Head of Finance and Operations

Head of Finance & Operartions

Location: St Helens Salary: £55,000 per annum Hours: 35 hours per week Contract: Permanent

We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Finance & operations to join the Senior Leadership Team and take a lead role in the organisation's financial management, sustainability and wider business support functions.

This is a broad senior finance position offering the opportunity to combine strategic financial leadership with operational responsibility. You will work closely with the CEO, Board and senior leadership team, providing high-quality financial insight and advice to support decision-making, organisational performance and long-term sustainability.

Alongside leading the finance function, you will provide oversight across key corporate services including HR, IT, administration, governance, compliance, risk and data protection.

Financial Leadership

Lead the organisation's financial management, ensuring robust financial controls, reporting and governance.

Lead the annual budgeting process and develop longer-term financial plans.

Oversee forecasting, financial planning and management reporting.

Manage cash flow, reserves and financial risk.

Provide clear financial analysis and advice to the CEO, Board and senior leadership team.

Lead the external audit process and ensure all regulatory and statutory financial reporting requirements are met.

Ensure the organisation maintains strong financial controls and operates within agreed policies and procedures.

Identify opportunities to improve financial performance, efficiency and long-term sustainability.

HR

Provide oversight and support across workforce planning and people-related matters.

Ensure appropriate employment policies, processes and compliance are maintained.

IT & Information Security

Oversee IT systems, infrastructure and information security.

Support digital transformation and the effective use of technology across the organisation.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Lead the development and maintenance of effective governance frameworks and internal controls.

Ensure compliance with relevant statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements.

Maintain and develop organisational risk management processes.

Identify, monitor and mitigate key financial and operational risks.

Support effective Board governance and organisational accountability.

Data Protection

Act as the organisation's Data Protection Officer (DPO).

Ensure compliance with UK GDPR and relevant data protection legislation.

Lead data protection audits, impact assessments and staff training.

Manage data protection incidents and liaise with relevant regulatory bodies where required.

We are looking for a strategic, commercially minded and hands-on finance leader who can combine strong technical financial expertise with excellent leadership and communication skills.

Significant experience in a senior finance leadership position.

Experience leading financial planning, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.

Strong financial management and commercial decision-making skills.

Experience working with senior leadership teams and Boards.

A recognised accountancy qualification such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent, or significant relevant experience.

Experience leading or overseeing governance, risk and compliance.

A strong understanding of UK GDPR and data protection requirements.

Experience providing oversight across wider corporate services such as HR, IT or administration.

Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.

The ability to balance strategic thinking with a hands-on and practical approach.

Desirable Experience

Experience within the charity, housing, social care or wider not-for-profit sector would be advantageous.

Knowledge of social housing, childcare or other regulated environments would also be beneficial, as would experience of leading organisational transformation, growth or significant change programmes.