Head Of Finance, Ipswich

Head of Finance

Location: Suffolk

An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced and commercially minded finance professional to join a well‑established, values‑led organisation operating within a dynamic and community‑focused environment. This senior leadership role involves leading financial operations, supporting strategic decision‑making, and ensuring robust financial control across a complex organisation.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will take ownership of all aspects of financial management and control. You will lead a small finance team and play a key role in supporting senior stakeholders with accurate, timely and insightful financial information.

Key responsibilities include: Financial Management & Reporting

• Full responsibility for the integrity of financial records and accounting processes.
• Production of timely monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis.
• Preparation of annual statutory accounts and management of the external audit process.
• Oversight of all ledgers, including income, creditors, and fixed assets.
• Monitoring financial performance, identifying risks and opportunities.

Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budgeting process and ongoing forecasting cycles.
• Provide robust financial modelling and scenario planning.
• Partner with budget holders to monitor expenditure and performance.

Cashflow, Compliance & Controls

• Ensure effective cash management and financial controls.
• Maintain compliance with relevant accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee VAT returns and liaise with external advisors.

Payroll & Operational Finance

• Oversee outsourced payroll and ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Manage income processes, including credit control and customer accounts.

Governance & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare reports for senior leadership and governing bodies.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support strategic initiatives, process improvements and systems development.

Leadership

• Lead, mentor and develop a team of four finance professionals.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.

About You

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience in a broad financial management role.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong analytical capability and the ability to translate financial data into clear insights.
• A hands‑on, solution‑focused mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build trust across stakeholders.
• Experience within a complex or multi‑income organisation (e.g. education, not‑for‑profit, or similar) would be advantageous but is not essential.

The Opportunity

• Play a key role in a purpose‑driven organisation with a strong sense of community.
• Influence strategic and operational decision‑making at senior level.
• Lead financial improvements and systems development initiatives.
• Work in a collaborative, values‑led environment with strong leadership support.
• A competitive salary and attractive benefits package are on offer.

#J-18808-Ljbffr