Head of Finance & Resources

Head of Finance & ResourcesRECRUITMENT PACKPage of Contents123479CEO WelcomePerson SpecificationOur ValuesJob DescriptionJob Advertisement How to Apply10Reward & RecognitionWelcomeWelcome to The Wish Centre!As the CEO of The Wish Centre, I am delighted to extend a warmwelcome to all candidates interested in joining our team as the Head ofFinance and Resources. At The Wish Centre, we are dedicated to making a positive impact onthe lives of individuals and communities. Our mission is to empowerpeople to fulfill their potential, achieve their goals, and build brighterfutures. As a leading nonprofit organisation, we work tirelessly toprovide support, resources, and opportunities to those in need.As Head of Finance & Resources, you will play a key role in ensuring TheWish Centre’s financial sustainability and strong governance, workingclosely with the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.You will provide clear financial leadership, insight and assurance,enabling informed decision-making and supporting the effective deliveryof our services.This role is suited to a skilled, collaborative and values-driven financeprofessional who is committed to our vision of a world free fromdomestic abuse. If you are motivated by purpose as well asprofessionalism, and want to use your expertise to make a meaningfuldifference, we would welcome your application.If you need help with any aspect of the process, please contact our Headof People & Culture: stephanie.sayers@thewishcentre.org.  I look forward to welcoming a dedicated and talented Head of Financeand Resources to The Wish Centre family.Best regards,Shigufta KhanCEO, The Wish Centre1Our ValuesAt The Wish Centre, our values shape who we are, how we work and the people we recruit.Our VisionA world free from domestic abuse.Our MissionTo raise awareness, educate communities and empower individuals to live free from domesticabuse through support, safe accommodation, behaviour change programmes and training.We are a values-led organisation and look for people who consistently demonstrate our values intheir behaviour, decisions and relationships.Our Values: H.E.R.EHolisticWe work with the whole person and family, recognising the lasting impact of domestic abuse. This means working with compassion, using trauma-informed approaches, collaborating withothers and supporting wellbeing.EducationWe believe education creates change.This means being open to learning, challenging stigma and sharing knowledge to improve practice.RespectRespect underpins everything we do.This means being inclusive and non-judgemental, valuing lived experience and communicatingethically.EmpowerWe support people to make informed choices and regain control.This means working alongside people, focusing on strengths and encouraging independence.What This Means for YouWorking at The Wish Centre is challenging and rewarding. We are looking for compassionate,reflective people who are committed to our H.E.R.E values. If this sounds like you, we wouldwelcome your application.22Job AdvertisementHead of Finance & Resources Hours of work: 18  hours per weekReports to: Chief Executive OfficerLine management responsibility: No potential for future line management responsibilities Actual Salary: £19,156.95 - £20,263 per annum (dependent on experience) Contract: PermenantLocation: Hybrid- Home/ Blackburn office as requiredAbout UsThe Wish Centre is a Lancashire based charity working to support people to befree from domestic abuse. We are committed to strong governance,accountability and sustainability to ensure our services can continue to make ameaningful difference. We are now seeking an experienced Head Of Financeand Resources to provide strategic financial leadership and work closely withthe CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.About YouYou are a qualified, values driven finance professional with experience of seniorfinancial management, ideally within the charity or not-for-profit sector. You areconfident working with trustees and senior leaders, able to provide clearfinancial insight and strengthen systems and controls. Motivated by purpose aswell as professionalism, you share our vision of a world free from domesticabuse and are keen to use your expertise to support positive change.Closing Date: 22nd March 2026To read more about the specific duties of the role, please see the full Job Description on the next page!3Job DescriptionWho Are We?We support victims of domestic abuse and are unique in delivering our perpetratoreducation support programme. For 35 years we have been at the forefront ofdeveloping and delivering specialist services to individuals and families. Our servicesinclude a helpline, advice and IDVA service, refuge accommodation, counsellingprogrammes for victims, schools-based programmes; behaviour change programmes,counselling services, access to free legal support, volunteering opportunities and peersupport groups.We are looking for someone who can embrace and extend our