Harrison Housing July 2018 1

Finance Director

Recruitment pack

July 2018

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Finance Director

Your application

Thank you very much for your interest in this post. On the following pages, you will find details of the role and the selection process to assist you in completing and tailoring your application. In order to apply you should submit:

• An up-to-date CV which shows your full career history – this should be no longer than three pages;

• A supporting statement explaining why you are interested in this role, detailing how you are a good candidate for this post and how you fulfil the person specification – this should also be no longer than three pages;

• The declaration form – but completion of the equalities section is not mandatory, this is requested for monitoring purposes in line with our commitment to equality and diversity; and

• Indicate on the declaration form if you cannot attend any of the interview dates.

Please note that applications can only be considered if all the documentation is complete. Please send your application, preferably in MS Word format by email to: harrison@campbelltickell.com

Applications must be received by Monday 30th July 2018 at 9.00 a.m.

Please ensure we receive your application in good time. If you do not receive confirmation of receipt within 24 hours of sending, please call us on 020 3434 0990. To help avoid your submission being treated as spam, please use a secure email address from which to send your application, and refer to the role and organisation in the header.

Do call if you wish to have an informal discussion about the role and organisation, or if you have any other questions to help you decide whether to apply.

Kind regards,

Yvonne Frayling Yvonne Frayling Senior Associate Consultant 07539 373 827

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Finance Director

Contents

Welcome to Harrison Housing 4

About Harrison Housing 5

Harrison Housing’s Aims & Values 6

Harrison Housing’s Executive team 7

Role profile 8

Person specification 10

Structure chart 11

Key terms and conditions 12

Key dates and the selection process 13

The media advertisement 14

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Finance Director

Welcome to Harrison Housing

Thank you for your interest in our role of Finance Director. We are an independent, forward thinking, much admired and respected charity based in West London providing quality housing and support for older people with limited means. We manage our own stock and that of several other organisations and also produce their management accounts. This is an interesting time to join us as we are about to enter an exciting period of growth and development. We have grown over the years through development and merger and our continued expansion will ensure that our housing operations remain self-sustaining. We have a passionate and participative Board, who are committed to developing the charity’s strategy to meet the challenges of providing social housing in today’s difficult environment. We are about to embark on a development project that could span several years and see us in a joint venture with another organisation. There will also be internal change as we are in the process of reviewing our current accounting system with a view to replacing it with something more efficient. We are looking for a highly organised, qualified accountant, who has experience of working at a senior leadership level, who can come in and hit the ground running. You will be a team player who will advise our Board (and our partner Boards) and Senior Management Team colleagues on business decisions and work closely with me, ensuring effective governance of the organisation. Experience of housing development financing would be an advantage, as would a background or understanding of the social housing sector and its finance systems. As important will be your shared view of our values. However, for candidates that can make a case for the transferability of their skills set we are happy for them to learn about housing as part of the role. As the previous postholder, before I was promoted to my current role in 2016, I can promise a varied and interesting work load. This is a part time role, working 25 hours per week over 3 or 4 days. There will be occasional evening work. If you feel that you have the skills, aptitude and experience to make a difference, then we would love to hear from you. You are welcome to have a conversation about us and the role with Yvonne Frayling at Campbell Tickell (our retained consultants) before applying. Best Wishes Kathryn Dowlath, Chief Executive

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Finance Director

About Harrison Housing

We are proud of our rich history which dates back to 1869. Housing has been the core activity of Harrison Housing for many decades. Miss Goodwin and three sisters, Elizabeth, Amy and Clara Harrison founded the ‘Homes for the Aged Poor’ which eventually became known as ‘Harrison Homes’. The founders, like many Victorian benefactors, were motivated by the poverty and hardship suffered by retired domestic staff; often, these respectable people were reduced to destitution on leaving a lifetime of service, and were forced to enter the workhouse during their later years, where life-expectancy was extremely short and conditions were both appalling and harsh. In continuing the tradition of providing help to the aged poor, Harrison Housing currently has two almshouses, providing sheltered accommodation with a total of 67 flats. There are also a further 42 flats that the charity own that are general needs. Major refurbishment work has occurred in the past few years and the service provided by the Charity is much admired. We manage a further 70 residences on behalf of other almshouse charities throughout the London area. This leaves their trustees in overall control of the almshouses whilst we organise all aspects of the day to day operations, thus improving services for residents.

