Reporting to: Principal
Responsible for: Finance team
Profile
We are seeking a highly experienced and commercially focused Finance Director. The ideal candidate will be proactive in managing financial systems and processes and leading the finance team. This role is responsible for optimizing the financial performance of RADA across all areas, for overseeing the delivery of a shared finance service, and is equally focused on strategic financial planning, operational management, and team leadership:
Strategic Financial Planning: Developing financial strategy, contributing actively to forming RADA strategy, supporting the Board and Executive team, and ensuring statutory compliance.
Operational Management: Overseeing day-to-day financial activities.
Leadership: Leading and developing the finance team, driving change and innovation.
This is a key leadership position with critical oversight of RADA’s financial strategy, ensuring robust financial management, operational efficiency, and a solid foundation for sustainable growth and innovation.
The Finance Director will act as a strategic business partner across all commercial activities, including close collaboration with the Managing Director of RADA Business, ensuring financial oversight, profitability, and alignment of financial strategies with business objectives.
As a key member of the Senior Leadership team, the Financial Director will actively contribute to shaping and implementing the risk management framework. The ideal candidate will possess the expertise to engage in capital raising initiatives, including the ability to effectively liaise with financial institutions regarding funding opportunities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategy and Planning
- Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive finance strategy that aligns with RADA’s strategic goals, ensuring financial sustainability and growth.
- Commercial focus providing strategic financial oversight of RADA and RADA Business commercial activities.
- Oversee annual budgeting and planning in collaboration with the Principal, Vice Principal and Senior Leadership Team and RADA Business Leadership.
- Develop and implement investment strategies, evaluating risks and opportunities, and providing regular reports.
- Ensure financial oversight of income generation and funding strategies, aligning with financial goals and long-term sustainability.
- Oversee the delivery and continuous improvement of a shared finance service, ensuring aligned and efficient financial operations.
- Assess financial risks and develop strategies to manage financial challenges.
- Lead the financial aspects of capital planning and collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of estate strategy with long-term financial sustainability.
Financial Operations and Control
- Ensure efficient financial operations, maintain the integrity of financial processes, and implement robust financial controls.
- Implement and maintain robust financial management and reporting systems.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, and statutory obligations, including charity law, financial regulations and data protection requirements.
- Oversee and enhance finance systems and processes to ensure efficiency and compliance.
- Manage cash flow, working capital and forecasting to ensure financial stability of the organisation.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial data returns to the Office for Students.
- Coordinate and lead the annual audit process.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and accounting standards.
- Continuously improve and maintain business processes and accounting practices.
Financial Reporting and Analysis
- Provide accurate, timely financial reports for informed decision-making and resource allocation, including monthly and annual financial statements for internal teams, committees, and Council.
- Communicate critical financial matters to the RADA Council and committees quarterly, ensuring transparency and alignment with organizational objectives.
Team Leadership and Development
- Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing, cohesive finance team.
- Promote collaboration and efficiency through effective delivery of shared finance services.
External and Stakeholder Relationships
- Collaborate closely with the Managing Director of RADA Business to ensure financial oversight, profitability, and alignment with business objectives.
- Manage relationships with external partners, including auditors, bankers, vendors, consultants and other financial stakeholders.
- Stay informed about evolving practices, developments, best practices, and emerging trends within the sector.