Deputy Head of Finance

Greenpeace are partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Deputy Head of Finance to join their team on a permanent basis. Greenpeace is a movement of people who are passionate about defending the natural world from destruction. Our vision is a greener, healthier and more peaceful planet, one that can sustain life for generations to come.

The role will involve undertaking a broad range of important duties, including taking responsibility for a key part of our organisation. This will include reporting on monthly performance, managing grants (both income and expenditure grants), preparing the annual budget, preparing the annual statutory accounts and taking responsibility for the annual audit, reporting to and liaising with our international head office, and preparing the agenda and papers for and attending trustee meetings.

The organisation:

Greenpeace are independent. They don’t accept any funding from governments, corporations or political parties – their work is funded by ordinary people. That means they are free to confront governments and corporations responsible for the destruction of the natural world and push for real change.

They do this by investigating, documenting and exposing the causes of environmental destruction. They work to bring about change by lobbying, consumer pressure and mobilising members of the general public. And they take peaceful direct action to protect our Earth and promote solutions for a green and peaceful future.

The role:

• Responsibility for all aspects of the financial management of Greenpeace Environmental Trust (GET), a registered charity.
• Responsibility for the preparation of annual statutory accounts, annual report, and conducting the annual audit.
• Work with the Events team to ensure that the budgeting, financial control and management, and reporting of the Glastonbury Festival and all other festivals and events is conducted in an accurate and timely manner.
• Preparation of the annual budget and presentation to the board of trustees.
• Preparation of monthly management accounts and written finance report to trustees and other key stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate cash flow management and forecasting procedures to proactively manage all cash balances.
• Manage the grant-making process and account for all grant income received.
• Review restricted income, ensuring correct documentation is received and the restrictions are applied.
• Maintain policies and procedures ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation.
• Continually work to develop and improve the quality and usefulness of our reporting.
• Providing financial analysis, including trends and areas of opportunity or concern for budget holders and other stakeholders.
• Work with other Deputy Head of Finance and the programme co-ordinator to proactively improve all aspects of the financial management of the programme department’s activities in relation to activity funded by GET.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a qualified, or a finalist Accountant (ACCA/ACA/CIMA or other chartered accountancy qualification) or will be qualified by experience.
  
  • Proven experience of working in a finance function in a hands-on role.
  • Extensive technical knowledge of accounting principles and best practice, with reference to specific UK charity accounting rules and regulations.
  • Substantial experience of management accounting, budgeting, forecasting and reporting.
  • Experience of involvement in financial year-end and annual statutory audit.
  • Proven experience of delivering a business partnering-focused service and providing in-depth insight, analysis and guidance to budget-holders.
• Support and believe in the aims of Greenpeace.
• Have highly developed communication skills with credibility to operate outside the finance function up to senior management level.

The position will be based at Greenpeace’s head office a short walk away from Highbury and Islington station and requires two days attendance at the office. The closing date for applications is 10th August with interviews taking place the week commencing 18th August.

Applications will be under constant review before the closing date, so please submit your application to our exclusive search agent, Robertson Bell. Apply now to be considered!