Head of Strategic Financial Planning & Control

About Cycling UK

Cycling UK promotes and encourages people to get into cycling; from cutting pollution, to making us healthier happier, Cycling UK are passionate about the benefits cycling offers to people and the planet. Following the launch of a brand new strategy in April 2024, they are seeking a Head of Strategic Financial Planning & Control to support in the continued growth of the charity.

Cycling UK works to campaign for cycling-friendly policies, advocating for cyclists’ voices on issues such as safety, active travel schemes and funding, the benefits of cycling on the environment, and much more. Cycling UK are also passionate about enabling cycling for all, running critical programmes to address the barriers to cycling people can face, to ensure cycling is inclusive and accessible to all.

During the last 5 years Cycling UK has experienced significant growth and development as cycling has assumed a greater role within the active travel sector and the post-pandemic recovery. As part of the next phase of implementing a new organisational strategy with a view to further growth, Cycling UK are looking for a finance leader to support in day to day running of our finances as well as driving longer-term transformation and strategic ambitions.

The Role

Reporting into the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Strategic Financial Planning & Control is a pivotal position within the Cycling UK team. Working as part of the leadership team within Cycling UK, this is an important role in leading the finance team and working to enhance the organisation’s longer-term strategic vision.

• Line management of the finance team members (4 reports) including supporting the development of all direct reports;
• Leading the preparation and implementation of a multi-year plan and annual budget aligned with our business planning and programme management processes;
• Lead budget and forecast reviews at appropriate intervals in the financial year to ensure accurate and timely forecasts of income and expenditure;
• Collaborating with the Chief Operating Officer, Senior leadership team and Heads of department to develop and embed a robust finance strategy which supports the delivery of our organisational strategy and aligns with our growth aspirations;
• Develop and maintain an effective system of financial controls that ensure the safeguarding of charity assets and the reliability of the financial statements;
• Lead the preparation and production of the annual report and accounts;
• Oversight for all accounts payable and accounts receivable processes and ledgers;

What’s in it for you?

• Salary £51,000 – £57,000 per annum
• Hybrid working: 1-2 days per week in Guildford or London office
• Annual leave of 25 days + Additional Christmas leave + Bank holidays. There are also options to buy an additional week’s leave.
• Parental leave of 12 weeks of full pay followed by subsequent enhanced rate.
• Enhanced sick pay & sabbatical leave options.
• Access for all staff to an extensive Employee Assistance Programme
• Flexible working arrangements on offer including the possibility to work condensed or 0.8 hours (please enquire for further details).

Your Background:

• You will be CCAB qualified or equivalent
• You will have previous staff management experience
• You will have natural strengths in finance business partnering, being able to communicate financial matters to non-finance stakeholders
• You will be self-motivated and ambitious, passionate about supporting in Cycling UK’s growth

Prior experience in the not-for-profit sector is desirable though not essential.

Please note that Cycling UK are open to candidates who are looking for a ‘step up’ into a Head of Finance role, as such applications from candidates who do not have all the experience displayed in the role profile are very much encouraged to apply.