Overview of Columba 1400

Columba 1400 is a charity and social enterprise based in Scotland and founded by Norman Drummond. We help young people discover their potential either by working directly with them or by working with the key adults in their lives.

Motivated by his work with young people from tough realities, Norman wanted to give them the time and space to develop their true potential for leadership and good citizenship.

Consequently, he founded Columba 1400 and in 1997 he worked with the community on Skye to create our leadership centre in Staffin. This is a space where young people can explore their values together, discuss and practice leadership, and take their learning back into their communities.

Since then, more than 12,000 young people and their key adults have taken part in our values-based leadership academies, which have often proved to be an important turning point in their lives.

More than 20 years since the first young person stepped through our doors, we have extended our scope to reach young people in the community, head teachers, senior leaders, parents, student teachers and to engage with services and people across whole local authorities.

Our values of Awareness, Focus, Creativity, Integrity, Perseverance and Service underpin all our leadership academies and provide a framework for young people to discover their true potential in life, education, work and community.

For more information, please visit columba1400.com

The role

We are looking for a talented, creative, and experienced Head of Finance and HR who will also be part of our Leadership Team. This role will lead the finance function and interpret data that will help to inform key decision making that ensures we can continue to adapt our vital work and reach more young people and the key adults in their lives.

There will be a focus on creative ways to drive efficiencies. The successful candidate will also be imaginative in their general approach and be committed to innovation.

The Head of Finance and HR has responsibility to develop and maintain relationships, policies and processes which are in the best interests of Columba 1400 and to maximise effectiveness to realise all strategic goals. Key responsibilities include:

• Work collaboratively with the CEO and Leadership Team to shape future organisational strategy and plans which drive impact and sustainability over time.
• Work with the CEO, providing governance advice and general support to the Board of Directors including attending board meetings and audit committee meetings as required.
• Lead on financial administration and performance, people strategy and HR management.
• Produce timely and accurate financial information and reports (management accounts, cashflow forecast and reserves tracking) to inform ongoing management of service delivery.
• Maintain financial strategy based on full cost recovery to support the strategic plan with quarterly operational forecasts to reflect ongoing and planned activity.
• Work with budget holders to prepare and monitor annual departmental forecasts.
• Ensure a robust control framework for finance which continues to build on best practice, continually improving systems to meet evolving organisational needs and technological opportunity.
• Comply with all statutory financial and charitable requirements.
• Maintain an appropriate level of understanding of legislation and legislative changes and provide guidance to colleagues as appropriate.
• Facilitate financial awareness and management by colleagues.
• Lead, coach and motivate one direct report to deliver a high-quality service for and with colleagues, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain and develop key relations with internal and external stakeholders including the external auditors and suppliers.
• Provide financial and organisational information for funding applications and tenders.
• Prepare VAT returns and oversee gift aid claims.
• Oversee payroll services.
• Comply with all policies and procedures.
• Ensure the charity has a sufficiently robust risk framework and work with the Chief Operations Officer to maintain the risk register.

The role will be 100% virtual, however there will be occasional travel which will be agreed in advance to meet with the Leadership Team, Board and for Governance meetings. There is the expectation to travel to Skye at least twice a year – once for team time and for the June Trustees’ Meeting and the Annual General Meeting.

Key experience, knowledge, and skills

• Relevant experience of successfully leading and managing members of staff and encouraging a culture of continuous improvement and individual and team development.
• Excellent track record in financial reporting and forecasting including preparation and analysis of monthly management accounts and the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets/forecasts and long-term financial plans.
• Ensure the organisation's effective management of its resources to meet the organisational strategy and to support where required with fundraising and budgets.
• Direct experience of presenting financial information to both financial and non-financial audiences, coupled with the ability to ‘talk finance’ in a language that the organisation understands.
• Demonstrable track record in establishing and developing strategic partnerships with external organisations including statutory and charity/voluntary sectors.
• Experience in successful project development and management and excellent organisational and planning skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Excellent understanding of financial governance and risk.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Previous experience of continuous improvement and developing robust financial controls, systems, and procedures.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to the Columba 1400 mission and values with a desire to make a positive difference to young people and the key adults in their lives.
• Empathic and motivational leader who strives to get the best from their team.
• Ability to lead on multiple projects simultaneously and achieve timely results.
• Creative and committed to learning, forward looking and solution focused.
• Strong communicator with the ability to build strong, impactful relationships with all stakeholders.
• Strategic with the ability to see the bigger picture as well as having the desire to roll up your sleeves when required.

The organisation reserves the right to vary duties and responsibilities at any time and from time to time according to the needs of the organisation.

Reporting to: Chief Executive Officer

Apply with CV and covering letter to recruitment@columba1400.com

Closing Date: 5th May 2023