Head of Finance

Post Title: Head of Finance
Contract Type: Permanent
Workplace: Hybrid, Preston

“The EFL is about two things – great football competitions and supporting communities 365 days a year”.

EFL in the Community (EFLitC) is the charitable arm of the English Football League (EFL). With more than 40 million people living within 10 miles of an EFL Club, the potential to connect with local people is as great as it has ever been. EFLitC was established to support the groundbreaking work of the EFL Football Club charities. This network of charities across England and Wales use the power of the Club badge to reach people who might not normally join other groups or services. They deliver a wide range of initiatives focused on improving health and wellbeing; raising aspirations and realising potential – building stronger, more cohesive EFL communities. This role will sit on our Senior Leadership Team and be responsible for the organisation's financial strategy and governance. This role is perfect if you are looking for a role that will have a genuine impact on people's lives through the power of sport.

More information is available in the downloadable Applicant Brief that is attached to this advert.

JOB PURPOSE

The Head of Finance for EFL in the Community sits on its Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for the organisation’s financial strategy and governance. The Head of Finance will ensure that best practice is followed throughout the organisation and will provide advice and guidance across the 72 Football Club charities.

The Head of Finance oversees the production of all financial statements and management information, and the monitoring of all financial activity, including financial analysis and forecasting. The Head of Finance will also oversee the management of project income, expenditure and distributions to subcontractors.

Due to the Shared Services model operated across EFL in the Community and the EFL, the role will report directly into the EFL’s Group Head of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, whilst also separately report into the Director of Community as part of being on the charity’s Senior Leadership Team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC FINANCE, REPORTING & BUSINESS PARTNERING

• Prepare and report the organisation’s financial position and risk profile to the Charity’s Audit and Risk Committee and External Stakeholders and System Partners, as required.
• Prepare financial reporting and analysis for the Director of Community prior to all Board of Trustee meetings
• Develop and lead the organisation’s financial strategy
• Offer financial insight and recommendations to the Senior Leadership Team and where required, the Board of Trustees
• Business partner with the Senior Leadership Team, Senior Management Team and project leads to support budgeting, forecasting, programme implementation and ongoing assessment of project financial and operational performance
• Oversee the production and continued development of monthly management information, financial and operational dashboards, and integrated financial and non-financial performance measures for the Senior Leadership Team, Audit and Risk Committee and Board of Trustees

FINANCE OPERATIONS, PLANNING & TEAM LEADERSHIP

• Manage the finance department, ensuring that team members understand their roles, responsibilities and expectations and receive appropriate, timely and accurate information, training and ongoing development
• Oversee cash management and planningWork with the Senior Management Team to manage the financial elements of supplier contracts and present business performance to internal and external stakeholders
• Manage the preparation of departmental budgets and forecasts, liaising with internal and external stakeholders in a timely and appropriate manner
• Manage the process through which EFL in the Community distributes income to its partner Football Club charities
• Manage the charity’s banking relationships.
• Lead the development of financial controls while streamlining processes within the finance function

GOVERNANCE, RISK, COMPLIANCE & ASSURANCE

• Oversee the timely and appropriate completion of quarterly VAT returns
• Take responsibility for financial due-diligence procedures relating to proposed commercial partners
• Alongside, the Charity’s Contracts, Risk and Data Protection Manager, lead the organisation’s governance, risk and compliance arrangements, including maintaining the corporate risk framework, supporting the Risk Committee and providing assurance to the Board of Trustees
• Develop, maintain and oversee the organisation’s financial and corporate policy framework, ensuring policies remain current, aligned with shared-service requirements and capable of supporting bids, tenders and organisational assurance
• Oversee the annual audit process
• Prepare and oversee the preparation of the annual financial statements
• File the annual Charity Commission return
• Support the EFL’s Company Secretary who oversees statutory filings, supporting effective Board governance and ensuring compliance with the organisation’s constitutional and regulatory requirements

EXTERNAL LEADERSHIP & NETWORK SUPPORT

• Represent the organisation as a senior leader not only within the charity, but also across its network and with external stakeholders
• Provide guidance to Football Club charities
• Undertake any other duties or projects as required
• Lead by example by contributing to promoting the principles of the EFL and EFL in the Community

1. Everybody working together - We are one team supporting each other and collaborating on our shared goals
2. Fairness and equality - Being consistent and inclusive for everyone and showing and treating everybody with respect.
3. Listening and learning - Communicating with trust and honesty, growing as individuals and enabling others to do so too
4. Changing Lives - We support the communities and Clubs we serve