Description
The Client
Our client is a £20million turnover charity. They operate nationally across multiple communities in a federated structure with some 60% of their income being derived from retail units. As part of a recent restructure, the organisation has a new business plan which in part is aligned to increasing income generation. This will look at best practice across all types of income generation, from major donors to general fundraising and in particular will focus on driving a greater return from their retail operations right across their national federated structure.
The Interim Assignment
Working with the Chief Executive, Finance Director and other Directors, this is a high level strategic finance programme to advise, guide and deliver on both current and potential business models for income generation. Having recently restructured, this is a critical part of a new three year business plan. All options for the generation and growth of income strategy need to be explored, modelled and forecast to be built into the plan. This would include looking at charging structures for local organisations within their federated structure such as HR and payroll as well as revisiting more effective fundraising strategies both locally and nationally. As 60% of their income is derived from retail operations and the growth of this area is critical to the future, understanding the drivers in this area is most important.
This role will also work closely with the Chief Executive in regards to withdrawing from their role as registered social housing landlord, ensuring financial viability of pension liabilities, developing sound business modelling for charitable and commercial areas while ensuring financial systems and structures fit business needs and reflect best practice.
The interim Financial and Business Development Advisor will need to bring strong commercial expertise to look at their growth plans from a business modelling perspective. The three year plan needs to be sense checked in line with both their existing retail activities, and the ideal retail model for the future (for example in terms of the number of units). This is a London-based interim assignment with some national travel, for 4 - 5 days per week.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will be of Finance Director calibre with a background in charities that operate with retail outlets. A desire and evidenced ability to get into detailed financial modelling and to robustly analyse growth plans is also essential. This is a standalone role (ie with no operational management responsibilities) to work alongside a Senior Executive team and excellent Trustees to enable the organisation takes forward its income generation growth plans to the next level. Strong communication skills are essential ie the ability to present complex financial data to high level stakeholders who do not hold accounting qualifications while applicants must be CCAB qualified and have working experience of SORP. Applicants must also have excellent knowledge of effective financial management and sustainability for not for profit organisations, a range of commercial, charitable and social enterprise business models and federated business models.