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Finance Director

Harrison Housing’s Aims and Values

We aim to provide and maintain high quality housing and support for older people of limited means in London by:

• Developing the highest standards of accommodation for older people in our community

• Creating a friendly and supportive environment, enabling residents to live independently

• Providing residents with comfort, respect and stimulation, irrespective of background, creed or colour

• Employing professional staff, with appropriate qualifications, skills and experience, committed to learning and development

• Reviewing and consulting regularly on how to improve our performance and the quality of housing and service we provide

• Developing new skills and solutions to the problems associated with ageing

• Promoting a greater awareness of the housing needs of older people

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Finance Director

Harrison Housing Executive team

Kathryn Dowlath, Chief Executive

Kathryn started at Harrison Housing in 2014 as Finance Director, coming from the London Eye and London Aquarium. Her involvement in the Charity’s strategic plans and passion for people helped her succeed in becoming the Charity’s first female Chief Executive. Kathryn is an ACCA certified accountant, she has varied experience in finance and a love of older people. As well as being good with figures, she enjoys cycling, snowboarding and eating mangoes.

Julia Linfoot, Operations Director

Julia joined us in 2015. She has extensive experience in the social housing sector and has managed sheltered housing and support services for older residents for many years. As well as her work in housing she has 3 almost grown-up children and an allotment which takes up all of her spare time.

Chairman of Board of Trustees

John Malpass is a Chartered Accountant with extensive experience both in the profession and as an international finance director in the engineering and construction industries; including acting as Financial Controller for Transmanche Link on the construction of the channel Tunnel. Over the last twenty years, John has been involved in the finance of various charities, including ICAN, a charity dealing with disabled children with speech and language problems, and Harrison Housing, an Almshouse in the west of London; he has been a trustee of Harrison Housing since 2007 & is currently the chairman. He is also trustee & treasurer of St Pancras Almshouses in the London Borough of Camden.

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Finance Director

Role profile

Job title: Finance Director

Responsible to:

Chief Executive

Line Managing:

Management Accountant and part -time Administrative Assistant

Key relationships: Trustees, Treasurer, residents, contractors, local authorities, external auditors and HM Revenue & Customs.

KEY OBJECTIVES

- Provide financial management and strategic support to the organisation.

- Implement financial controls and checks as necessary for the protection of the organisation’s funds and assets.

- Be the lead officer for Finance Committee.

- Be responsible, through the Chief Executive, to the Board of Trustees, for the effective development and management of the organisations financial resources, governance, insurance and company secretariat.

- Play a full role in the Senior Management Team, contributing to business development, decision making and service improvement.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES

- Prepare annual financial statements in conformity with the legal and accounting regulations of Homes England and the Charity Commission.

- Prepare annual budgets and forecasts and separate quarterly financial management reports for each charity that we own and manage.

- Prepare and present timely and accurate reports to the organisations Board and its committees and those of our partners.

- Supervise the accounting operations.

- Manage cash and investments, including banking relationships.

- Ensure full tax compliance.

- Ensure that rent accounts are maintained accurately and on a timely basis.

- Ensure compliance with Government regulations relating to Income Tax, National Insurance and Value Added Tax.

- Effectively manage the assets of the charities, including ensuring adequate insurance cover is maintained at all times and maintaining fixed asset registers.

- Develop, maintain and regularly review financial policies and procedures.

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Finance Director

- Ensure that value for money, efficiencies and effectiveness are delivered across the organisation.

- Ensure that financial systems are fit for purpose, meeting the needs of the business and complying with statutory/regulatory compliance.

- Interface with external auditors, lawyers, local authorities, Homes England, Almshouse Association, Charity Commission and the Chairmen of client Charities on financial matters.

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Finance Director

Person specification

Experience:

- Senior leadership track record of strategic and operational finance and accounts gained in the social housing sector or a similar highly regulated or customer focused environment, including staff management and substantial budgetary responsibility.

- Experience of the development of strategic and long term financial/business plans, financial control, treasury management, investments and banking relationships.

- Experience of preparing appropriate management information for Board/Committee and writing and presenting reports at that level to a range of people including non -financial experts.

- Experience of developing and managing complex financial models and strategies.

