We’re delighted to be partnering with the National Forest Company (NFC) to recruit their Director of Finance & Resources.
The Director of Finance & Resources will be pivotal in leading and driving forward the finance and resources functions that underpin the organisation. This opportunity will help shape the direction of the organisation, enhancing business support, refining and transforming current ways of working as well as ensuring continuous improvement and value for money.
The role would suit an experienced financial leader, whether a senior executive looking for a new challenge or a talented individual taking the next step in their career.
The National Forest is about so much more than trees. It’s a nationally inspiring place, working in partnership to mitigate and adapt to the urgency of climate change and demonstrate sustainable living in a real place.
The last three decades have seen the NFC drive forward the vision for the National Forest, taking it to the success story we see today: a restored forest landscape; an emerging visitor destination; and a national exemplar for sustainability. But there is so much more to do. The NFC is well placed to meet the challenges ahead, with highly experienced and dedicated Trustees, a small but exceptionally committed staff team and immensely supportive partners.
If you share their vision of hope, are passionate about driving change, and feel excited by the prospect of helping to lead one of the most inspiring initiatives in the country, we would love to hear from you.
The Position:
The Director of Finance & Resources will lead a multi-functional team supporting delivery of the strategic objectives of the National Forest, the charity and its subsidiary. This will cover a range of disciplines including finance and audit, compliance and risk, human resources, facilities and systems. The person will oversee the group budget, have direct responsibility for staffing and running cost budgets, leading a team of seven with two direct reports – the Head of Finance and the Head of Resources.
The main responsibilities of the Director of Finance & Resources include:
Finance and Audit:
1. Financial leadership for the NFC and its subsidiary.
2. Ensuring timely and accurate reporting for the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, Audit & Risk Committee (ARC), and the Board.
3. Producing the NFC Annual Report and Accounts in compliance with the Charity SORP and IFRS 102.
4. Preparation and analysis of financial reports, budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
5. Cashflow forecasting, restricted projects support, treasury and banking arrangements, including liaison with external providers.
6. Ensuring compliance with financial policies, processes, reporting and controls, including reporting to Defra under the Framework Document.
7. Investment and reserves policy in conjunction with the Chief Executive, ARC and the Board.
8. Procurement and contract management policies and procedures to ensure value for money.
9. Responsible for assets including management of the NFC’s buildings in conjunction with the Commercial Director.
Compliance and Risk:
1. Acting as Company Secretary, ensuring compliance with all legal, regulatory and reporting requirements.
2. Coordinating the internal audit programme, liaising with auditors and internal staff.
3. Risk including risk policy, risk register and Business Continuity Planning.
Human Resources, Facilities and Systems:
1. Overseeing the Head of Resources to ensure effective delivery of all aspects of HR, facilities and systems for the NFC, including policy and practice.
Corporate Development:
1. Contributing to strategic plans, corporate objectives, decision making and reporting, with particular responsibility for Finance and Resources.
2. Working with the senior leadership team to set the values, culture and leadership for the organisation.
3. Leading the facilitation of ARC and the Remuneration Committee, liaising with the committee chairs and members and reporting to the Board.
The successful candidate should have the following essential qualities:
1. Relevant accounting qualification i.e. ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA.
2. At least 10 years post-qualification experience.
3. Previous experience working in a charity, not for profit or public sector, including hands on production of Annual Report & Accounts.
4. Preparation of Financial Statements using the Charity SORP, and IFRS.
5. Extensive senior leadership experience in a similar role, working with non-executive and executive teams.
6. Leading and managing change, including overseeing projects i.e., changing finance systems.
7. Broad knowledge of statutory regulations and compliance relating to government bodies, companies and charities, including finance, audit and risk.
8. Confident on ICT systems, in particular Microsoft Office suite.
9. Commercial acumen and understanding value for money.
10. Strong leadership skills, integrity and resilience.
11. Excellent relationship building skills with external stakeholders, suppliers and partners.
12. Excellent written and spoken communications including the ability to work with Boards and external stakeholders.
13. A customer centric approach.
14. Attention to detail with good analytical skills.
15. Flexible, positive outlook with drive and initiative.
16. Team player, enthusiastic with the ability to inspire, motivate and build consensus.
17. Brave – prepared to raise important or uncomfortable issues when in the best interests of the organisation.
18. An understanding of the importance of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion.
Further Details:
1. This is a full-time permanent post.
2. The successful candidate will be appointed within the Grade 6 salary range of £67,306 to £75,385 per year. The NFC also offers end of year performance awards to all employees.
3. The principal place of work will be the National Forest Company’s offices at Enterprise Glade in Moira, near Swadlincote, South Derbyshire DE12 6BA. They operate flexible working arrangements subject to business priorities.
4. Pension. An important part of the pay and reward package the NFC offers employees is the option to join the Civil Service Pension Schemes arrangements, with an employer contribution of 28.9% of salary.
5. 37 hours per week.
6. Annual leave allowance will be 30 days per year. Public and privilege leave will be 10.5 hours per year.
7. The closing date for applications: Midnight on Wednesday 19 February 2025.
8. Preliminary discussions with Cherry Professional: W/C 24 February 2025.
The National Forest Company relies on the experience and commitment of people of all ages and backgrounds. They are keen to attract a diverse pool of candidates and welcome applications from all.
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