Head of Finance

Role Background

Bradford District and Craven is a diverse area with both significant strengths and complex challenges, where the VCSE sector plays a vital role in supporting communities. Bradford District & Craven Mind (BDC Mind) is a key charity working in partnership to deliver impactful services and drive positive change.

Following a period of growth, we are looking for a Head of Finance to strengthen governance, financial planning, and long-term resilience. The postholder will lead a three-person finance function, support strategic decision-making, and ensure strong systems, compliance, and effective budget management.

As part of the senior leadership team, the role requires technical expertise and strong communication skills to help the organisation respond to a changing funding environment and maximise its impact across the district.

Role Outcomes

• Oversee the delivery of day-to-day financial operations efficiently and effectively ensuring appropriate records and systems remain up to date and accurate. 
• Reviewing the company’s financial status, performance and cash position to identify areas for potential improvement, including risk management.
• Managing financial third parties to ensure accurate transactions and annual submissions.
• Delivering accurate monthly management accounts with clear analysis and actionable insight.
• Producing high-quality annual accounts and successfully managing the annual audit processes.
• ​Supporting the development, review and management of annual budgets in line with the operational plan.
• Contributing to funding submissions/bids and project plans to ensure appropriate and robust financial information is provided.
• Overseeing accurate and timely monthly payroll process involving management of internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Supporting senior colleagues and the Board with clear, reliable information and reports.
• Staying up to date with technological advances and accounting software to be used for financial purposes.
• Establishing, maintaining and refining financial policies and procedures for the company.
• Ensure full compliance with Charity SORP, statutory reporting, and relevant regulation
• ​Stay up to date with financial legislation and changes to ensure BDC Mind  meets all requirements in a planned and timely manner.
• Supporting the completion of returns to Companies House and Charity Commission, plus any other statutory reporting identified.
• Leading your team in alignment with our aims, objectives, policies, core values and the standards set out in out Employee Handbook.
• Fully participating in all relevant training to develop and maintain your performance in the role.
• Demonstrating an ongoing commitment to our values: Caring Always, Working Together, Supporting Everyone, Enabling All and Continually Improving.
• Performing other duties as reasonably required within the role.

​Person specification

Bradford District and Craven Mind is committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving the quality of life for people with mental health challenges. We value diversity, inclusion and lived experiences when recruiting our staff and volunteers.

​Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)

Desirable

• ​Evidence of continuing professional development

​Experience

Essential:

• Significant senior-level finance experience, ideally within a charity, not-for-profit, or public sector organisation
• Proven track record of financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and year-end processes
• Experience of preparing statutory accounts and working with external auditors
• Strong understanding of financial controls, governance, and risk management

Desirable:

• Experience of leading and developing a finance function
• Experience of advising senior leadership and Trustees/Board members
• Demonstrable experience in strategic financial planning and decision-making

​Skills and Abilities

Essential:

• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Excellent financial analysis and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to translate complex financial information into clear, accessible insights
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• High level of attention to detail and accuracy
• IT skills specific to the role (such as financial systems and Excel)
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

Desirable:

• Experience implementing or upgrading financial systems
• Project management skills
• Ability to influence at senior and board level

Knowledge

Essential:

• In-depth knowledge of charity finance, including: Charity SORP, fund accounting, and restricted and unrestricted income
• Understanding of relevant regulatory frameworks (e.g. Charity Commission requirements)
• Knowledge of tax issues relevant to charities (e.g. VAT, Gift Aid)
• Understanding of financial systems and data management

Desirable:

• Knowledge of QuickBooks accounting software platforms and add-ons such as Approval Max
• Experience of overseeing monthly payroll processes.

​​Attitude and Personal Attributes 

Essential:

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Integrity and commitment to responsible and ethical financial management.
• Collaborative and approachable ‘partner’ working style.
• Resilient and adaptable in a changing environment.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the charity.

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