Job summary
Make a meaningful impact where it matters most.
At Saint Francis Hospice, we are passionate about delivering outstanding care and support to people in our community. To help us achieve our strategic ambitions and continue providing exceptional services, we are looking foraqualified,skilledHead of Financeto join our team.
Main duties of the job
As our Head of Finance, you will play a key role in the provision of effective (safe) and efficient (responsive and well led) Finance and Procurement services and their on-going modernisation and development.
You will be responsible for the Finance Department strategy and business plan, ensuring appropriate prioritisation and delivery of work. You will also contribute to shaping,delivering and embedding the overall strategy and financial and business plans that build on and improve the Hospices effectiveness.
You will also be responsible for ensuring the Hospice has robust and effective financial policies, controls, procedures, systems, structures,reporting and monitoring.
The Head of Finance will be expected to advise the Director of Finance and,Resources,Senior Leadership Team and Line Managers on financial matters, controls,and risk management and put in place appropriate operational systems to underpin an effective, progressive, flexible approach.
About us
We are a dynamic, forward thinking organisation delivering a full range of specialist palliative care services for individuals & their loved ones with palliative or end of life care needs. We achieved Outstanding in our CQC inspection & have reconfigured our services to meet the changing needs of our local community. We support 5 Clinical Commissioning Groups & have a robust governance structure in place. We provide ward clinical services within a modern, personal & friendly 18-bedded unit, as well as Specialist Community Crisis Support Service, Hospice at Home Service & Specialist Day Therapy Service. We also have the hospice Pepperell Education Centre that has an excellent reputation for delivering high quality education programmes and study days.
All communication regarding your application including invitations to interviews will be sent to the email address you have stated on your application form, if you could also provide a contact telephone number as well.
Saint Francis Hospice is a charity based in the UK. We will require all successful candidates to be able to provide documentary ID proof of their Right to Work in the UK. We are not a Licensed Sponsor, so are unable to provide sponsorship to support applicants applying from outside of the UK.
Please note that we are a charity & not part of an NHS Trust & we are situated in a quiet location in the village of Havering-atte-Bower, outskirts of Romford, therefore please consider our location when applying.
Details
Date posted
09 March 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£55,455 to £63,985 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
B0483-268
Job locations
St. Francis Hospice
Broxhill Road
Havering-atte-bower
Romford
RM4 1QH
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
- The Head of Finance has responsibility for the provision of effective(safe)and efficient(responsive and well led)Finance and Procurement services and the operational development of these services to meet changing organisational needs.
- To develop the Finance Department strategy and business plan, ensuring appropriate prioritisation and delivery of work, and contribute towards shaping,delivering and embedding financial and overall strategy and business plan that builds on and improves the Hospice's effectiveness.
- To be responsible for ensuring the Hospice has robust and effective financial policies, controls,procedures, systems,structures,reporting and monitoring.To provide prompt and accurate information both for management purposes and external reporting requirements.
- The Head of Finance will be expected to advise the Director of Finance, Senior Leadership Team and Line Managers on financial matters, controls, risk management and put in place appropriate operational systems to underpin an effective, progressive, flexible approach.
- In addition to being a hands-on financial expert,the Head of Finance will hold key high priority external financial relationships, including with Commissioners, and with peers across the Hospice and charity sector. It is expected that the Head of Finance will contribute to the senior leadership of the Hospice:
Contribute effectively to the work of the senior leadership team in shaping the effective operational working of the organisation
Help create a culture in the organisation that is compatible with its values,ethos and vision
- The post holder will also be expected to represent the hospice at management and meetings outside of the Hospice and to deputise for the Director of Finance as and when requested.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To be responsible for the financial function of the Hospice, providing best practice accounting services and operations,ensuring all statutory returns are completed, the day-to-day processes and controls are appropriate and comply with relevant policies and procedures, there are appropriate standing and financial instructions, cash flow is monitored and that all external relevant bodies, including regulators, commissioners and other funders,are provided with appropriate information and reports to ensure that the Hospice meets is financial and regulatory obligations.
