Job title: HEAD OF FINANCE
Company: British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA)
BIRA is a membership association with 4,500 members throughout the UK, offering essential business services to its members and lobbying/campaigning on their behalf. BIRA is not a typical association; it owns a buying group (BIRA Direct), has a subsidiary membership group (ACT), and is a major shareholder in a small buying group called MICA.
Location: Birmingham
Position Overview
The Head of Finance is a key member of the executive leadership team of the BIRA group of companies, which includes Bira Trading Limited, C2Zero Limited, and MICA DIY Limited. The Head of Finance is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the organization, ensuring financial sustainability, providing strategic insights, and guiding the association in complying with regulatory and governance standards. There will be a remit to review and improve the financial reporting systems.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Financial Leadership
* Develop and implement the organization’s financial strategy in alignment with its long-term goals.
* Provide financial insights and recommendations to the Board of Directors and senior management.
* Evaluate and manage financial risks to safeguard the association’s assets.
* Lead or assist with the development of a new financial reporting system, working closely with the IT manager.
Financial Planning and Management
* Oversee the preparation of annual budgets and long-term financial plans.
* Monitor and report on financial performance monthly, ensuring accurate and timely reporting to the Board, being hands-on with much of the monthly reporting.
* Manage cash flow, forecasting, and reserves to maintain financial stability.
Accounting and Compliance
* Ensure all financial records and reports comply with statutory and regulatory requirements.
* Responsible for compliance matters including VAT returns, PAYE and NIC regulations, maintenance of statutory records, and processing Companies House returns.
* Manage external audits and liaise with auditors to address any recommendations.
* Review financial statements, including profit and loss accounts, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, and liaise with tax advisors where necessary.
Governance and Policy Development
* Work closely with the Board of Directors and finance committee to ensure adherence to governance policies.
* Develop and implement financial policies, controls, and procedures to safeguard assets and ensure efficient operations.
Team Leadership
* Lead and manage the finance team, which includes the Purchase Ledger team, Credit Control team, and the Management Accounts team.
* Conduct appraisal meetings for staff and provide development opportunities for team members.
Other Duties
* Oversee payroll, pension schemes, and employee benefits administration.
* Collaborate with other departments to support cross-functional initiatives and projects.
Qualifications and Experience
Essential
* Proven experience in financial leadership roles, preferably within a not-for-profit or membership-based organization.
* Strong knowledge of financial management, accounting principles, and regulatory requirements.
* Experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
* Proficiency in financial software and systems.
* DESIRED: ACA/CIMA/ACCA
Skills and Attributes
* Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
* High-level knowledge and competence of financial reporting systems to streamline the organization and maintain efficiencies.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
* High levels of integrity and commitment to ethical standards.
* Strong leadership and team management abilities.
* Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic environment.
Reporting Structure
* Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
* Direct Reports: Finance team members.
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