Royal Warrant Holders Association / QEST - Head of Finance

We are looking for an ambitious and high calibre finance professional to join the Royal Warrant Holders Association (The Association) and Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust (QEST) in a newly created Head of Finance role. This is a unique opportunity to shape and manage a first class finance function, serving two prestigious and highly respected organisations.

The Association is incorporated by Royal Charter to ensure the continued existence of the Royal Warrant of Appointment, uphold its unique status within business and protect the interests of Warrant Holders. As a not-for-profit membership organisation it also offers its members a range of events and opportunities within the family of Warrant holders. Warrants are granted to companies by HM The Queen or by HRH The Prince of Wales.

QEST, founded by the Association in 1990, funds the training and education of talented and aspiring craftspeople; helping to support Britain’s cultural heritage and sustain vital skills in traditional and contemporary crafts. HRH The Princes of Wales is the Patron.

Reporting into the Executive Director of the Association and the CEO of QEST, the Head of Finance position is key to both organisations which operate separately albeit enjoy close links. The  postholder will have overall responsibility for the full finance function for both organisations.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing medium and long-term financial planning and strategy in support of business plans, while delivering rigorous day-to-day financial management, reporting, budgeting and analysis according to the requirements of both organisations;
• Preparing year end processes including annual accounts and liaison with auditors; preparation of VAT;
• Leading on driving systems development and business process improvement;
• Preparing Board papers for both organisations and presenting at Board meetings;
• The management of the Finance Manager.

The successful candidate will be fully CCAB qualified and is likely to come from the charity or wider not-for-profit sector. You will have robust technical skills and a flexible and proactive approach. You will have a strong sense of commercial acumen, able to balance first class delivery with business drivers. We are looking for somebody with strong emotional intelligence, who is able to influence, communicate and build relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. This would be a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious and driven individual wanting to step up into their first Head of Finance position.

To apply, please send your CV and supporting statement via the link by Sunday 20th June. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Feeney via the Allen Lane agency website.