supportthrough enthusiasm, passion and drive.Creating Safe, Inclusive Opportunities for AllAt The Wish Centre, we are proud to be a Trauma-Informed Organisation, which meanswe approach every aspect of our work—including recruitment—with an understandingof the impact of trauma and a commitment to creating safe, supportive, andempowering environments. This approach shapes how we engage with applicants,ensuring sensitivity, respect, and fairness throughout the process.Our values of H.E.R.E—Holistic, Educate, Respect, Empower—guide everything we do.We strive to recruit individuals who share these values and are passionate aboutsupporting the communities we serve.We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and welcome applications frompeople of all backgrounds. We particularly value lived experience, and encourageindividuals with personal or indirect experience of domestic abuse to join us as trustees,staff, or volunteers. If you choose to share this information during recruitment, it will betreated with the utmost confidentiality and only disclosed to the interview panel or HRas necessary.Purpose of the RoleAs Head of Finance, you will blend strategic leadership and implementation byproviding strategic leadership of the charity’s financial management, ensuring strongcontrols, high-quality reporting, and optimal use of resources. You will act as theorganisation’s financial expert, advising the CEO, trustees and SLT, and ensuring fullcompliance with charity and financial regulationsYou will support the CEO and SLT to develop new commercial initiatives that align withour charitable mission, advising on income diversification opportunities, financial risks,project viability, and the long-term contribution of initiatives to our sustainability. Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership & CollaborationProvide financial insight and advice to the senior leadership team and trustees.Work closely with team managers and SLT to embed financial accountability acrossthe organisation.Engage in strategic discussion with SLT and the Board.4Financial Management and ReportingContribute to the overall organisational governance, risk management and strategicdecision makingPrepare management accounts, forecasts, and cash flow reports.Lead on the annual budgeting process in collaboration with the board of trusteesand SLT.Monitor budgets, providing clear variance analysis and financial commentary.Prepare year-end accounts and liaise with external auditors to ensure timelysubmission of statutory accounts.Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with regulatoryframeworks, including Charity Commission and Companies House requirements.Working with the CEO, SLT and managers input financial information when applyingfor contracts, commissions and grantsAct as the lead financial advisor to the Board and Finance CommitteeOperational FinanceOversee the outsourced bookkeeping provision ensuring that day-to-day financeoperations, including accounts payable/receivable, bank reconciliations, payrolljournals, and monthly close procedures are functioning appropriately.Ensure there is effective cash flow management and timely payment of suppliers,staff, and partners.Have oversight of all HMRC returns including VAT, PAYE and NI.Grants and ContractsTrack and report on restricted and unrestricted income, ensuring robust financialmonitoring for funded projects.Prepare financial reports for funders and commissioners in line with reportingrequirements.Support bid development and contract pricing, providing costings, forecasts, andfinancial modelling as required.Manage financial oversight of housing benefit claims and ensure accurate, compliantrent setting.Systems and ControlsMaintain and improve financial systems, policies and procedures, ensuring stronginternal controls and compliance.Ensure the financial risk register is kept updated. Manage and maintain the fixed asset register, ensuring appropriate assetclassification, valuation, and depreciation in line with accounting standards andcharity regulations.Ensure finance policies are up to date and reflective of best practice.Oversee the finance function’s use of accounting software, ensuring data accuracyand effective system use.5General ResponsibilitiesUphold high professional standards in all interactions with stakeholders, partners,and the public.Participate in relevant training and continuous professional development.Engage in the ongoing evaluation and improvement of The Wish Centre’seffectiveness in meeting strategic objectives.Ensure compliance with The Wish Centre’s Equality & Diversity Policy, Safeguarding,and other organisational policies.Participate in supervision, regular performance reviews, and annual appraisals.Additional InformationThe postholder must be flexible to respond to organisational needs, includingoccasional work outside normal hours and travel when required.Line management responsibilities may develop in future. Must maintain professional qualifications and attend any relevant