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