- To represent Finance and Procurement to senior leadership, executiveleadership,Trustees and relevant Governance Committees.
Leadership and relationships
- To provide senior leadership,management and direction to the Finance & Procurement Teams to ensure operational goals are achieved and proactive support and advice is provided across the Hospice.
- To motivate and manage staff, including managing performance and assisting with personal/professional development and ensuring appropriate recruitment and succession planning.
- To promote, lead and effectively manage change within the Hospice to sustain it as a learning,caring and responsive organisation.Develop and lead department plans and projects to support the delivery of the Hospice strategy.
- To lead continuous improvement of financial information, reporting,processes and technologies, prioritising change to deliver improvements in controls,efficiency and effectiveness.
- To be jointly responsible with the Senior Leadership Team for the effective delivery of the Hospices operations and business plan and the promotion of a supportive, team-working culture.
- To manage the relationship with the Hospices external auditors, bankers, tax advisors, insurance brokers, investment managers to ensure appropriate coverage, other professional financial and legal advisors, financial regulators, Hospice sector peers.
- To play an active role across relevant sectors with a view to ensuring best practice, providing help and assistance to other Hospices regionally and nationally and keeping abreast of issues generally affecting the sector.
- To be the Hospices external liaison as necessary with Commissioners and other Funders.
- To be responsible for the financial function of the Hospice, providing best practice accounting services and operations,ensuring all statutory returns are completed, the day-to-day processes and controls are appropriate and comply with relevant policies and procedures, there are appropriate standing and financial instructions, cash flow is monitored and that all external relevant bodies, including regulators, commissioners and other funders,are provided with appropriate information and reports to ensure that the Hospice meets is financial and regulatory obligations.
- To represent Finance and Procurement to senior leadership, executive leadership,Trustees and relevant Governance Committees, Leadership and relationships
- To provide senior leadership,management and direction to the Finance &Procurement Teams to ensure operational goals are achieved and proactive support and advice is provided across the Hospice.
- To motivate and manage staff, including managing performance and assisting with personal/professional development and ensuring appropriate recruitment and succession planning.
- To promote, lead and effectively manage change within the Hospice to sustain it as a learning,caring and responsive organisation.Develop and lead department plans and projects to support the delivery of the Hospice strategy.
- To lead continuous improvement of financial information, reporting,processes and technologies, prioritising change to deliver improvements in controls,efficiency and effectiveness.
- To be jointly responsible with the Senior Leadership Team for the effective delivery of the Hospices operations and business plan and the promotion of a supportive, team-working culture.
- To manage the relationship with the Hospices external auditors, bankers, tax advisors, insurance brokers, investment managers to ensure appropriate coverage, other professional financial and legal advisors, financial regulators, Hospice sector peers.
- To play an active role across relevant sectors with a view to ensuring best practice, providing help and assistance to other Hospices regionally and nationally and keeping abreast of issues generally affecting the sector.
- To be the Hospices external liaison as necessary with Commissioners and other Funders.
Management Information,expertise and advice
To provide financial expertise,and financial,procurement and non-financial analysis,advice and guidance to the Hospice,in particular on financial sustainability/affordability and strategic alignment for projects,business cases and contractual negotiations,and to represent the Finance department in Hospice wide projects and initiatives.
To provide Business Partnering support to the Chief Executive and other members of the Executive Leadership Team, including identifying and raising awareness of financial risks and opportunities, and recommending appropriate actions.
To ensure the provision of timely, accurate and insightful information to Board,Committees, Executive Leadership Team,Senior Leadership Team, project teams and external bodies, including monthly management accounts and analysis and regular re-forecasts.
To advise the Director of Finance (& Resources), CEO and Board on treasury management, cashflow projections, liquidity requirements and maximisation of benefits of cash deposits in line with Investment Strategy and other policies.
