Experience
- Significant senior experience in a finance leadership role within a complex organisation
- Demonstrable experience of financial planning, control, reporting, risk management and audit
- Proven experience of developing and managing high-performing finance and procurement functions
- Experience in charity finance and regulatory compliance (SORP, VAT, HMRC, Charity Commission)
- Experience of contributing to financial strategy development and long-term financial planning
- Strong knowledge of procurement best practice and regulatory requirements
Skills and attributes
- Excellent analytical and communication skills, able to present financial information clearly to non-specialists
- Ability to lead and motivate senior multidisciplinary employees
- Strategic thinker with attention to detail and strong operational delivery skills
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership style, committed to our values and role models our organisational behaviours
- Strong sense of integrity, accountability and professionalism
- Committed to the vision, mission and values of Cats Protection
- Ability to resolve conflict and negotiate constructively
- Evidence of listening and mediation skills
- Effective change management skills and the ability to support cultural change
- Facilitation and chairing skills
- Advanced audit, analytical and judgement skills, able to interpret highly complex facts or situations and a comparison of a range of options
- Ability to work with a range of stakeholders, both internal and external, building trusted relationships Ability to work as part of a senior leadership team to deliver corporate strategic objectives
Knowledge and qualifications
- Professional accountancy qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA), with significant post qualification experience
- Strong knowledge of charity accounting regulations and financial governance
- Deep understanding of UK GAAP, investment reporting, and internal control frameworks
- Proven ability to lead finance teams and develop high performing professionals
- Demonstrated experience of producing insightful business performance analysis, forecasting and strategic reports
- Experience of working with board/board committees, senior colleagues and managing relationships with external advisors