Head of Finance and Administration (HoFA)

Transform Trade works for trade and climate justice. In South Asia and Africa, we support farmers, workers, and artisans to benefit from more sustainable and equitable trade, and in the UK, we advocate and campaign for changes to business practices and government policy.

It is an exciting time to join our organisation. Following a strategic review, we embarked on a process of change to shift power to groups in the global south, and to rethink the way we work in the UK. We are committed to equality and providing a diverse and inclusive workplace. We particularly welcome applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including persons with disability and individuals from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities.

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Finance and Administration. As a member of the wider leadership team, you will provide direction on all things related to Finance and Administration, working closely with colleagues based in the UK, South Asia, and Africa.

To thrive in this key role, you will be proactive, organised, and systematic in your approach. You will bring your technical skills together with an ability to communicate clearly and will have very high levels of integrity ensuring we reflect the very highest standards in our organisational accountability. You will role model behaviours that underpin our values.

Role:

Head of Finance and Administration (HoFA)

Location: Newcastle/London, UK or Nairobi, Kenya

Purpose:

The Head of Finance & Administration (HoFA) oversees Transform Trade’s finance and administration functions.

• The role is responsible for the financial well-being of the organisation. The HoFA will ensure effective strategic and operational financial planning, implementation, monitoring and reporting to enhance decision making and support short- and long-term goals of the organisation. They will also oversee day to day operations.
• As Company Secretary, this role is responsible for ensuring that Transform Trade meets and maintains all governance obligations.
• They will ensure Transform Trade complies with all statutory and external requirements and regulations, and that IT and administrative processes support the effective running of the organisation.

This post will report to the Deputy CEO.

At Transform Trade every member of staff is required to support our efforts to build our reputation, fundraise where they can and advocate on issues we campaign on. Our values underpin what we do and how we do it in all areas of our work; both internally and externally.

Everyone is an ambassador; everyone is an advocate; everyone is a fundraiser.

Accountabilities:

• Take overall responsibility for the entire range of financial management across the organisation, from daily accounting to financial strategy. Ensuring consistent, timely and accurate financial management and administration of the organisation.
• Design and manage the annual finance planning/budgeting processes and prepare the annual operating budget. Work with staff to develop and monitor program and donor-funded project budgets.
• Prepare accurate, complete & timely financial and management reports, including the monthly management accounts, (cash flow, profit/loss and balance sheet).
• Carry out accounting processes including the preparation and review of monthly reconciliations and the posting of adjustments to ensure the accuracy of accounting information.
• Organise the annual organizational audit in the UK and take overall responsibility for other statutory and project audits that are required to ensure all statutory and donor deadlines are met.
• Create and maintain excellent financial controls, policies and procedures.
• Take overall responsibility for ensuring that the finance system is meeting the organisation’s needs, making necessary changes to it to ensure it is working effectively.
• Develop and continuously improve operational processes that enable us to deliver against our strategy and to evolve and grow as an organisation.
• Support the fundraising, programme, and policy teams to prepare budgets and financial reports for grants, ensuring compliance with donor regulations.
• Undertake financial analysis from time to time, to assist in evaluating income streams, and potential for cost efficiencies.
• Oversee operations and matters relating to equipment, facilities, insurance, and maintenance.
• As Company Secretary, take overall responsibility for all legal compliance and corporate governance matters, including tax, and support the senior leadership team and the board on risk management processes.
• Prepare finance and other reports to the board, as required.
• Facilitate capacity development of staff and partners, in areas such as financial management, procurement, administration, good governance and management of accountability and transparency.
• Lead and manage a core team of staff in finance, operations, and IT.
• As a member of the wider leadership team, contribute to the overall leadership, strategic planning, and management of Transform Trade.
• Forecast and monitor cashresources and bank accounts –manage GBP and forex bankaccounts, transfers between accounts andmonitor cashflow.

You will be:

• A qualified accountant with experience of managing finance team members and day-to-day financial processes.
• An excellent leader and manager who can work collaboratively with colleagues in the UK and internationally to develop strong relationships, effective cross-organisational working and build a culture of continuous improvement, performance, and accountability.
• Results focused, with high integrity and resolve, able to diagnose problems quickly and have foresight into potential issues.
• A role model for equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as a positive role model for contributing to the team spirit.

You will have:

• Extensive experience of financial management in the non-profit sector including managing financial reporting to donors.
• Excellent financial management skills including experience of managing budget processes, management accounting and audit processes.
• Excellent knowledge of financial management systems, with experience of implementing and adapting accounting systems.
• A good understanding of operational functions including administration /operations and IT.
• Strong leadership & management skills. Ability to connect to staff both individually and in groups; capacity to enforce accountability; ability to develop and empower others; strong commitment to follow-through; and high emotional intelligence.
• Experience in remote management of staff and finance processes.
• Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Willingness to undertake travel when needed (modest)
• Ability to communicate well (written and oral) with individuals at all levels of the organisation and with external advisors.
• A high level of personal initiative and integrity.
• Ability to work in a multi-sectoral, multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment.
• Personal commitment to justice and fairness.

Whilst Transform Trade is a Christian response to poverty, we are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all faiths or none. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds and value lived experiences. We do ask that all staff members respect the Christian vision, ethos, and culture of the organisation.

Hours:

Full time, 37 hours per week.

Salary:

Salary Band 2 (£44,106 – £60,375 plus £4000 London Weighting if applicable).

If the successful candidate is located outside of the UK salary will be paid in local currency.