Head of Finance

Job Introduction

Are you able to guide the financial approach of a diverse organisation through a wider period of challenge and opportunity? Do you have the ability to deliver improvement and change to build a finance function that can meet the challenges of today and the future? Do you enjoy working at a strategic level and have the ability to understand and integrate with the detail? If so, you are the person we are looking for!  An excellent opportunity has arisen within the Finance Team at Diabetes UK,

This is a pivotal role within Diabetes UK with responsibility for helping deliver financial leadership across the organisation.  The role leads the finance team but also works with key teams and individuals across Diabetes UK, to harness their skills and expertise in order to achieve this.

Role Responsibility

The role requires an individual who can demonstrate the following:

• Proven experience of senior financial leadership within a complex organisation, preferably a fundraising charity
• Ability to deliver change that drives sustainable improvements in productivity
• Excellent experience in leading, developing and managing a finance function
• A collaborative, open approach that fosters cross-working to achieve organisational goals

The ideal candidate will have strong communication and influencing skills, be outcome and delivery focused, well organised, with the ability to work on their own initiative, and to also work collaboratively across the organisation.

The Ideal Candidate

The best person for this job will be able to:

• Have an open, collaborative and partnership approach to working that promotes integrated working and develops colleagues
• Think creatively and strategically and have the ability to translate strategy into the delivery of financial frameworks, plans and budgets
• Build rapport and relationships with diverse parts of Diabetes UK to support the successful financial stewardship and management of Diabetes UK
• Collaborate internally and externally to help DUK anticipate future challenges and opportunities and ensure these insights drive our approach to financial stewardship and management
• Provide leadership around financial management by providing clear frameworks, insight and processes for colleagues to engage with
• Deliver change management initiatives that harness people, processes and technology to drive productivity and value
• Communicate effectively and at all levels across the organisation

The best person for this job will have experience in:

• Extensive experience of running and developing a finance department for an organisation with a complex range of activities. Experience of fundraising is desirable
• Experience of delivering change management projects which utilise technology
• Wide experience of systems and processes which lead to a strong financial control environment and a proven ability to identify weaknesses and recommend improvements
• Previous experience of producing timely, lucid  and accurate reports which meet the needs of the Board of Trustees, Executive Team and budget holders

The best person for this job will be:

• Engaging and collaborative with a natural partnership approach to work
• A broad and inquisitive thinker with the ability to deliver clear and practical solutions
• Organised, with a rigorous but flexible approach
• Able to think strategically, whilst balancing this with an eye for detail
• Able to use financial and other relevant data to create new insights and drive thinking
• Able to express complex ideas simply
• Have relevant professional qualifications e.g. ACA, CIMA, ACCA

Package Description

What we can offer you: 

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days plus bank holidays 
• A Cash Healthcare Plan (giving you up to £1,600 towards a range of out of pocket health expenses like new glasses, dentist, chiropractor or osteopath appointments) 
• Early finish Friday and flexible working 
• Discounts on gym membership and days out 
• Employee assistance programme to give you support on any issues that come up in life  
• Annual Season ticket loan 
• Very active social scene including sport teams, gardening and other activities 
• Generous pension provision, life assurance and permanent health insurance 

About the Company

Diabetes is the most potentially devastating – and fastest growing – health crisis of our time, requiring ongoing high-quality care and support. There are currently 4.5 million people in the UK living with diabetes, and 11.9 million more at increased risk of getting Type 2 diabetes. Those diagnosed face the risk of life-changing, and life-limiting, complications, unless they are given the very best care and the support they need to manage their condition well. As a society we need to work together now – and take action now – to fund critical research, improve healthcare and treatment, and prevent yet more people developing this potentially life-threatening condition. 

Diabetes UK is a forward thinking and commercially focused organisation, and is the leading charity for the 4.5 million people with the condition in the UK.

As we continue to improve our processes, through continual development and change, this is an exciting time to join us. With established funding streams and following on from the success of our previous five-year plan, we are in a strong position to continue developing and responding to changing environments.

We rely heavily upon the expertise and motivation of our staff in order to work towards our many aims and meet objectives. We aim to be an equal opportunity employer; the organisation recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. We gladly make the adjustments required for people with disabilities to join us. Our diverse functions mean that we can offer you a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.

Diabetes UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable and expects all staff and volunteers to actively support this commitment. 

Diabetes UK recognises and respects the value and diversity of all. 

We have a vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm – if you’d like to be part of that, why not join us? 

To Learn more about the work we do - Click here

Diabetes UK