Chief Financial Officer

Reporting to the Director General and working as part of our Executive Leadership Team (ELT), we are looking to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer. Our CFO will head up the Finance and Resources directorate, and will have responsibility for our Finance, Property and Contracts and Procurement Teams. As such, we envisage the CFO shaping PDSA’s approach to financial planning, property strategy and strategic investment opportunities.

In addition to this unique opportunity, you will be choosing to work for one of the Sunday Times 100 Best Not-For-Profit organisations in an organisation where every day you will be making a difference for people and their loved pets.

This is truly a unique opportunity for someone to lead on not only PDSA’s Business Planning Process, but also our ambitious property strategy supported by the ELT, our Trustees and the wider organisation as we embark on this exciting journey in shaping our organisational strategy.

Main Purpose

As a member of PDSA’s Executive Leadership Team (ELT), to have corporate responsibility for the development of PDSA’s strategic plans. To take the lead in overseeing the financial affairs and property strategy of PDSA, ensuring the long-term financial health of the charity and integrity of its Business Planning activities.

Accountable for strategic leadership within PDSA

• As a member of ELT, help Trustees to shape the overarching direction of the organisation, defining PDSA’s long-term plans and three-year strategy. Agree Business Plans and priorities to deliver these plans, strategies and public benefit impact
• As a member of ELT, accountable for the performance and good governance of the charity and for ensuring PDSA’s resources are managed responsibly to assure its long-term future
• Oversee the strategic investment in and management of PDSA’s property portfolio in line with PDSA’s strategic plans and stakeholder requirements
• Oversee the strategic development of PDSA’s contract and procurement activities protecting PDSA’s  commercial and operational interests by ensuring that appropriate commercial agreements,  contractual terms and SLAs are in place
• Comply with all internal and external polices and legislation

Accountable for financial & performance planning and analysis

• Provide strategic financial leadership and commercial ‘challenge’ to include strategic forecasting, financial analysis and modelling, scenario planning and performance monitoring
• Ensure that appropriate horizon scanning activities of the external environment and assessment of internal factors are reflected as risks or opportunities in our Business Plan
• Lead the development of PDSA’s Business Planning process over the medium (3 year) and long-term, ensuring appropriate KPI’s / metrics / triggers are in place to monitor its implementation

Accountable for financial control and governance

• Monitor the performance of PDSA’s investment portfolio recommending actions to mitigate risk / exploit opportunities in line with the agreed investment strategy
• To ensure Council receives regular reports on the financial performance of the charity facilitating its ability to fulfil its fiduciary responsibilities, identifying risks, opportunities and contingency plans
• Lead and direct activities aimed at improving governance, business continuity and assurance, organisational resilience, contractual and regulatory compliance, advising's Council and Senior leaders on corporate governance matters
• To work with the Trustee Directors of PDSA’s Retirement Benefits Plan (1978) (RBP) and their advisors in developing and monitoring the implementation of the RBP’s agreed strategy, and in managing the risks, opportunities and financial liabilities associated with the defined benefit scheme
• To oversee the governance arrangements associated with PDSA’s Group Personal Pension Plan (GPP) working with PDSA’s Pensions Manager, our GPP provider and external advisors.

Accountable for PDSA property strategy

• To lead the development of a long-term property asset strategy that supports PDSA’s strategic ambitions. To proactively identify and explore opportunities to maximise the financial value of PDSA’s property assets

Accountable for strategic leadership within function

• Lead and inspire our finance, contracts and procurement, and property teams ensuring the provision of an efficient, value-added, proactive service to internal customers
• To lead the finance team to ensure the provision of financial analysis and insight and development of robust business cases to facilitate effective decision-making building a strong business partnering approach

About you

• A fully qualified accountant
• Ability to analyse, implement and interpret complex financial data and metrics in a diverse organisation 
• A track record of strategic leadership and management at board level contributing towards development and delivery of organisational strategy
• Senior level experience in driving cultures of excellence, managing change and implementing or overseeing improved ways of working
• Experience in managing large multi-disciplined teams
• The ability to provide clear strategic direction and rigorous planning, balancing the needs of diverse groups to meet organisational objectives
• Experienced in change management and project delivery approaches and methodologies
• Understanding of legal frameworks and governance practices

To apply or find out more, simply click apply to send your CV to our Head of People and Development, Rebecca Tindall.

As the UK’s leading veterinary charity, with 48 Pet Hospitals, our purpose is to provide charitable vet care for those in financial hardship, who have nowhere else to turn. Every year our dedicated clinical teams carry out 2.7 million treatments supporting over 470,000 pets. With an income of £100m per year, we raise funds through the generosity of our supporters and through our network of high street shops.

PDSA is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, adults at risk and all our colleagues and expect everyone who works for us to share this commitment and to treat people with courtesy and respect.

To support this commitment, our recruitment and selection processes are robust and rigorous and all appointments will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate background checks.