Kent Community Foundation (KCF) is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Head of Finance and Governance to oversee the Foundation’s finance functions and ensure compliance with charity law and regulatory requirements. This role is key to ensuring that financial reporting is clear and accurate, and that all policies and procedures are current and fit for purpose.

In this role, you will provide financial oversight, ensuring that processes are both efficient and compliant. You will act as the main contact for investment houses, banks, and auditors, ensuring that financial reporting is clear and accurate. In this role, you will also support the Board of Trustees, preparing papers for board and committee meetings, and assisting with trustee recruitment, training, and evaluations. You will also oversee other governance duties including the updating of the Foundation’s policies to ensure legal compliance and best practice, as well as submitting returns to the relevant regulatory bodies, such as the Charity Commission and Companies House.

The ideal candidate will be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified or have equivalent experience, with a strong background in financial management and a working knowledge of Xero software. Knowledge of charity governance and reporting is essential. Experience in the voluntary sector, along with knowledge of systems such as Salesforce and Sage Payroll, would be highly beneficial.

Reporting to: Chief Executive

Main Responsibilities:

• Line Management responsibility for the Office Manager/Executive Assistant
• Providing KCF financial oversight; adapting and improving policies and processes to maximise efficiency and accuracy
• Working with KCF’s Book-keeper and Office Manager to ensure compliance with KCF’s financial procedures and controls
• Main point of contact for Investment Houses and Banks
• Act as a signatory on mandates in line with our financial policies
• Be the main point of contact for the accountants during audit and through preparation of annual accounts
• Ensure the foundation is legally compliant, informing/advising the CE and Board on matters of governance and liaising with legal
professionals as required
• Preparation of papers for and minute Board Meetings and Sub-Committee meetings with the support of the Office Manager/Executive
Assistant
• Reviewing and updating Sub-Committee terms of reference to ensure they are fit for purpose
• Managing the recruitment and induction process for new trustees
• Carrying out board evaluations and skills audits as requested by the Chair
• Ensuring trustees’ are adequately trained to effectively conduct their roles
• Managing and updating all KCF policies to comply with the charity’s general obligations and in accordance with UKCF and charity
commission best practice
• Preparation of annual returns and submission of accounts to Charity Commission and Companies House, and any other regulatory
requirements
• Overseeing the Quality Accreditation process and implementation of improvements as identified through QA recommendations
• Oversee HR policy; including reviewing and creating contracts, staff handbook, and other HR policies
• Ensuring legal compliance in relation to new starters

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience
• ACA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified or qualified by experience
• Financial management, including management accounts and reporting
• Confident IT skills; confident using Microsoft Office applications especially Excel
• Working knowledge of Xero software
• Understanding of Charity Commission and Companies House reporting requirements
• Understanding of Charity Law

Desirable
• Salesforce, Hubdoc and ApprovalMax experience
• Experience of Sage Payroll
• Experience of working in voluntary sector
• Understanding and experience using the Charity Governance Code

Hybrid and flexible working options available. Min 25 hours per week.

Applications should be in the form of an up-to-date CV and covering letter outlining how you meet the person specification for this role to jan@kentcf.org.uk. The closing date for applications is 24th November. Interviews will be held at the beginning of December at our office in Smeeth, Ashford.

KCF is committed to the building of a culture where all employees are valued and respected and we take pride in providing a workplace that fosters continuous professional development. Our goal is to find the right person for the role and we welcome applications from individuals looking to work flexibly. If you wish to discuss any accessibility concerns or if you need any more information or assistance, please contact Jan O’Donnell by email jan@kentcf.org.uk