Head of Finance

 HEAD OF FINANCECANDIDATERECRUITMENT PACKContact our recruiter Frankie Rose from Brewer Morrisfrankierose@brewermorris.com  to find out how to apply. A WARM WELCOME FROM OUR CEO,CATHARINE BROWNThis is a pivotal moment for St John’s Foundation - you’ll be joining us at anexciting time.We’re an organisation with more than 850 years of history, but what mattersmost right now is where we’re going next. We’re creating new almshouses,welcoming more people into safe, affordable homes, and strengthening our roleas a leader in our sector. At the same time, we’re investing in how we work -improving our systems, sharpening our operations, and making sure we’re set upto deliver well, now and for the long term.We’re also on the move.  Come April 2026, our team will be based in new officesat 1 Queen Square - a building that reflects who we are today: purposeful,ambitious and rooted in community.We’re looking for people who want to help shape what comes next at StJohn’s. We’re looking for colleagues who bring ideas, energy and care;people who are prepared to challenge how things are done, while stayinggrounded in what really matters.Our values guide everything we do. Trust - ineach other, and in the people we support.Courage - to make difficult decisions, try newapproaches and keep improving. Kindness -because how we work matters just as muchas what we achieve.If you want to be part of an organisation thatis proud of its past but firmly focused on thefuture - and where your work will make a realdifference - we’d love to hear from you.Catharine Brown, Chief ExecutiveSt John’s FoundationABOUT ST JOHN’S FOUNDATIONFor over 850 years, St John’s Foundation has been changing people’s lives,for good. As one of the UK’s oldest charities, we are proud to serve Bath andthe surrounding area. At the heart of our work is our almshouse community, where we providehousing for older adults in need. Alongside this, we run outreach services thathelp older adults in Bath and North East Somerset to live independently forlonger.With the expertise and resources we have built over centuries, we are now ableto support even more of our community, which is why we offer direct help topeople of all ages facing financial crisis. Our Crisis Programme provides peoplewith essential needs, such as beds, white goods, furniture, counselling, debtsupport and basic employment skills and training.Every aspect of our work is built upon our values of trust, kindness, andcourage, and inspired by our purpose: to change lives. For good. It’s a long-termstrategy, but we’re unwavering. After all, we’ve been around for over 850 years.MOVING TO 1 QUEEN SQUAREIn 2026, St John’s staff will move into the top two floors of 1 Queen Square.Refurbished in 2022 by the Charity’s Trading Company, the House of St John’s wascreated as a flexible, welcoming space for people to work, meet and celebrate. Thebuilding is home to co-working and dedicated desks, meeting rooms, event spaces anda relaxed members’ bar. Thoughtful touches - including showers with complimentarytoiletries, Dyson hairdryers and access to a courtyard garden - make it a place designedaround people, not just desks.Because of the building’s character and setting, the House also hosts intimate weddingceremonies on Saturdays, offering couples a historic yet contemporary space in theheart of the city.As part of the move, St John’s staff will be based on the top two floors, while the lowerthree floors will continue to operate as the House of St John’s for members, clients andevents. This ensures the building continues to thrive as a shared, purposeful space.The move is about more than a change of address. Relocating to Queen Square allowsus to give up our existing offices, freeing up space to invest in new almshouses andwelcome more older people into safe, affordable homes. It’s a practical decision thatdirectly supports our charitable mission.Being based at 1 Queen Square reflects who we are today - ambitious, rooted incommunity, and focused on using our assets in the best possible way to supportpeople across Bath.JOB DESCRIPTIONLocation: Bath (Minimum of 4 days in the office)Hours of Work: Full-time 35 hours per week, Monday–FridayReports to: Director of FinanceResponsible for: Finance Business PartnerContract: PermanentJob SummaryThe Head of Finance supports the Director of Finance in ensuring the financialhealth, compliance, and sustainability of St John’s Foundation, its tradingsubsidiaries, and associated charities.You will lead the day-to-day financial operations, oversee internal controls andreporting, and play a key role in the next phase of the new finance systemimplementation which will enhance efficiency and accuracy. Working closely withthe Director of Finance, you will ensure that robust financial governance, accuratereporting, and effective systems underpin the charity’s strategic aims andoperational delivery. This is a senior hands-on leadership role, managing the finance team andensuring the Director of Finance, Executive Team and Board of Trustees aresupported with reliable financial information and strong financial control.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Leadership and ControlManage the finance team in delivering timely and accurate financialprocessing and reporting.Ensure effective internal controls and procedures are maintained across allfinancial operations.Oversee cashflow, balance sheet management, and working capitalrequirements across the charity and subsidiaries.Review and approve key financial reconciliations, journals, and managementinformation prepared by the team.Support the Director of Finance in maintaining and improving financialgovernance and risk management frameworks.Drive continuous improvement of financial processes and systems to enhanceefficiency and control.Investment Endowment Oversight Monitor and oversee the charity’s investment endowment, ensuringcompliance with agreed investment policy and risk parameters.Review investment valuations, income, and performance regularly, reportingto the Director of Finance and Finance and Investment Committee Trustees.Ensure proper accounting, disclosure, and reporting of endowment funds instatutory accounts and internal reports.Liaise with investment managers, advisors, and auditors to maintain effectiveoversight and governance. Finance System Implementation and Process ImprovementManage the end-to-end implementation of the next phase of the new