Financial strategy, planning, budgets
To lead and manage the budget and forecast processes for the Hospice, advising on financial sustainability of future plans including projects and business plans.
To enable longer-term financial scenario and budget planning by putting in place effective systems and processes, to support the development,monitoring and implementation of the overall organisational strategy.
To develop a coherent financial strategy to support the overall aims of the Hospice, which co-ordinates operational and strategic objectives with the investment strategy, the reserves policy and the budget process.
Internal controls and financial systems
- To be responsible for the financial systems,processes and controls of the Hospice, ensuring they are fit for purpose and maintain the accuracy and integrity of data and records. To maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial data across financial and non-financial systems.
- To understand the financial impact of new technologies implemented across the Hospice and advise on the implementation of interfaces / procedures to ensure the integrity of financial data across systems with a strategic view to long term efficiency.
- To be responsible for the Hospices internal financial control environment,monitoring and ensuring compliance, and to provide assurance to the Board, CEO and Executive Leadership team.
Reporting and compliance
- To lead the preparation of all published financial information for the Hospice and any subsidiaries or related entities, including the Annual Report and Financial Statements,and ensure compliance with all other required regulatory filings, including VAT and Gift Aid submissions.
- To ensure compliance with financial and finance-related regulations including direct tax, indirect tax, specific statutory regulation, accounting regulations, Charities Act, Companies Act, funding requirements, etc
Risk Management
- To be responsible for the overall risk management process for the Hospice,ensuring compliance with the Hospices risk management policies and strategies. Including supporting the identification of risk,ensuring risks are recorded on the risk register,reported appropriately to the relevant individual teams and committees,advising on controls and risk mitigation etc.
- To ensure sufficient appropriate insurance coverage for the Hospice.
Procurement &Senior Leadership Team duties
Due to word count limits we are unable to include these sections, please see supporting information where you can view the full job description.
Job description
Job responsibilities
JOB SUMMARY
- The Head of Finance has responsibility for the provision of effective(safe)and efficient(responsive and well led)Finance and Procurement services and the operational development of these services to meet changing organisational needs.
- To develop the Finance Department strategy and business plan, ensuring appropriate prioritisation and delivery of work, and contribute towards shaping,delivering and embedding financial and overall strategy and business plan that builds on and improves the Hospice's effectiveness.
- To be responsible for ensuring the Hospice has robust and effective financial policies, controls,procedures, systems,structures,reporting and monitoring.To provide prompt and accurate information both for management purposes and external reporting requirements.
- The Head of Finance will be expected to advise the Director of Finance, Senior Leadership Team and Line Managers on financial matters, controls, risk management and put in place appropriate operational systems to underpin an effective, progressive, flexible approach.
- In addition to being a hands-on financial expert,the Head of Finance will hold key high priority external financial relationships, including with Commissioners, and with peers across the Hospice and charity sector. It is expected that the Head of Finance will contribute to the senior leadership of the Hospice:
Contribute effectively to the work of the senior leadership team in shaping the effective operational working of the organisation
Help create a culture in the organisation that is compatible with its values,ethos and vision
- The post holder will also be expected to represent the hospice at management and meetings outside of the Hospice and to deputise for the Director of Finance as and when requested.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- To be responsible for the financial function of the Hospice, providing best practice accounting services and operations,ensuring all statutory returns are completed, the day-to-day processes and controls are appropriate and comply with relevant policies and procedures, there are appropriate standing and financial instructions, cash flow is monitored and that all external relevant bodies, including regulators, commissioners and other funders,are provided with appropriate information and reports to ensure that the Hospice meets is financial and regulatory obligations.
- To represent Finance and Procurement to senior leadership, executiveleadership,Trustees and relevant Governance Committees.
Leadership and relationships
- To provide senior leadership,management and direction to the Finance & Procurement Teams to ensure operational goals are achieved and proactive support and advice is provided across the Hospice.
