ShareAction and the global system of finance

The global investment system has an oversized impact on many of the existential challenges we face today. Investors, as holders of capital and owners of the companies they invest in, have an influence on corporate practice. They influence which companies find it easier or harder to access finance and can influence the companies they’re invested in. Through their investment decisions and company engagement, investors can support a transition to a more sustainable, healthier way of living - this is known as responsible investment.
ShareAction’s vision is a world where the financial system better serves our planet and its people. Our mission is to define the highest standards of responsible investment and to drive change until these standards are adopted worldwide. We work towards our mission by:

• Building networks and coalitions of allies to drive change from within and outside the financial system
• Advocating for change in the investment industry using our research and rankings
• Campaigning with allies to strengthen investor stewardship and improve corporate practice
• Pushing for public policy reform to transform the financial system

This is a newly created role that will support ShareAction’s continued growth and build capacity and capability within the finance function. This position will provide the successful candidate the opportunity to play a key part in ShareAction’s future success, working closely with the Director of Finance and Operations to develop our financial processes to the next level, and providing a high standard of organisational support, particularly to our fundraising and programme teams.

Your role as the Head of Finance is to oversee the day to day running of the finance team, providing proactive, accurate and relevant financial information and support to the wider organisation.

A key focus of the role initially will be building capacity and capability to enhance project level budgeting and management information, leading the finance team to act as a business partner to a range of non-finance stakeholders.

The Main Responsibilities of the role will include:

Financial control

Responsible for all aspects of financial control within ShareAction, the Head of Finance will ensure that our financial assets are safeguarded and all transactions are accurately recorded. This will involve:

• Oversee the day-to-day financial record keeping and processes of our finance system (Quickbooks), primarily through reviewing the work of the Finance Officer (e.g. payroll submissions/outputs, invoice processing, bank records and transactions, VAT returns etc.) and take the lead on more complex areas as required;
• Lead on the continuous improvement of ShareAction’s Financial systems and processes which will include implementing new processes and project management of implementing new systems;
• Maintain the financial control environment, identifying weaknesses and solutions for strengthening our controls;
• Monitor ShareAction’s financial risks and mitigating actions;
• Lead on preparing the statutory accounts (with support from the Director of Finance and Operations) and act as the key point of contact for the statutory auditors to ensure a smooth audit process;
• Ensure that ShareAction stays compliant with all relevant UK and EU tax laws.

Finance Management

Working closely with those you line manage and supporting them to deliver the following:

• Prepare accurate, timely and relevant management accounts, overseeing the month end close process;
• Establish monthly project level financial information to enable improved organisational decision-making;
• Develop organisational and project level budgets and financial plans;
• Proactively manage the organisation’s cash flow, safeguarding funds and identifying opportunities to increase investment income.

Leadership and Team Management

Leading the finance team on a day-to-day basis and line managing the Finance Business Partner and Finance Officer:

• Work with the Director of Finance and Operations to devise a financial strategy that’s aligned with ShareAction’s strategic objectives;
• Oversee progress against finance business plan objectives and the longer-term finance team development plan;
• Establish and maintain relationships with external stakeholders including auditors, bankers and payroll providers;
• Train staff on finance processes and policies, establishing best practice around the organisation.

Please note that this list isn’t exhaustive and the role might change slightly from time to time.

We are looking for a passionate, determined individual, with the following experience and skills:

Person specification

ESSENTIAL

• Excellent knowledge of financial and management accounting through being a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with relevant experience;
• Strong knowledge of best practice financial processes and control environments;
• Excellent communications skills, both written and verbal and the ability to communicate complex information and ideas;
• Ability to build productive working relationships with internal stakeholders at all organisation levels;
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel and good working knowledge of other Microsoft Office applications as well as a high degree of computer literacy;
• Experience of working with accountancy software.

DESIRABLE

• Experience of working in or with the not for profit sector and knowledge of the charity SORP;
• Experience of working within the finance function of an SME;
• Experience of financial planning and accounting for projects.

Hours: Full-time, but with some flexibility possible

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 annum plus 8 per cent pension (non-contributory) and benefits including a healthcare scheme

Deadline for applications: Monday 4 April 2022, 9am

First round interviews: Thurs 7 April/Friday 8 April

ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcome applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities and so if you are not 100 per cent sure that you meet all the requirements but believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply and use the application questions to tell us about your experience and what you hope to bring to this role.

We also actively encourage staff to work in ways that best suit their needs and our flexible working policy outlines many of the options available- such as part-time and term-time working, job sharing, home working and working compressed hours. Please talk to us at the interview about the flexibility you need. We can’t promise to give you exactly what you want, but we do promise not to judge you for asking.

ShareAction’s London office is based in vibrant Bermondsey and a short walk from London Bridge underground and national rail. Remote working will remain the norm for many ShareAction staff as we continue to face the Covid-19 pandemic, with office space available in London for those who wish to use it.

Please note that to be considered for this post you must be legally eligible to work in the UK. Due to current restrictions we are unable to hire anyone that isn’t already living in the UK.
Due to our size we are unable to sponsor visas.