Reports to: CEO
Direct reports: Finance Lead
Location: cinch Stadium at Franklin’s Gardens
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm)
Benefits: 30 days annual leave, Employee Assistance Programme, Vitality Health, free onsite parking, personal training budget, matchday tickets / club discounts
BACKGROUND
Northampton Saints Rugby Football Club was formed in 1880, when Reverend Samuel Wathen Wigg identified rugby as a way to channel the energies of some of the county’s more troubled youngsters. More than 140 years on, Northampton Saints Foundation continues his legacy, using the power of sport and the values of rugby to INSPIRE, SUPPORT and EDUCATE thousands of people each year. Our education and social inclusion programmes inspire the current generation to learn, develop new skills, increase confidence and where appropriate return to education, training or employment.
ROLE
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join us as a Head of Finance to lead our Finance function and to be part of the Leadership Team. The successful candidate will bring strategic leadership to the function to ensure the smooth running of all areas within the charity. You will ensure delivery, strategic development and appropriate planning and analysis of financial and data collection to make sure the charity uses the funds it receives wisely and efficiently. You’ll be a key influencer and consultative colleague within the charity.
The role is crucial to the continued success of the charity, and the support we provide. Early warnings, and long-term predictions of financial problems are essential to the annual planning of activities.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- To provide strategic financial support to the CEO and senior leadership team
- Ensure a robust financial control environment
- Work as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to lead the day-to-day running of the charity.
- Accurate, timely and insightful reporting to charity leadership and Trustees
- Accountable for all aspects of the charity’s finances, including developing and delivering KPIs and social value outcome metrics to measure impact and performance.
- Lead the preparation and publication of the annual Impact Report, ensuring comprehensive analysis of organisational impact and financial performance.
- Lead the management of the Salesforce system, ensuring effective use of data and insights to support the charity's needs.
- Explore opportunities to develop and enhance the Salesforce to better align with the charity's objectives.
- Oversee VAT returns, payroll, gift aid, and the administration of investments and pension arrangements, ensuring compliance with standard guidelines.
- Act as strategic financial partner to the CEO ensuring strategy is grounded in robust financial planning.
- Build, monitor, review and evaluate all budgets, with the Chief Executive and Senior Managers as appropriate
- Provide the Chief Executive, and Trustees with timely and insightful monthly reports, such as income and expenditure, cashflow, investment etc.
- Prepare for, and present at, the monthly Trustee meeting
- Carry out periodic and ad hoc finance risk assessments and risk testing, advising the Chief Executive on the extent of the risk and remedial action necessary.
- Oversee all aspects of the annual accounts audit, including the preparation and review of statutory accounts in collaboration with an external provider.
- Ensure that appropriate financial controls are in place, that they work, and that they are monitored effectively and reviewed regularly.
- Identify where cost savings can be made without detriment to services.
- Work with the Trustees to assist them in making decisions on investments.
- Line manage the Finance Assistant to ensure objectives are met and that the finance function runs smoothly. Succession plan to ensure the team remains fully staffed.
- Provide business partnering collaboration and support to each Head of Department.
KEY SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Previous experience in a senior Finance role with demonstrable experience of being able to support at a strategic financial level to help shape the agenda and be hands on is essential
- ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPFA or similar qualification is required.
- Working knowledge and experience of Xero or similar accounting systems
- Experience and competence in using Microsoft 365 and a range of other software and applications.
- Developed understanding of financial risk management, including the interaction between cybersecurity and fraud risks and controls and financial risks.
- Detailed knowledge of daily accounting, as well as the ability to be able to describe financial matters to trustees and staff who may not be financially trained.
- Financial reporting to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Forecasting to anticipate future financial conditions and make informed decisions
- Ensures high levels of discretion and confidentiality at all times
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, with the ability to converse at a senior level
- Analytical reasoning skills
- Exceptional leadership and influencing skills
- Strategic thinking
- Flexibility and adaptable to the needs of the service
- Ability to develop self and others
- Ability to work to tight deadlines and prioritise independently
- Ability to self-motivate and use initiative for a solution focused approach to work
- Committed to demonstrating the highest standards
- Positive mindset, reliable and resilient
APPLICATION
Please send CV and covering letter to [email protected] with your name and role applied for in the subject line.
Closing date: Midnight, 8th August 2025
Proposed interview date: Thursday 19th June 2025/ Tuesday 24th June 2025
Please note, if we receive a large number of applications, we may close the process early, so interested parties are encouraged to submit their applications as soon as possible.
Any CV’s, contact details or other personal data shared with Northampton Saints Foundation in relation to this position will be processed for recruitment purposes only. We are storing this data in line with our privacy policy, and any information will only be shared internally as required to undertake shortlisting and interviews with those directly connected to the recruitment process.
We would like to keep this data until this position is filled. When that period is over, we will delete your data unless we specifical inform you that we will keep it on file for future roles.
To see a copy of our privacy policy or if you have any queries relating to how we manage personal data, please contact [email protected].
OTHER
The role description, person specification, role grade and role title may be subject to change at the discretion of Northampton Saints Foundation and in accordance with business developments. Any changes will be communicated to the role holder as appropriate.
Northampton Saints Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and would welcome applications from a fully diverse range of candidates, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.
The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring service check and Section 128 check.
A full, clean driving license and access to a vehicle to travel to sites is essential.
