Head of Financial Operations

Head of Finance Operations | £68,000-£70,000 | Young Lives vs Cancer | Permanent | Bristol/Hybrid

This Head of Finance Operations position is an exciting opportunity to join Young Lives vs Cancer, a leading national charity supporting children and young people with cancer and their families. Working closely with the incoming Finance Director, this role will play a key part in leading and developing the charity's finance operations, ensuring strong financial controls, effective financial reporting and the continued improvement of systems and processes. The organisation is going through a period of change within its finance function, creating an opportunity for an experienced finance leader to help shape its future operating model, develop the team and drive greater efficiency across financial accounting, treasury, income and payments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the finance operations function, including financial accounting, income processing, payments, treasury and financial controls.

• Take a leading role in statutory accounting, external audit and financial compliance, working closely with the Finance Director and Audit and Risk Committee.

• Oversee cash flow, treasury management and banking arrangements, ensuring effective financial planning, controls and risk management.

• Lead and develop the finance operations team, providing guidance, support and leadership through a period of organisational change.

• Support the implementation of a new finance operating model, reviewing existing processes and structures to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

• Drive improvements to finance systems, particularly Microsoft Business Central, working closely with technology colleagues to improve automation, reporting and financial processes.

• Oversee financial governance, including VAT, tax compliance, procurement and the development of financial policies and procedures.

• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation, providing financial expertise and supporting effective decision-making.

Person Specification

• A fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), with significant experience in financial accounting and finance operations.

• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including statutory accounts, audit, financial controls and compliance.

• Demonstrable experience leading and developing finance teams, with the ability to support colleagues and build a positive, collaborative working environment.

• Experience improving financial processes, implementing change and supporting the development of finance operating models.

• Strong understanding of treasury management, cash flow and financial risk.

• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence senior colleagues across an organisation.

• Experience working with finance systems and driving improvements through technology. Previous experience of Microsoft Business Central would be highly advantageous.

• A thoughtful, proactive and adaptable leadership style, with the ability to navigate change, manage competing priorities and deliver sustainable improvements.

• Previous experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be beneficial but is not essential.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join Young Lives vs Cancer at an important stage in the development of its finance function. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work closely with a new Finance Director, shape the future of finance operations and lead a team through meaningful organisational change. The role is based in Bristol with hybrid working arrangements, and candidates must be able to regularly attend the Bristol office. The organisation is looking for a confident and collaborative finance leader who can combine strong technical expertise with excellent people management skills.

Altum Consulting is exclusively partnering with Young Lives vs Cancer on this appointment. Please apply now to be considered for this opportunity.