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.