EA First
Head of Finance
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We are delighted to be partnering with IPSE in London who are looking for an experienced and proactive Head of Finance to take ownership of their finance function. This is a highly autonomous role, ideal for someone who is equally comfortable presenting financial insights to senior leaders and rolling up their sleeves to resolve operational challenges.
The position is part time, paying £70,000-£75,000 (full time equivalent) per annum, offering hybrid working.
About IPSE
IPSE (The Self-Employed Association) is the UK's leading membership organisation dedicated to supporting freelancers, contractors, consultants, and the self-employed.
They champion the interests of their members through policy, lobbying, expert advice, and a range of business support services. As the world of work continues to evolve, IPSE plays an increasingly important role in ensuring independent professionals have the support, representation, and resources they need to thrive.
Joining IPSE means becoming part of a small, committed team where everyone's contribution matters. You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic decisions, improve processes, and help shape the future of an organisation with a clear purpose.
Role Overview
As Head of Finance, you will have overall responsibility for the financial management of the organisation, ensuring robust financial control, accurate reporting, and effective operational support.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the organisation's financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes.
- Maintain a rolling cash flow forecast and provide meaningful financial insight to the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team.
- Produce monthly management accounts, board reports, and financial analysis that support strategic decision-making.
- Monitor departmental budgets, investigate variances, and work with budget holders to improve financial performance.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operating costs.
- Own the month-end and year-end close processes.
- Ensure accurate accounting records and oversee reconciliations within Xero.
- Deliver timely and accurate management information to agreed deadlines.
- Prepare financial papers for Board meetings and present financial performance where required.
- Lead the annual audit process and act as the key contact for external auditors.
- Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including HMRC, Companies House, VAT, and Corporation Tax.
- Maintain strong financial governance and internal controls.
- Manage the monthly payroll process through the outsourced payroll provider.
- Manage workplace pension administration and statutory payroll obligations.
- Manage supplier payments and maintain strong supplier relationships.
- Line manage the part-time Bookkeeper.
- Oversee finance-related HR administration for starters and leavers.
- Manage key operational compliance activities, including company insurance renewals and employee benefits administration.
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Essential Requirements
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA/CGMA, or CIPFA).
- Minimum 3-5 years' post-qualification experience within a UK finance environment.
- Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards (FRS102/IFRS) and UK tax legislation including VAT, PAYE, and Corporation Tax.
- Experience producing management accounts, budgets, forecasts, and cash flow models.
- Strong working knowledge of cloud accounting systems such as Xero and Microsoft Dynamics.
- Excellent Excel skills, including financial modelling, pivot tables, and advanced formulas.
- Experience managing payroll and workplace pension administration.
- Outstanding communication skills with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
- Highly organised, self-motivated, and comfortable working independently.
- A proactive mindset with a passion for improving processes and finding practical solutions.
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Desirable Requirements
- Previous experience working within a membership organisation, charity, SME, or not-for-profit environment.
- Experience managing operational or HR administration alongside finance responsibilities.
Benefits
- Salary of £70,000-£75,000 FTE.
- 21-24.5 hours per week.
- 25 days plus bank holidays FTE and your birthday off.
- Aegon Pension (company pension contribution 5%).
- Employee assistance programme.
- Life Assurance.
- Part-time opportunity offering genuine flexibility.
- Private healthcare (Vitality).
- A varied and influential leadership role with significant autonomy.
- The opportunity to work closely with the Managing Director and Board, helping shape the future direction of the organisation.
- A collaborative and supportive team culture where your ideas and expertise will be valued.
- Hybrid working and a healthy work-life balance.
- The chance to contribute to an organisation that champions and supports the UK's self-employed community.
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.
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