Director of Finance 
The position of Director of Finance is a newly created role which will be part of the Executive Management Team (EMT). As a member of the EMT, you will be responsible for:
Ensuring the robust performance of the Finance team, to ensure that the organisation is provided with all support required to ensure Blackwood’s finance functions and services are effectively managed and delivered
Leading the strategic financial planning for Blackwood, including preparing the long term financial plan, the five year projections, and the annual budgets
Supporting the delivery of the current Strategy and Business Plan
The strategic leadership of the Finance team to ensure that all regulatory and statutory obligations are met
Leading the development and continuing management of excellent operational and strategic finance services which reflect and advance current thinking and best practice across Blackwood, at all times acting in harmony with the organisation’s aims, vision and values.
Directly managing a team of 6, with a staffing budget of circa £150k
Accountability for the preparation, management and oversight of the annual budget for Blackwood currently covering:
An annual revenue budget of circa £ 15.5m*
Annual capital spend of circa £ 2.7m*
(* at 2016/17; both expected to grow further in this Business Plan period)
On Offer
The role of Director of Finance will offer a salary of £56,000 - £66,000 plus a competitive benefits package. The offices are based in Edinburgh city centre and easily accessible by public transport.
You will be responsible but not restricted to the following duties:
Member of Executive Management Team:
To act as the lead member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), supporting the Chief Executive, on all aspects of financial governance and planning
To advise the Board, Chief Executive, and EMT, on all strategic and operational financial matters appropriate to delivering the Strategy and remaining in a sustainable financial position
Working with the Executive Management Team and Board to ensure that changes in our operating environment are reflected in appropriate changes in our strategy and operational practice
To play an active part in external events, conferences, and groups where this can help to promote the interests of the Blackwood group either directly or indirectly.
Financial Management
Lead on the formation, production and review of the Finance plans for Blackwood; manage the annual budgeting process and its regular monthly monitoring and reporting, including to the Chief Executive, EMT, Board, and committees
Ensure the strategy comprehensively reflects and incorporates the objectives of the strategic business plan.
Lead on Blackwood’s Treasury Strategy, including commissioning independent advice, and progressing all borrowing and loan requirements with lenders, and ensuring compliance with regulators
Participate in the development and review of strategic plans for Blackwood reflecting changes in the external environment, plans and expectations of existing and future stakeholders.
Support colleagues in financial planning for current and future activities, including developing forecasting tools, option appraisals, and reporting systems.
Ensure the Finance function is efficiently managed, including production of returns, ensuring compliance with any conditions; production of timely and accurate budgets and accounts; effective treasury management, and the provision of an effective financial management and financial planning service.
Ensure a high standard of preparation and presentation of all financial information to the Chief Executive, the EMT, Committees and Board and other forums as required.
Monitor and maintain operational cash flow requirements so that Blackwood remains in a financially sustainable position throughout the year
Act as the key contact with Blackwood’s Insurance Brokers, and to ensure that Blackwood has adequate and appropriate insurances in place
Performance Improvement
To ensure there is accurate and timely reporting of performance information relating to finance to the Chief Executive, EMT, and Board members and that there is a clear focus on performance improvement.
To achieve a high level of organisational effectiveness, in particular ensuring that business processes are well designed and technology is used to maximise efficiency
Governance and Compliance
To ensure compliance with regulatory requirements as well as organisational standards.
To play an active part in the corporate governance of Blackwood, ensuring compliance with the requirements of corporate governance, including the timely and appropriate provision of considered advice, on all matters within sole or shared responsibility.
Ensure all finance related risks are identified in the Board Assurance Framework, are on Blackwood’s Risk Map, regularly reviewed and that appropriate action is taken to remove or limit risks effectively.
Ensure Blackwood’s financial management arrangements comply fully with legal, contractual, regulatory and audit requirements.
Maintain treasury managements requirements including all covenants; compliance with all financial regulatory returns, and treasury planning
People Management
Lead the Finance team, ensuring positive and forward thinking team work developing effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Ensure the team capacity and capabilities are appropriate for management of the finance functions in a period of growth and change
Responsible for all elements of team development and management
To be considered for this opportunity, you must have the following experience:
Qualified Accountant with at least 5 years+ post qualification experience
Proven track record of operating as part of a senior management team
Experience of working within the Not for Profit sector - housing or care sector experience is desirable but not essential
Ability to engage and influence senior internal and external stakeholders
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
All third-party applications will be forwarded to iMultiply