financesystem, including requirements gathering, supplier liaison, system testing, datamigration, and user training.Ensure the system integrates effectively with other organisational platformswhere appropriate.Review and streamline financial policies, processes, and reporting tools toincrease efficiency and control.Build financial capability across teams by training and supporting non-financecolleagues in effective system use.Ensure the system is embedded effectively, with optimised workflows andreporting capability. Financial Management and ControlOversee day-to-day financial operations to ensure all transactions areprocessed accurately and in compliance with regulations.Maintain robust internal controls to safeguard assets and mitigate risk.Oversee cashflow management to ensure sufficient working capital across thecharity and trading subsidiaries.Manage balance sheet integrity, including fixed assets, investments, restrictedand endowment funds, debtors, and creditors.Oversee the maintenance of accurate accounting records and reconciliations. Financial Reporting and AuditOversee the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports for internaland external stakeholders, board reports, and statutory financial statements.Manage the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and ensuringcompliance with charity SORP and accounting standards.Support the Finance Business Partner in providing financial analysis, forecasts,and insights to support strategic decision-making.Monitor financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities for correctiveaction. Compliance and GovernanceEnsure compliance with charity law, company law, HMRC, and relevantaccounting regulations.Oversee submission of statutory filings to the Charity Commission andCompanies House.Manage VAT, payroll, P11D, PSA, CIS, and gift aid returns and ensure timelyresponses to HMRC.Support the Finance Director in monitoring and mitigating financial risks,including investment and property-related risks.Maintain and update financial policies and ensure effective implementationacross the organisation.Stakeholder EngagementProvide clear, accurate, and relevant financial information to support decision-making by the Director of Finance and Senior Management Team.Act as a key point of contact for external auditors, tax advisors, and otherfinancial partners.Liaise with HMRC and other regulatory bodies as required.Build strong working relationships across departments to promote financialunderstanding and compliance.Team Leadership and DevelopmentManage and develop the finance team (Finance Business Partner, SeniorBookkeeper and Junior Bookkeeper) ensuring high performance and accuracy.Allocate responsibilities effectively within the team to maintain robustfinancial control and efficiency.Foster a positive, professional, and collaborative team culture.Encourage continuous improvement, professional growth, and cross-skillingwithin the finance function.Person SpecificationEssentialQualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).Experience at a senior finance level, including responsibility for managementaccounts, budgeting, and statutory reporting.Proven experience leading or supporting a finance system implementation orupgrade.Strong technical knowledge of accounting standards and charity finance(including restricted and endowment funds).Experience in investment fund oversight, including valuation, reporting, andgovernance.Experience developing and maintaining financial controls, processes, andreporting frameworks.Strong leadership, communication, and organisational skills, with a focus onaccuracy and integrity.Ability to work collaboratively under the direction of a Director of Finance,while managing operational responsibilities independently.Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively with seniorleaders and trustees.Advanced Excel and IT skills, with experience using accounting and reportingsystems.DesirableExperience within the not-for-profit or charity sector.Knowledge of property and investment accounting.Experience of leading digital or process transformation projects.Familiarity with modern cloud-based finance systems.Contact our recruiter Frankie Rose from BrewerMorris on 020 7332 9639 orfrankierose@brewermorris.com  to find out more about to how apply. Cycle to Work SchemeWe’re proud to offer a Cycle to Work Scheme through BHN Extras, helping you saveon bicycles and accessories while supporting healthy, sustainable travel. This salarysacrifice scheme allows you to spread the cost of a bike and equipment tax-efficiently, making commuting cheaper and greener.Home & Tech SchemeGet the gear you want for home or work with our Home & Tech Scheme from BHNExtras. Choose from a wide range of tech, furniture and more — all available througha salary sacrifice arrangement that can save you money on everyday essentials.Private Medical InsuranceYour health matters — that’s why we provide comprehensive Private MedicalInsurance with BUPA. This benefit supports quicker access to medical specialists,diagnostics, and treatment when you need it most, giving you peace of mind andbetter control over your care.Life Assurance (3× Annual Salary)We support your loved ones if the unexpected happens. Our Life Assurance benefit,provided by AIG, pays out a lump sum of three times your annual salary, helping toprotect your family’s financial future.Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme (10% Employer Contribution)Plan for tomorrow with confidence. Our pension scheme, provided by Aviva,includes a generous 10% employer contribution via salary sacrifice — giving you atax-efficient way to build your retirement savings and benefit from long-termfinancial security.Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)Life can be unpredictable — and support should be too. Through BUPA’s EmployeeAssistance Programme, you and your household members can access confidentialwellbeing services, including counselling, advice and resources for everydaychallenges.33 Days Annual Leave (Inclusive of Bank Holidays)We recognise the importance of work-life balance. All employees receive 33 days ofannual leave, inclusive of UK Bank Holidays, so you have plenty of time to rest,recharge and enjoy life outside of work.BENEFITS AT ST JOHN’S9REGISTERED CHARITY 201476ST JOHN’S FOUNDATION EST.11744-5 CHAPEL COURT, BATH, BA1 1SQPATRON: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN