Head of Finance - #2161642

We are delighted to be partnering with Barts Charity to recruit their new Head of Finance.

Barts Charity is one of the UK's leading health charities, working in partnership with Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London and City St George's, University of London to fund transformational healthcare, research and innovation across East London. It is a well-resourced, ambitious organisation with a significant investment portfolio, strong governance and a clear focus on using its resources to deliver lasting impact for patients and communities.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a high-quality finance function at an interesting point in its development. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Head of Finance will lead across financial control, financial planning and analysis, business partnering, and the continued development of the Charity's data, digital and AI capabilities.

Barts Charity is keen to find someone who can combine strong technical finance and controls with business partnering and people leadership. There is also an exciting opportunity to improve how AI, automation and data are used across the finance function.

About the role

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you will provide leadership across the finance function and work closely with senior colleagues, budget holders, the Finance and Audit Committee and Investment Committee.

• Maintaining a robust financial control environment and ensuring high-quality financial reporting
• Overseeing financial governance, audit, tax, regulatory and charity reporting requirements
• Leading budgeting, forecasting and longer-term financial planning
• Providing meaningful financial analysis and insight to support decision-making
• Developing strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the Charity
• Leading the continued development of finance systems, processes, reporting and analytics
• Identifying opportunities to use automation and AI to improve financial processes, controls and analysis
• Building confidence and capability across the finance team in the use of data, digital tools and AI
• Leading, coaching and developing the finance team and creating a collaborative, high-performing culture
• Contributing to wider organisational leadership as part of the Heads Group and deputising for the CFO when required

The Charity is well-resourced and the opportunity is suited to someone who wants to develop the quality of financial control, business partnering and make better use of digital tools, automation, data and AI across finance.

Barts Charity also has a substantial endowment/investment portfolio of c.£540m, supported by a highly experienced Investment Committee. While investment experience is not essential, the role offers a valuable opportunity for someone keen to broaden their experience, gaining exposure to investment strategy, asset management and the management of a significant endowment portfolio.

The ideal candidate will bring

• A professional accountancy qualification such as ACA or ACCA, or equivalent
• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role
• Strong financial control and audit experience
• Experience in budgeting, forecasting, management reporting and financial planning
• A strong track record of business partnering and influencing senior non-finance stakeholders
• Experience managing, coaching and developing finance teams
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn financial information into useful insight
• An interest in how data, automation, digital tools and AI can improve the effectiveness of a finance function
• Experience working with integrated finance and business systems
• A collaborative, improvement-focused approach and strong communication skills

Experience within a charity or not-for-profit environment will be valuable. Direct investment management experience is not essential, although an interest in the area would be welcome?.

Key details

Location: London / hybrid

Office requirement: Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the office

Annual leave: 30 days plus bank holidays

Pension: 10% employer contribution, with no compulsory employee contribution

Applications close: 16 October

First-stage interviews: 22 and/or 23 October via Teams

Final interviews: 4 and 5 November in person at the Barts Charity offices

Barts Charity is looking for someone who can maintain strong financial stewardship while continuing to develop a modern, well-run finance function. Of particular interest will be candidates who can demonstrate strong experience across financial controls, business partnering, data and technology, and people leadership.

To apply or find out more, please submit your CV or contact us for a confidential conversation.