- To motivate and manage staff, including managing performance and assisting with personal/professional development and ensuring appropriate recruitment and succession planning.
- To promote, lead and effectively manage change within the Hospice to sustain it as a learning,caring and responsive organisation.Develop and lead department plans and projects to support the delivery of the Hospice strategy.
- To lead continuous improvement of financial information, reporting,processes and technologies, prioritising change to deliver improvements in controls,efficiency and effectiveness.
- To be jointly responsible with the Senior Leadership Team for the effective delivery of the Hospices operations and business plan and the promotion of a supportive, team-working culture.
- To manage the relationship with the Hospices external auditors, bankers, tax advisors, insurance brokers, investment managers to ensure appropriate coverage, other professional financial and legal advisors, financial regulators, Hospice sector peers.
- To play an active role across relevant sectors with a view to ensuring best practice, providing help and assistance to other Hospices regionally and nationally and keeping abreast of issues generally affecting the sector.
- To be the Hospices external liaison as necessary with Commissioners and other Funders.
- To be responsible for the financial function of the Hospice, providing best practice accounting services and operations,ensuring all statutory returns are completed, the day-to-day processes and controls are appropriate and comply with relevant policies and procedures, there are appropriate standing and financial instructions, cash flow is monitored and that all external relevant bodies, including regulators, commissioners and other funders,are provided with appropriate information and reports to ensure that the Hospice meets is financial and regulatory obligations.
- To represent Finance and Procurement to senior leadership, executive leadership,Trustees and relevant Governance Committees, Leadership and relationships
- To provide senior leadership,management and direction to the Finance &Procurement Teams to ensure operational goals are achieved and proactive support and advice is provided across the Hospice.
- To motivate and manage staff, including managing performance and assisting with personal/professional development and ensuring appropriate recruitment and succession planning.
- To promote, lead and effectively manage change within the Hospice to sustain it as a learning,caring and responsive organisation.Develop and lead department plans and projects to support the delivery of the Hospice strategy.
- To lead continuous improvement of financial information, reporting,processes and technologies, prioritising change to deliver improvements in controls,efficiency and effectiveness.
- To be jointly responsible with the Senior Leadership Team for the effective delivery of the Hospices operations and business plan and the promotion of a supportive, team-working culture.
- To manage the relationship with the Hospices external auditors, bankers, tax advisors, insurance brokers, investment managers to ensure appropriate coverage, other professional financial and legal advisors, financial regulators, Hospice sector peers.
- To play an active role across relevant sectors with a view to ensuring best practice, providing help and assistance to other Hospices regionally and nationally and keeping abreast of issues generally affecting the sector.
- To be the Hospices external liaison as necessary with Commissioners and other Funders.
Management Information,expertise and advice
To provide financial expertise,and financial,procurement and non-financial analysis,advice and guidance to the Hospice,in particular on financial sustainability/affordability and strategic alignment for projects,business cases and contractual negotiations,and to represent the Finance department in Hospice wide projects and initiatives.
To provide Business Partnering support to the Chief Executive and other members of the Executive Leadership Team, including identifying and raising awareness of financial risks and opportunities, and recommending appropriate actions.
To ensure the provision of timely, accurate and insightful information to Board,Committees, Executive Leadership Team,Senior Leadership Team, project teams and external bodies, including monthly management accounts and analysis and regular re-forecasts.
To advise the Director of Finance (& Resources), CEO and Board on treasury management, cashflow projections, liquidity requirements and maximisation of benefits of cash deposits in line with Investment Strategy and other policies.
Financial strategy, planning, budgets
To lead and manage the budget and forecast processes for the Hospice, advising on financial sustainability of future plans including projects and business plans.
To enable longer-term financial scenario and budget planning by putting in place effective systems and processes, to support the development,monitoring and implementation of the overall organisational strategy.
