Head of Finance & Governance

The organisation

Northumberland Wildlife Trust was founded in 1971 to protect wildlife and promote nature conservation within Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland. Today, our voice for wildlife is stronger than ever. We are a non-government funded charity, supported by membership, donations, local businesses and charitable trust grants.

With 850,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UK’s habitats and species, whether they be in the countryside, in cities, or at sea.

We manage 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 80,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living.
 

The opportunity

We are looking for a Head of Finance & Governance to work closely with the Senior Management Team and CEO to develop the full potential of the Trust and to maximise its efficiency and sustainability.

Whilst we are a relatively small organisation we are the largest environmental charity in the North East and we punch above our weight in the influence we exert; come and help us carve out a sustainable and exciting future for people and nature.

The Head of Finance and Governance will be responsible for managing all of the Trust’s financial planning and reporting and will help focus the fundraising and commercial activities of the Trust.  As part of the Senior Management Team, they will contribute to development of the Trust’s strategy and business plan, scheduling, coordinating and organising support for Council and Committees. They will take the lead on budgeting and cost control measures and cost recovery. They will also act as the financial advisor across the Trust’s activities as appropriate, supporting the operations and conservation and land teams.  The role will have a lead role in all large-scale developments.

 

The person

• Ideally you will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CCAB) with significant PQE but qualified by experience applicants should also apply.
• Experience in business enterprise and/or commercial development.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Approachable, energetic and driven individual who is courteous and friendly, solution focussed and promotes a positive performance culture
• High levels of integrity and professional judgement
• Track record in leading and managing staff and supporting colleagues

• Experience of working directly with a Board of Trustees / directors

Benefits

• 35 hours a week.
• Flexitime.
• Hybrid working.
• 5% of salary conditional on 5% being paid by pension holder.
• 22 days per year, plus bank holidays, discretionary days at Christmas and 5 additional days awarded in stages after 3 years’ service.