training as directedby the CEO.This job description is subject to periodic review in consultation with the postholderto ensure alignment with organisational priorities.6Person Specification7QualificationsEssentialCCAB-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or equivalent(Assessed via Application)Commitment to ongoing Continuing Professional Development(Assessed via Application / Interview)DesirableCharity / not-for-profit finance qualification or training(Assessed via Application)ExperienceEssentialSenior-level finance experience with responsibility for organisational financialmanagement, reporting and compliance(Assessed via Application / Interview)Experience preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and cash flowinformation(Assessed via Application / Task)Experience working with Boards and/or Finance Committees as a trusted financialadvisor(Assessed via Interview)Experience of charity finance, including restricted and unrestricted funds andreporting to funders or commissioners(Assessed via Application / Interview)Experience overseeing outsourced finance or bookkeeping services(Assessed via Application / Interview)Experience of statutory compliance, including year-end accounts, audit and HMRCrequirements (VAT, PAYE, NI)(Assessed via Application)DesirableExperience supporting bids, tenders or new income initiatives through financialinput(Assessed via Application)Experience of housing benefit or supported housing finance(Assessed via Application)Person SpecificationSkills, Knowledge & AbilitiesEssentialStrong knowledge of charity accounting standards and regulatory requirements(Assessed via Application / Interview)Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly to non-financialstakeholders, including trustees (Assessed via Interview / Task)Strong budgeting, forecasting, cash flow and financial analysis skills (Assessed viaTask / Interview)Sound understanding of internal controls and financial risk management (Assessedvia Interview)High level of accuracy, attention to detail and professional judgement (Assessed viaApplication / Task)Strong IT skills, including accounting systems and Excel (Assessed via Application /Task)Ability to work independently, manage priorities and meet deadlines (Assessed viaInterview)Knowledge of, and ability to use Sage for Accountancy purposes. (Assessed viaApplication / Interview)Personal QualitiesEssentialCommitment to The Wish Centre’s values of Holistic, Educate, Respect andEmpower (Assessed via Interview)High levels of integrity, professionalism and ethical practice (Assessed via Interview)Collaborative, approachable and confident working with senior leaders, trustees andpartners (Assessed via Interview)Resilient, adaptable and flexible in response to organisational needs (Assessed viaInterview)Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding (Assessed viaInterview)8How to ApplyThis post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at a Standard level. The Wish Centre is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects ofour work. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities. Should you require the application in an alternative format than the link above, please emailstephanie.sayers@thewishcentre.org To apply, please complete our online application via the following link Head of Finance & Resources Application FormThe closing date for the position is 22nd March 2026.9Staff Reward & RecognitionAt The Wish Centre, we value our people and recognise the important and often challengingwork they do. Our Reward & Recognition offer has been designed to be flexible, fair, and toplace staff wellbeing at the forefront, ensuring support reflects individual needs.Westfield Health – Wellbeing and Savings:Westfield Health Cash Plan helps cover everyday healthcare costs, including dental, opticaland therapies, with cash back up to set limits24/7 GP access and a confidential Advice & Information Line for medical, legal and financialwellbeing supportDependent children covered on key benefits at no extra costWestfield Rewards gives access to discounts, cashback and vouchers with hundreds of high-street and online retailersSavings available on shopping, groceries, lifestyle and leisure purchasesEasy access via an online portal and mobile appAll staff have access to Westfield Health from day 1, our online reward, recognition andwellbeing app.Flexible Wellbeing ChoiceAlongside Reward Gateway, each staff member can choose one additional wellbeing benefiteach year, following their probaryionary period, allowing them to select what best supports theirwellbeing.Options include:An extra Wellbeing DayA mental wellbeing app subscriptionA wellbeing allowance for approved wellbeing activities or productsA wellbeing hamperA Supportive, Values-Led CultureOur Reward & Recognition approach reflects our commitment to staff wellbeing, flexibility andrecognition. By investing in our people, we aim to ensure everyone feels valued, supported andempowered to do their best work.10