Financial Leadership and Stewardship

• Oversee all aspects of the Foundation's financial management.
• Support the development and monitoring of budgets, forecasts and financial plans.
• Ensure robust financial controls, reporting and accountability processes.
• Oversee grant payment processes and financial tracking.
• Manage cashflow, reserves and treasury activities.
• Support oversight of investments and loan arrangements where applicable.
• Provide financial insight, analysis and recommendations to the CEO and Board of Trustees.

Operations and Organisational Effectiveness

• Develop and maintain efficient operational systems, processes and controls.
• Manage relationships with Howden support functions including HR, Legal, IT and Company Secretariat.
• Support annual business planning processes and organisational delivery tracking.
• Establish and monitor organisational performance measures.
• Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement across Foundation operations.

Risk, Compliance and Assurance

• Maintain and develop the Foundation's risk management framework.
• Monitor and report on key organisational risks.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and controls remain effective and appropriate.
• Maintain compliance registers and governance records.
• Coordinate assurance activities, audits and follow-up actions.

Stakeholder Management and Strategic Leadership

• Build and maintain strong relationships with trustees, advisers, auditors and external partners.
• Act as a key operational contact between the Foundation and Howden Group stakeholders.
• Support effective governance reporting and communication to the Board.
• Contribute to the long-term strategic development of the Foundation.
• Act as a trusted adviser to the CEO and Board on financial sustainability, governance and organisational effectiveness.
• Support strategic planning, organisational performance measurement and future growth initiatives.

Who are we looking for?

About you:

You will be an experienced finance and operations leader who is motivated by supporting a growing philanthropic organisation to achieve its mission. You will be equally comfortable operating at a strategic level with trustees and senior stakeholders as you are managing day-to-day operational delivery.

You will bring excellent judgement, strong financial and analytical capability, and a collaborative approach to working across a small but ambitious team.

Essential

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or equivalent experience.
• Significant finance leadership experience, ideally as a Finance Manager, Head of Finance, Finance Director or similar.
• Experience supporting Boards, Trustees or governance committees.
• Strong understanding of financial management, reporting, audit and internal controls.
• Experience managing organisational risk, compliance and governance processes.
• Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach.

Desirable

• Experience working in a charity, foundation, not-for-profit or purpose-led organisation.
• Knowledge of Charity Commission requirements and charity governance.
• Experience overseeing multiple operational functions.
• Relevant governance or charity-sector qualifications.
• Experience supporting organisational growth and change programmes.

Diversity and inclusion

We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are currently underrepresented in the Howden Foundation and in grant making foundations generally.

Research tells us that applicants (especially those from underrepresented groups) can be put off applying for a role if they do not meet all the criteria or have been on an extended career-break. If you think you would be a good match for this role and can demonstrate transferable experience, please apply regardless of whether you tick every box.

Details of appointment

This is a permanent, full-time position. While your location is flexible, there is a requirement to be in the London office at least one day a week.

We provide a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits include:

• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Income Protection
• 25 Days Annual leave (proportionally adjusted to reflect working hours)
• A range of lifestyle benefits including Cycle to Work, Car leasing, and Technology schemes

Process:

Please submit your latest CV along with a cover letter (maximum two pages) highlighting how you meet the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable criteria.

Due diligence:

Due diligence will be carried out as part of the application process, which may include searches carried out via internet search engines and any public social media accounts.