Job Description

Job Advert

About the Role:

Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF) are seeking a dynamic and experienced

Head of Finance and Infrastructure

to join our Executive Team. As the Head of Finance and Infrastructure, you will oversee the effective delivery of CARF's key infrastructure, ICT, financial management, and premises ensuring robust financial controls, effective budgeting, and strategic planning. This pivotal role involves financial decision-making, advising the CEO, Board of Directors, and Executive Team, and ensuring compliance with audit and legislative requirements. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will ensure that all financial processes, systems, and infrastructures align with CARF's operational goals and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

(see below for some of the responsibilities you will undertake in this role. There will be a variety of other tasks, all crucial to ensuring the smooth financial operation of the organisation):

Leadership and Team Management:

Provide strong leadership to ensure the effective management and delivery of finance, ICT, and premises functions

Financial Oversight:

Oversee all financial processes to meet fiscal reporting obligations and provide comprehensive financial planning data to the Executive Team, including but not limited to: + Preparing annual estimates, budgets, and forward projections of income and expenditure
+ Establish and maintain efficient systems for monitoring, processing, and maintaining financial transactions, including salaries, invoices, and payments
+ Liaise with funders (e.g., Fife Council) to manage grants and produce required financial reports
+ Work with auditors to prepare annual accounts and ensure proper accounting for externally funded projects
+ Produce monthly and quarterly management reports, highlighting budget variances and providing insights to the CEO and Board
+ Maintain and negotiate lease agreements, maintenance contracts, and insurance policies

Business Development & Strategic Support:

Support the CEO and Head of Partnerships in developing and implementing the organisation's Business Plan

Compliance and Reporting:

Ensure compliance with legislative requirements, including HMRC, tax, pensions, and charity regulations

ICT Operations:

Ensure an effective ICT operating environment that supports the delivery of services across the organisation

Staff Process Development:

Contribute to the development of effective staff-related processes to support CARF's needs and organisational growth

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience required:

The ideal candidate will have a strong financial background, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage financial transactions and resources across the organisation. Additionally, you will play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of the Business Plan, as well as deputising for the CEO as required. The ideal candidate will have the following:

Recognised qualification in Accounting Proven experience in financial management, with a solid understanding of accounting systems, processes, financial reporting, audit, compliance, and budget management Experience of Xero accounting software, Sage Payroll, and common MS systems including Word and Excel Experience in advising and presenting financial information to senior leadership, including CEOs and Boards of Directors Proven experience in leading teams and individuals in a fast-paced, dynamic environment Expertise in identifying, managing, and mitigating risks to protect the financial and operational stability of the organisation Experience in developing teams and providing ongoing support for team development Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across teams

Personal Attributes:

Trustworthy:

You are someone the team can rely on for transparent and fair leadership

Strategic:

Ability to think ahead and guide the organisation towards long-term success

Detail-Oriented:

Ensures accuracy in all financial transactions and reports

Reliable:

Your decisions and actions consistently meet expectations and foster a culture of trust

Team Player:

Works collaboratively with other staff and external stakeholders

Adaptable:

You thrive in a fast-evolving environment and are able to shift priorities to meet the changing needs of the organisation

Approachable:

You have an open-door approach and foster an inclusive, supportive work environment

Supportive:

You are committed to providing the necessary guidance and mentorship to your team and colleagues

Why Join Us?

At CARF, we believe in empowering our people to create impactful change. As the Head of Finance and Infrastructure, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our organisation by ensuring that our operations run smoothly and efficiently. If you are an experienced finance professional, you'll have the opportunity to apply your skills to support the growth and sustainability of an organisation that makes a difference in the community. Join us and help lead the financial future of an organisation committed to providing free, impartial advice to those who need it most.

To Apply:

Please send your

CV

and a

cover letter

detailing your experience and suitability for the role.