To develop a coherent financial strategy to support the overall aims of the Hospice, which co-ordinates operational and strategic objectives with the investment strategy, the reserves policy and the budget process.
Internal controls and financial systems
- To be responsible for the financial systems,processes and controls of the Hospice, ensuring they are fit for purpose and maintain the accuracy and integrity of data and records. To maintain the accuracy and integrity of financial data across financial and non-financial systems.
- To understand the financial impact of new technologies implemented across the Hospice and advise on the implementation of interfaces / procedures to ensure the integrity of financial data across systems with a strategic view to long term efficiency.
- To be responsible for the Hospices internal financial control environment,monitoring and ensuring compliance, and to provide assurance to the Board, CEO and Executive Leadership team.
Reporting and compliance
- To lead the preparation of all published financial information for the Hospice and any subsidiaries or related entities, including the Annual Report and Financial Statements,and ensure compliance with all other required regulatory filings, including VAT and Gift Aid submissions.
- To ensure compliance with financial and finance-related regulations including direct tax, indirect tax, specific statutory regulation, accounting regulations, Charities Act, Companies Act, funding requirements, etc
Risk Management
- To be responsible for the overall risk management process for the Hospice,ensuring compliance with the Hospices risk management policies and strategies. Including supporting the identification of risk,ensuring risks are recorded on the risk register,reported appropriately to the relevant individual teams and committees,advising on controls and risk mitigation etc.
- To ensure sufficient appropriate insurance coverage for the Hospice.
Procurement &Senior Leadership Team duties
Due to word count limits we are unable to include these sections, please see supporting information where you can view the full job description.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Solid track record of effectively managing resources and budgets,effective delegation and prioritisation and delivery of objectives.
- Experience of financial management and governance in charity sector organisations with experience of providing financial advice and expertise to senior management and/or Trustees.
- Experience of preparing Charity and Company management accounts and forecasts, statutory accounts and returns, regulatory compliance, risk management reporting and donor reporting.
- Experience of creating, reviewing,developing and implementing effective internal controls, including continuous improvements and making efficiency improvements.
- Ability to analyse highly complex data and problems across a range of disciplines and make judgements and decisions in respect of financial risk on behalf of the whole organisation.
- Experience of creating and nurturing partnership and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience of operating in a modern digital workplace, including using digital tools to work collaboratively and productivity.
- Experience of producing and presenting complex information at different levels, including at Board level.
- Experience of managing projects and leading on long term strategic financial/business planning.
Desirable
- Experience of financial management and governance in health care charity, Hospice, or commercial organisation.
- Experience of accounting system ownership, systems change and systems improvement.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to engage with a diverse range of staff and volunteers and stakeholders through a compassionate,empowering and engaging style.
- Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage both internally and externally.
- Ability to present financial information to Trustees, leadership,senior and non-financial staff clearly.
- Resourceful, resilient and able to analyse and solve complex problems applying innovative and practical solutions to financial and other problems and challenges.
- Able to act as an ambassador for the Hospice both locally and nationally.
- Committed to the vision and values of the Hospice and the need to be agile and respond positively to change .
- Ability to engender a shared team spirit between individuals and across services.
- Innovative thinker who is able to translate this into a vision.
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional Accounting Qualification (e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA) at degree level with a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional education and management/leadership qualification or experience at masters level.
Leadership Skills
Essential
- Ability to lead with honesty, integrity and care. Be able to develop, empower and delegate effectively to achieve change and generate a positive, inclusive, workplace. Be accountable for actions and bring creativity and innovative to inspire and motivate others. Be active in the creation and delivery of the Hospice strategy for the benefit of individuals and their loved ones, staff and our local community.
- Leadership experience with evidence ofimplementing transformationalchange.
- Experience of inspiring,managingand leading staff and volunteers.
Desirable
- Experience of leading and managing cross functional teams.