- Experience of risk management.

Knowledge and Abilities:

- Knowledge of the housing sector and charity sector will be an advantage.

- Knowledge of financial and legal requirements and accounting regulations e.g. Charity Commission and Homes England.

- Up to date knowledge of professional accounting requirements.

- Working knowledge of the taxation of charities and VAT regulations in relation to buildings and construction.

- Knowledge of social housing and the development process in relation to financing.

- Comprehensive knowledge and skilled in use of Windows packages to advanced level.

- Knowledge of housing management software systems will be an advantage.

- Demonstrates an affinity with the organisations values and behaviours, including equality and diversity.

- Able to analyse information, make sound decisions, appraise performance and manage risk, must be comfortable developing and working with financial models.

- A logical and strategic thinker.

- Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate and develop individuals within their own team and across the organisation.

- Energetic, enthusiastic and motivated professional. Able to lead and get the job done.

- Ability to influence people and thrive in a change environment.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to work out of hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Education and qualifications:

- A recognised accounting qualification e.g. CIPFA/ACCA/AC.

- Degree level education or equivalent through relevant training/experience.

- Management Qualification

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Finance Director

Structure Chart

The Management Accountant line manages the Office Manager, who also has some functional responsibility to the Chief Executive

Board of Trustees

Chief Executive

Finance Director

Management Accountant

Office ManagerOperations

Director

Scheme Managers

Property Services Officer

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Finance Director

Key terms and conditions

The role

Finance Director

Remuneration

c£60K - £65K, depending on experience (pro rata).

Working hours

This is a part time role, working 25 hours per week, over 3 to 4 days. We do not pay overtime. Due to the seniority of this post there is a requirement for flexibility in meeting the full responsibilities of the post and this will include occasional evenings.

Annual Leave

The first year will be 23 days, increasing by one day per year to 28 days per annum (pro rata)

Pension

SHPS pension scheme, administered by the Pension Trust. Offers a 5% employee contribution with up to a 10% employer match.

Notice Period

There is a six-month probationary period after which the notice period for the role is 3 months. During the probationary period the notice period will be one month by either party.

Location

Your usual place of work is 42-46 St. James’s Gardens London W11 4RQ, but you may be required to travel and work at other locations from time to time.

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Finance Director

Key dates and the selection process

Closing Date

Monday 30th July at 9.00a.m, 2018

We will be in touch with candidates on Wednesday 1st August, 2018 to advise on outcome of their

application. All candidates will be offered feedback on their application.

First Interviews

Monday 6th August, 2018

Longlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with a Campbell Tickell panel. This will take place at

the Campbell Tickell offices in Wembley. There will also be an opportunity to meet with the Chief

Executive, Kathy Dowlath in a separate session.

Final Interviews

Thursday 9th August, 2018

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview with a Harrison Housing panel, consisting of:

• John Malpass – Chairman

• Kathryn Dowlath – Chief Executive

• Yvonne Frayling – Campbell Tickell (Observer)

This will take place at 42-46 St. James’s Gardens London W11 4RQ.

On the same day there will be a session with some of the staff, a technical exercise and candidates will

give a presentation to the interview panel.

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Finance Director

Media advertisement

Finance Director

London c£60-65K, depending on experience We are an independent and well-respected charity within the almshouse community, based in West London, providing quality housing and support for older people with limited means. We are about to enter a further period of growth and development to ensure the sustainability of our housing operations. We are looking for our next FD to join us on this journey, supporting the Chief Executive, Board and senior colleagues, in making key business decisions and ensuring effective governance.

You will be a highly organised, qualified accountant who has experience of working at a senior leadership level. A background in the social housing sector and experience in housing development financing would be an advantage. However, for candidates that can make a case for the transferability of their skills set we are happy for them to learn about housing as part of the role. The role is part time, working 25 hours per week, over 3 to 4 days.

If you would like further information, please go to www.campbelltickell.com/jobs/ or for an informal discussion call Yvonne Frayling on 07539 373827 or email Yvonne.frayling@campbelltickell.co.uk

Closing Date: Monday 30th July at 9.00a.m.

Providing and maintaining quality housing and support for older people of limited means

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Telephone 020 8830 6777 Recruitment 020 3434 0990

info@campbelltickell.com www.campbelltickell.com @CampbellTickel1