Head of Finance & Shared Services

The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) are exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell to recruit a Head of Finance & Shared Services to join their dynamic team on a permanent basis. BSAVA is the professional body that serves veterinary surgeons and nurses who treat companion animals and it exists to enable the veterinary profession and professionals thrive.

Reporting into the CEO and as a key member of the Leadership Team, this critical role will be responsible for the development of effective financial strategy to deliver the organisations strategic ambitions, whilst also supporting the strategic development, performance measurement and the optimisation of the Charity’s income.

The organisation:

Founded in 1957, BSAVA has gone from strength to strength to enable the community of small animal veterinary professionals to develop their knowledge and skills through leading-edge education, scientific research and collaboration. BSAVA currently boasts over 10,000 members, the majority of whom work in practice as veterinary surgeons or veterinary nurses, and there are several exciting projects on the horizon as part of their new strategic plan, of which this Head of Finance and Shared Services will play a leading role.

The role offers a full-time opportunity with an excellent benefits package including 7% contribution towards Group Personal Pension, private medical insurance, free parking on site and 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days after three years). Furthermore, the charity’s beautiful offices in Quedgeley (Gloucestershire) were complete renovated in 2017 and the successful post holder will be offered the opportunity to work from home up to three days per week.

The key duties of this Head of Finance & Shared Services role are as follows:

• Ensure that the charity complies with statutory, funding and tax regulations, fulfilling its requirements as a charity, company and employer.
• Work with the CEO and Trustees to enhance and improve the organisations governance functions. 
• Lead the statutory audit process and production of the Annual Report, co-ordinating the completion of year end processes.
• Attend Board and Audit and Risk Committee meetings, providing clear and accurate reports to enable them to assess the associations financial, compliance and risk management situation. 
• Develop a long-term financial strategy that will support the charity’s ambition for growth.
• Support the Chief Executive and LT with new business development and change management initiatives. 
• Oversee the preparation of annual budgets and 3-year forecasts in accordance with the timescales laid down by the CEO.
• Make recommendations to further develop the Shared Services function in order to optimise resources and enhance the efficient running of the Association.
• Support the LT in development and review of business models, commercial proposals, optimising pricing strategies and analysis of potential revenue.

The successful candidate will have:

• Qualified as a finance professional or be qualified by demonstrable experience.
• Finance experience at a senior level, guiding executing and non-executive colleagues.
• Experience of producing and managing organisations budgets and forecasts.
• Experience of financial modelling and development of KPIs.
• Line management experience.
• Ideally, experience of charity accounting including preparing statutory accounts for audit.
• Experience of managing other business areas and support functions would also be an advantage.
• Ability to contribute effectively and constructively as a member of the Leadership Team

The closing date for applications is on Sunday 20th October, but applications are under continuous review in advance of this date so apply today to make sure you are considered!