Demonstrating the Hospice Values - Collaborative, Compassionate, Creative
Essential
- Compassionate we are a caring team, kind to each other and put the needs of individuals and their loved ones at the heart of what we do.
- Collaborative we value working in partnership across our communities and are proactive about nurturing relationships with our stakeholders.
- Creative we are forward-thinking, adaptable in our changing world and embrace change and innovative ways of working.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Solid track record of effectively managing resources and budgets,effective delegation and prioritisation and delivery of objectives.
- Experience of financial management and governance in charity sector organisations with experience of providing financial advice and expertise to senior management and/or Trustees.
- Experience of preparing Charity and Company management accounts and forecasts, statutory accounts and returns, regulatory compliance, risk management reporting and donor reporting.
- Experience of creating, reviewing,developing and implementing effective internal controls, including continuous improvements and making efficiency improvements.
- Ability to analyse highly complex data and problems across a range of disciplines and make judgements and decisions in respect of financial risk on behalf of the whole organisation.
- Experience of creating and nurturing partnership and collaborative relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Experience of operating in a modern digital workplace, including using digital tools to work collaboratively and productivity.
- Experience of producing and presenting complex information at different levels, including at Board level.
- Experience of managing projects and leading on long term strategic financial/business planning.
Desirable
- Experience of financial management and governance in health care charity, Hospice, or commercial organisation.
- Experience of accounting system ownership, systems change and systems improvement.
Skills/Abilities/Knowledge
Essential
- Ability to engage with a diverse range of staff and volunteers and stakeholders through a compassionate,empowering and engaging style.
- Strong written and oral communication skills with the ability to engage both internally and externally.
- Ability to present financial information to Trustees, leadership,senior and non-financial staff clearly.
- Resourceful, resilient and able to analyse and solve complex problems applying innovative and practical solutions to financial and other problems and challenges.
- Able to act as an ambassador for the Hospice both locally and nationally.
- Committed to the vision and values of the Hospice and the need to be agile and respond positively to change .
- Ability to engender a shared team spirit between individuals and across services.
- Innovative thinker who is able to translate this into a vision.
Qualifications
Essential
- Professional Accounting Qualification (e.g. ACCA, ACA, CIMA, CIPFA) at degree level with a relevant postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience.
Desirable
- Evidence of continuing professional education and management/leadership qualification or experience at masters level.
Leadership Skills
Essential
- Ability to lead with honesty, integrity and care. Be able to develop, empower and delegate effectively to achieve change and generate a positive, inclusive, workplace. Be accountable for actions and bring creativity and innovative to inspire and motivate others. Be active in the creation and delivery of the Hospice strategy for the benefit of individuals and their loved ones, staff and our local community.
- Leadership experience with evidence ofimplementing transformationalchange.
- Experience of inspiring,managingand leading staff and volunteers.
Desirable
- Experience of leading and managing cross functional teams.
Demonstrating the Hospice Values - Collaborative, Compassionate, Creative
Essential
- Compassionate we are a caring team, kind to each other and put the needs of individuals and their loved ones at the heart of what we do.
- Collaborative we value working in partnership across our communities and are proactive about nurturing relationships with our stakeholders.
- Creative we are forward-thinking, adaptable in our changing world and embrace change and innovative ways of working.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details
Employer name
Saint Francis Hospice
Address
St. Francis Hospice
Broxhill Road
Havering-atte-bower
Romford
RM4 1QH
Employer's website
Employer details
Employer name
Saint Francis Hospice
Address
St. Francis Hospice
Broxhill Road
Havering-atte-bower
Romford
RM4 1QH
Employer's website
Employer contact details
For questions about the job, contact:
Details
Date posted
09 March 2026
Pay scheme
Other
Salary
£55,455 to £63,985 a year
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
B0483-268
Job locations
St. Francis Hospice
Broxhill Road
Havering-atte-bower
Romford
RM4 1QH
Supporting documents
Supporting links (all open in new tabs)
Working for Saint Francis Hospice