Job title:                          Director of Finance and Governance
Team:                               Finance
Job location:                   Andover, with the potential for flexible / hybrid working
Reports to:                      Chief Executive Officer

Overall purpose

Macular disease is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK, with around 300 people diagnosed every day. The Macular Society is the only charity determined to beat the fear and isolation of macular disease with world class research, and the best advice and support.

To support people affected by macular disease now, the Macular Society provides a range of support, information and services. Our research programme is focused on finding new treatments and a cure to Beat Macular Disease forever.

The Director of Finance and Governance is a key member of our Senior Leadership Team ('SLT'). It reports to the CEO and has two direct reports - a Management Account and a Governance and Executive Support Officer (who also has a dotted line accountability to the CEO).

Our values

We will beat macular disease by…

Knowing Our Stuff - we have Integrity and we act Honestly

Showing We Care - we are Supportive and Caring
Making It Happen - we are Ambitious

About the role

The Director of Finance and Governance is a newly created role, replacing our existing Head of Finance role (which is currently filled on an interim basis) and including responsibility for organisational governance.
As the organisation's size and complexity has grown there is a need for more senior financial leadership and placing responsibility for governance within an SLT role.
We view this as a very important role with opportunity for the right candidate to work closely with the CEO and to learn about all aspects of the organisation. The Director of Finance and Governance will also be Company Secretary.
As a highly skilled and experienced finance professional, the Director of Finance and Governance will ensure we have robust financial processes and controls, and insightful financial data for the SLT and Board of Trustees. They will manage our dedicated finance team and ensure high quality financial support to other departments.
They will lead long-term financial planning across the organisation, ensuring that our finances are aligned to our wider strategic objectives.
Specifically the role includes the following;

Responsibility for all aspects of financial operations across the charity including accounting, budgeting, forecasting, payroll and financial analysis and ensuring appropriate financial controls and policies are in place and effective.
Monitoring financial performance and preparing and presenting financial reports to the CEO, SLT Team and board of trustees (including subcommittees), providing clear analysis and insight to enable effective decision-making.
Playing a proactive part in the collective strategic development and leadership and operational management of the charity.
Working with the CEO to ensure that effective governance is in place across the organisation.
Being Company Secretary, including responsibility for the production of our annual report and accounts, and other regulatory filings, meetings and records.
Leading our business planning process and the development of our long-term financial model.
Leading on the preparation of the statutory accounts and liaison with external auditors.
Strategic

Lead strategic and operational financial planning, with responsibility for achieving and executing financial objectives and investment opportunities.
Advise the CEO and board of trustees of the financial implications of strategic decisions, identifying matters of concern or opportunity.
Ensure annual operating budgets are consistent with the charity's business plan.
Develop and deliver the finance department's annual delivery plan in line with the organisational business plan.

Operational

Ensure the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation run efficiently and smoothly.
Ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial records in line with requirements from Companies House, Charity Commission, HMRC, etc.
Lead the development, review and implementation of finance-related policies and procedures, ensuring they are fit for purpose and in line with legislation.
Regularly monitor and review financial control frameworks within the charity.
Assess, streamline and improve financial processes to maximise efficiency.
Ensure premises related tasks are completed i.e. council tax payments, property leases etc.
Lead the relationship with our investment managers, ensuring that investment funds are properly managed.
Take responsibility for banking arrangements including funds on deposit.
Provide an excellent finance business partner service to senior leaders and managers within the charity, including support for grant applications, advice on budgetary control, shaping and improving financial capability and capacity outside the finance function and providing training when necessary.
Ensure compliance with tax and related requirements, including VAT, corporation tax, PAYE, NIC, P11ds, Class1a, Gift Aid etc.
Ensure appropriate accounting for restricted funds, and the fulfilment of donor wishes.
Administer our [outsourced] organisational pension scheme and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements such as auto-enrolment.
Ensure required insurances are in place and update as necessary e.g. public liability, business travel etc.

Management

Provide inspirational leadership and support to the finance team, fostering a collaborative environment which delivers a high standard of accuracy and efficiency.
Motivate and manage performance within the finance team and set objectives aligned to long-term goals.
Conduct regular one to ones with finance employees, identifying training/development needs.
Enable finance employees to meet agreed targets and output levels through training.
Encourage individual accountability and group cohesion.

Governance

Ensure that the organisation has up to date policies in all areas
Identify areas of risk where new procedures or policies might be needed, keeping up to date with changes in legislation and Charity Commission guidance
Oversee our organisational risk and compliance registers, working with the SLT to ensure that they are complete, accurate and up to date, and supporting scrutiny and review by Trustees
Act as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance of Trustee meetings and records, liaising with auditors and ensuring compliance to statutory and regulatory requirements relating to the Board and supporting implementation of any recommendations.
Oversee the gifts and hospitality register.
Build effective and trusting working relationships across the charity.
Be an active champion of the charity's values
Be a visible and compelling ambassador and advocate, ensuring the charity's strategy and objectives are clearly communicated to teams
As part of the SLT, actively engage with our EDI strategy and agenda

Other

All our team members are expected to comply with Macular Society terms and conditions, rules, policies, procedures, codes of conduct, quality standards, authorisation processes, risk management policies and relevant external regulations.

About you

1.     You will be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our work.
2.     Have an open and collaborative approach to work, helping us to achieve our Knowing Our Stuff value by working with integrity, making informed decisions to be the best we can be to Beat Macular Disease.
3.     Be able to act with empathy, providing a caring, approachable and supportive environment for all - we Show We Care by listening to each other and working together.
4.     Be ambitious in your approach to help Make Things Happen, we are progressive yet supportive, and brave in our actions to make the progress that is needed to Beat Macular Disease.
5.     Be happy to work in an organisation that puts those we support first, advocate for the Macular Society at all times, and be comfortable that all members of the team are part of our fundraising culture.
Specifically for this role you will have:

Knowing Our Stuff

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with proven leadership experience in financial management, ideally within the charity sector however this is not essential.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a keen attention to detail.
A credible senior professional with good influencing skills and a hands on approach.
Understanding of charity accounting principles, SORP, and regulatory frameworks or a willingness and ability to learn about these.
Experience of managing audits and engaging with external auditors and preparation of statutory accounts.
Awareness of the need for clearly presented financial information for the SLT and Board of Trustees and an ability to prepare and present such information
Experience of using Sage Intacct would be advantageous but it is not essential.

Making It Happen

Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex financial information to diverse stakeholders and to be responsible for the production of well written clear policies
Ability to work independently under own initiative and cooperatively as part of a team, with a can do approach to making things happen.
Willingness to embrace change, learn new skills and learn about the wider organisation
Ability to multitask and prioritise multiple projects and work streams.
Strong IT skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook.

Showing We Care

Excellent people management skills, with the ability to motivate and lead a team during times of change.
Excellent team working and collaborative working skills and the ability to develop effective partnerships.
High level of integrity and commitment to ethical financial practices.
Commitment to high standards in all areas of work.

Eligibility to work in the UK:

Proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.

Volunteering:

From time to time you may be asked to support / volunteer your time (TOIL available) at Macular Society events that take place outside of normal working hours.

Safeguarding:

The Macular Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees and volunteers to demonstrate this commitment.
You are required to carry out other such duties as may reasonably be required, relevant to the role.
This job description is accurate as at the date shown below. In consultation with you it is liable to variation by the Macular Society to reflect or anticipate changes in or to the role.

Terms of employment

Annual leave:            26 days plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
Based:                       Andover, with Hybrid options available.
Contract Type:          Permanent
Date of evaluation:   #removed#