with and commitment to the trust’s mission and values.

• Experience of implementing financial controls, policies and procedures to ensure excellent service delivery

• Experience in financial planning and reporting

• Managing and empowering a Finance team

• Flexible/adaptable in order to engage with others and to achieve objectives

Candidates shortlisted for this role will be required to answer three detailed questions which will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your experience, skills and personality.

This role will be closing on        12th February, 2025

1st Stage interview                   w/c 17th February 2025

2nd Stage interview in person    26th February 2025

Charity People actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We match charity needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.