Finance Director

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Job Role: Finance Director
Location: London (hybrid working, 2 days in the office)
Salary: £85-£95,000 per annum pro-rata
Hours: Part-time, 22.5 hours per week
Employment: Permanent

Role Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the Finance Director plays is a key part of our leadership team and has responsibility for managing all financial matters at the Trust. As an SME with approx. 90 employees, innovation is at the heart of what we do and will be a key part of the finance role too. Leading a team of two finance professionals and the Head of IT the role holder provides financial strategic direction, planning and insight, manages risk, and oversees financial health, compliance and IT.

The role will include (but not limited to):
• Develop and implement the financial strategy to align with our Trust Plan.
• Provide financial insights and forecasts to guide decision-making and identify growth opportunities.
• Participate in high-level strategic planning with the executive board
• Prepare and monitor annual budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans.
• Oversee detailed financial analysis, including cash flow management, profit margins, and return on investment.
• Provide monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports to stakeholders.
• Manage company investments and optimise funding strategies.
• Ensure effective internal controls and compliance with financial regulations and standards.
• Assess and mitigate financial risks, ensuring adequate insurance and contingency plans.
• Ensure compliance with tax laws, corporate governance, and legal regulations.
• Liaise with bank and external accountants for statutory accounts and tax advice.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a finance team of two (Financial Controller and Finance Assistant) and Head of IT.
• Drive innovation and efficiency in financial processes and systems.
• Build strong relationships with external partners, including investors, banks, and vendors.
• Communicate financial performance and strategy effectively to internal and external stakeholders.
• Oversee the monitoring of fee-earning staff utilisation and ensure that appropriate action is taken to address under-utilisation
• Support with commercial bids as required
• Oversees the IT strategic direction
• Responsibility for all Company Secretarial activities ensuring that all filings are undertaken on a timely basis.

Professional qualifications and core knowledge:
• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW or equivalent professional accounting qualification
• A proven track record in a senior finance role and leading a team, preferably within an SME environment.
• Experience in corporate finance, financial planning, and risk management.
• Deep understanding of accounting principles, financial reporting, and statutory compliance.
• Proficient in budget management, financial modelling, and forecasting techniques.
• Knowledge of tax laws, VAT regulations, Corporation tax, R&D and corporate governance requirements.
• Ability to translate financial data into actionable insights for the business.
• Experience of Sage desirable but not essential

Personal attributes:
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
• Highly analytical with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and collaborate across teams.
• Resilient and adaptable, capable of working under pressure and managing competing priorities.
• Commercially astute with a clear focus on delivering business value.

Who We Are

The Useful Simple Trust (UST) is an award-winning group of professional design and consultancy practices driving change in the built environment through our four brands; Expedition Engineering, Useful Projects, Useful Studio, and Thomas Matthews. Certified as a B Corp, Social Enterprise, and Employee Benefit Organisation, we are addressing the significant issues of our time, including Net Zero carbon, circular economy, biodiversity gain, and social impact. Further to investing and growing our people as much as we do our business, we are a certified Carbon Literate Organisation, and are committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Diversity statement:

UST strives to be a diverse and inclusive place where we can all be ourselves. We are working to change the lack of representation of minority groups and are particularly keen to hear from anyone with relevant skills and experience who feels they are underrepresented in the industry.

We encourage people from culturally diverse backgrounds, women, people with different abilities, LGBTIQ+ community, gender, all age groups, and those with intersectional or multiple diverse characteristics to apply. We know that diversity makes us stronger, and we are committed to creating a working environment that is inclusive and ensures everyone can be heard and valued for their contributions.

What we offer:
• An entrepreneurial environment; we're open to new ideas.
• Paying for up to 2 professional subscriptions
• Flexible and hybrid working
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays.
• Service Recognition Awards.
• Working Nursery Scheme.
• Private medical insurance for you and your family.
• Annual Eyecare Plan.
• Life Assurance.
• Company Pension Scheme (grade dependent, minimum of 6%).
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Free access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family.
• Thriving Trust-wide social scene, including charitable activities