Head of Finance

UK Islamic Mission (UKIM) is a national Muslim charity founded in 1962, operating approximately 60 branches across England, Scotland, and Wales. The organization delivers community services, education, welfare projects, and faith-based initiatives, with thousands of people engaging with its mosques and centres each week.

**Role Overview**

As Head of Finance, you will lead the entire finance function from the UKIM Central Office at the European Islamic Centre in Oldham. This is a permanent senior position (with the option of a two-year fixed-term contract) working 37.5 hours per week. You will report to the Executive Director, sit on the Senior Management Team, and attend the Finance & General-Purposes Committee and Board by invitation for finance matters. You carry additional accountability to the National Treasurer and the Chair of the Finance & General-Purposes Committee.

**Key Responsibilities**

• Lead and oversee the complete finance function across head office, departments, and branches, including financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Prepare annual statutory accounts on time, ensuring compliance with GAAP, SORP, and FRS 102, and manage relationships with external auditors through audit completion.
• Generate monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and financial commentary for the Executive Director, Finance & General-Purposes Committee, and Board.
• Manage a team of four: two Senior Finance Officers, one Finance Officer, and one Finance Assistant; oversee external auditors and consultants.
• Strengthen and embed financial controls, policies, and procedures across head office and branches, providing finance support and consolidation assistance.
• Ensure compliance with the Charity Commission, Companies House, and HMRC (including PAYE, Corporation Tax, VAT, Gift Aid, and charity law).
• Monitor cash flow and reserves, manage banking relationships, and provide investment and treasury advice aligned to organizational risk appetite.
• Oversee payroll, PAYE, and pension contributions.
• Develop financial models and analysis to support strategic planning, bids, tenders, and capital or international projects.
• Coordinate internal and external audit programmes and maintain a proportionate financial risk register with mitigation actions.
• Champion modern cloud accounting systems (including iPlicit) and data quality improvements.
• Lead and develop the finance team through objective-setting, reviews, and continuous professional development.
• Build local financial capability and consistent standards across departmental and zonal/branch leads.

**Requirements**

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience.
• Demonstrated track record leading finance in a charity or complex multi-site setting.
• Strong knowledge of Charity SORP, GAAP, VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, Gift Aid, and charity law.
• Proven experience improving financial controls, processes, and management information systems.
• Strong analytical skills, advanced Excel proficiency, and competence with modern accounting and ERP systems (iPlicit experience valued).
• Ability to explain complex financial information to non-finance stakeholders.
• People management experience with commitment to coaching and developing teams.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and collaborative approach.

**Desirable**

• Experience with branch-based or federated charity structures.
• Experience with capital projects and programme/grant finance.
• Knowledge of dashboarding and business intelligence tools.

**What We Offer**

• Salary: £34,000–£48,000 per annum depending on skills and experience.
• 27 days annual leave (including two Eid days).
• Auto-enrolment pension with employer contribution.
• Six-month probation period with 3- and 6-month reviews.
• Notice period: one month during probation, rising to three months thereafter.

**Application Requirements**

This role requires alignment with UKIM's charitable aims and values under the Equality Act 2010. Appointment is subject to right-to-work verification, references, qualification verification, role-appropriate DBS check, and financial probity/credit checks. No visa sponsorship is available.

**Application Deadline**

22 October 2026 at 23:59 (early closure possible).