We’re delighted to be partnering with the National Forest Company (NFC) to recruit their Director of Finance & Resources. The Director of Finance & Resources will be pivotal in leading and driving forward the finance and resources functions that underpin the organisation. This opportunity will help shape the direction of the organisation, enhancing business support, refining and transforming current ways of working as well as ensuring continuous improvement and value for money. The role would suit an experienced financial leader, whether a senior executive looking for a new challenge or a talented individual taking the next step in their career. The Position: The Director of Finance & Resources will lead a multi-functional team supporting delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Forest, the charity and its subsidiary. This will cover a range of disciplines including finance and audit, compliance and risk, human resources, facilities and systems. The person will oversee the group budget, have direct responsibility for staffing and running cost budgets, leading a team of seven with two direct reports - the Head of Finance and the Head of Resources. The role of Director of Finance & Resources will be exciting, challenging, stimulating and hugely rewarding, knowing that you are contributing to one of the most innovative sustainability initiatives in the country. Finance and Audit:

Financial leadership for the NFC and its subsidiary.

Ensuring timely and accurate reporting for the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Audit & Risk Committee (ARC), and the Board.

Producing the NFC Annual Report and Accounts in compliance with the Charity SORP and IFRS 102.

Preparation and analysis of financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.

Cashflow forecasting, restricted projects support, treasury and banking arrangements, including liaison with external providers.

Ensuring compliance with financial policies, processes, reporting and controls, including reporting to Defra under the Framework Document.

Compliance and risk:

Acting as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and reporting requirements

Coordinating the internal audit programme, liaising with auditors and internal staff.

Risk including risk policy, risk register and Business Continuity Planning

Human Resources, facilities and systems:

Overseeing the Head of Resources to ensure effective delivery of all aspects of HR, facilities and systems for the NFC, including policy and practice.

Corporate development:

Contributing to strategic plans, corporate objectives, decision making and reporting, with particular responsibility for Finance and Resources

Working with the senior leadership team to set the values, culture and leadership for the organisation

Leading the facilitation of ARC and the Remuneration Committee, liaising with the committee chairs and members and reporting to the Board.

The successful candidate should have the following essential qualities to support the next phase of the organisation’s development:

Relevant accounting qualification i.e. ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA

At least 10 years post-qualification experience

Previous experience working in a charity, not for profit or public sector, including hands on production of Annual Report & Accounts

Preparation of Financial Statements using the Charity SORP, and IFRS

Extensive senior leadership experience in a similar role, working with non executive and executive teams

Leading and managing change, including overseeing projects i.e, changing finance systems

Broad knowledge of statutory regulations and compliance relating to government bodies, companies and charities, including finance, audit and risk

Further Details:

This a full-time permanent post.

The successful candidate will be appointed within the Grade 6 salary range of £67,306 to £75,385 per year. The NFC also offers end of year performance awards to all employees.

The principal place of work will be the National Forest Company’s offices at Enterprise Glade in Moira, near Swadlincote, South Derbyshire DE12 6BA. They operate flexible working arrangements subject to business priorities.

Pension. An important part of the pay and reward package the NFC offers employees is the option to join the Civil Service Pension Schemes arrangements, with an employer contribution of 28.9% of salary.

The closing date for applications: Midnight on Wednesday 19 February 2025

The National Forest Company relies on the experience and commitment of people of all ages and backgrounds. They are keen to attract a diverse pool of candidates and welcome applications from all. Data: Cherry Professional are working in partnership with The National Forest and will process your data in line with our Privacy Policy which can be found in the GDPR section of our website. If you are long listed for this role, we will add your data to our system in order to progress your application. If we don’t feel you are the right fit for this role, we may keep your data if we can help you with your job search and so we can let you know of any other suitable roles we have. You will receive an email with this information on and how to choose what we do with your data.Cherry Professional are recruiting for this opportunity on behalf of our client. Please view our Privacy Policy on our website to understand how your data will be used if you apply for this role.

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