Head of Finance & Digital Transformation

The brand new role of Head of Finance & Digital Transformation will enable SWT to deliver effective action for wildlife in Sussex by leading and overseeing the operational management of the Finance (HR) and Information Technology teams. This role will develop a Digital Transformation Strategy putting innovation and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. It will also take a strategic approach to ensure skills, capabilities and infrastructure are appropriate and sustainable.

The Person

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, we are seeking an innovative and dynamic IT & Finance professional who will be responsible for the day to day running of a proactive and supportive IT and Finance service, with an integral role in shaping and implementing improvements in line with our strategic goals, ensuring the smooth running of our Finance and IT processes, policies and procedures.

We are looking for someone who is proactive and highly organised, with great communication skills that can build relationships with all key stakeholders, both internal and external. Ensuring that all staff are trained, supported and motivated to deliver a consistent, effective and high-quality service to the organisation., To enable SWT (Sussex Wildlife Trust) to deliver effective action for wildlife in Sussex by leading the Digital Transformation of our operations and managing the Finance and the IT teams. Taking a strategic approach to ensure financial and IT infrastructure sustainability, commercial viability, undertaking long term planning and deputising for the Director when required., 1. As a member of the Trust's cohort of Senior Managers, work with SLT to provide the overall corporate leadership of the organisation.
2. Be responsible for the management of the Finance and IT teams, providing direction, management, confidentiality, support and enabling personal development of staff.
3. Support the Director of Finance & Operations in contributing to the Trust's vision, strategy, implementation plan, taking responsibility for the implementation and effective monitoring of the team's contribution.
4. With relevant stakeholders, develop and deliver the organisation's Digital Transformation strategy.
5. Coordinate the overall departmental and organisational budget management and effective business planning to aid sustainable resourcing of the organisation. Produce accurate and timely monthly management information and liaise with budget managers on queries. Support the Director in providing input to the Trust's business plan.
6. Maintain an overview of the team's approach to Project Management - Plan, develop and manage internal projects including the annual audit and production of the annual accounts, ensuring structured project management processes are followed, compliance with funding criteria and reporting. Attend relevant project boards internally and externally accordingly.
7. Coordinate the Team's approach to working effectively with partners and stakeholders, represent the Trust on appropriate forums at a senior level, and seek opportunities to develop existing and additional mutually beneficial relationships and networks.
8. Responsible for ensuring effective monitoring and reporting on progress and performance of the Finance & DT team activities, including all compliance, e.g audit, HMRC - including Corporation tax and VAT.
9. Responsible for ensuring compliance with reporting and proactive management of Health & Safety within the Finance & DT team
10. Working with the Fundraising Team to financially manage, develop and monitor projects and funding bids that secure external income across the Trust.
11. Be responsible for relevant public engagement and communication when appropriate, including providing content for the Communications team, engaging with members and the public, attending and leading events and acting as an ambassador for the Trust.
12. Lead of the organisation's development of net zero solutions and our reporting capabilities.
13. Be responsible for overseeing payroll processing.
14. Be responsible for the financial management processes of the organisation and for implementing the organisation's financial policies and procedures.
15. Be responsible for the Digital Transformation of the organisation, ensuring efficiency, value for money and future-proofing of our IT provision.
16. Ensure confidentiality at all times, only releasing confidential information obtained during the course of employment to those acting in an official capacity
17. Comply with the requirements of Data Protection and GDPR.
18. Have a flexible approach to working hours, working unsociable hours, evenings, and weekends (and emergency cover), as part of an agreed rota may be required on occasion
19. Responsible for the Health, Safety and Welfare of self and others and to comply at all times with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations
20. Comply with the Trust's Policies and Procedures

The above list should not be regarded as exhaustive, from time-to-time staff may be required to carry out other such duties as determined by the Trust.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

• Wider Finance & Operations team


• Teams across the whole Trust


• Volunteers


• Council, Advisors and relevant Committees


External

• Bankers and auditors


• Suppliers and contractors


• Other advisers
  
  Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex. We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside and coast. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places.


We are now in a critical decade for change to protect and restore nature with the help of more people taking action for wildlife. Now is the time for an ambitious action plan to match the scale and urgency of the challenges we are facing. Our new Strategic Plan - Our Wild Sussex - was launched in April and sets out our vision and commitment to turning the tide for wildlife so that by 2030, nature in Sussex will be in recovery.

To deliver our new strategic aims, we have recently completed a comprehensive restructure of the charity to align to our goals. This restructure has generated a suite of new roles and opportunities which will enable us to achieve our ambitions of restoring and protecting at least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people in Sussex to take meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.

In order to encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector, we particularly welcome applications from people who have an ethnically or geographically diverse background, who are non-graduates and/or are living in economically deprived areas


• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff)


• Pension - company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3%


• Life Assurance - Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary


• 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year


• Flexible working policy


• Enhanced Sick Pay


• EAP


• Employee discounts


• Informal car share arrangements