Finance Director

Finance Director

Competitive Salary + Benefits

Brandon, Coventry

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust aims to protect and enhance wildlife, natural habitats and geology throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, and to encourage a greater awareness, appreciation and participation in all aspects of nature conservation and the environment. We are the leading local conservation charity with over 23,000 members dedicated to supporting our vital work for nature conservation across the county. Warwickshire Wildlife Trust (WWT) is one of the 47 UK Wildlife Trusts. 

The Trust is seeking an experienced Finance Director to manage the finances of a significant local charity working for people and wildlife in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. The full time post-holder will lead the Finance team which is responsible for the financial management of both the Charitable Trust as well as the Trust’s trading subsidiary Middlemarch Environmental Ltd. This vacancy has arisen following a decision by the current post holder not to return to WWT after a period of maternity leave. We are therefore seeking a talented and committed person, with experience in the charity and commercial sectors, to coordinate the management of WWT’s finances and to provide appropriate support and advice to the CEO, Trustees and MEL Board of Directors to help them meet WWT’s strategic aims. We can offer you a varied working experience spanning complementary but different sectors, daily interaction with highly committed colleagues passionate about their work and an office set in the heart of our largest nature reserve at Brandon Marsh. 

Purpose of the Role

The Finance Director is responsible for the management of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust finances (i.e. both the Charity and its wholly owned subsidiary, Middlemarch Environmental Limited, MEL) through the provision of an effective, efficient, timely and accurate financial service which enables the Trustees and CEO to take responsibility for WWT’s financial performance. This includes:

• Developing and making sure financial accounting systems function effectively and efficiently to support our work
• Ensuring that the Trust meets the requirements of charitable and company law including the Statement of Recommended Practice
• Preparing reports, management accounts and presenting relevant information to Trustees, MEL Directors, the CEO and budget holders
• Attending and presenting reports to Trustees at Council and Audit & Remuneration Committee meetings
• Attending and presenting reports to Directors at MEL Board meetings
• Providing support and advice to colleagues on financial matters to help continually improve the performance of individuals, teams and WWT 
• Preparing draft consolidated accounts ready for external audit
• Managing the relationship with external auditors, and other financial advisors and tax advisors
• Managing payroll and pensions including the relationship with external monthly payroll providers
• Financial input into strategic decision making/direction, evaluating new opportunities and past performance against expectations

What we are Looking for:

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) with proven and demonstrable experience of leading a finance function
• An excellent communicator, with the ability to deal with internal and external stakeholders
• Highly numerate with demonstrable problem-solving skills to provide accurate, timely and relevant information with added value
• Previous experience in the charity industry would be desirable, although all relevant experience will be considered.

If you are interested in using your financial expertise to help us achieve our vision then we would be delighted to receive your application. For a full personal specification and job description, please click on the supporting documents attached to this advert.

**Strictly no agencies please**