JOB TITLE: Finance Specialist, Transition Project

JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT: Corporate Services

JOB TITLE: Finance specialist, Transition project

Initially for a fixed term of 12 months (which may possibly be extended for a further year)

1. MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB

To lead the management and delivery of various finance aspects of Samaritans Transition Programme, within the timescales and budget agreed and to the business outcomes specified.

2. POSITION IN ORGANISATION

Ø Reports into: Executive Director of Corporate Services

Ø Works closely with: Head of Finance, Transition team, Senior Volunteers and Samaritans branches

Ø Liaises with: Auditors and other external agencies

3. SCOPE OF JOB

Ø Project management, coordination and implementation of Finance steps within the Transition programme, to include but not restricted to:

Ø Assisting BDO with completion of their due diligence review of Samaritans six year financial projections prepared for the purposes of the Transition

Ø Helping c.150 Samaritans branches change their accounting reference dates to 31 March 2016

Ø Design and implementation of standardised process and systems for branches joining the central charity in respect of quarterly financial management reporting to central office, and annual statutory reporting

Ø Managing the retendering of Samaritans banking partner (currently Lloyds bank)

Ø Working with branches joining the combined central charity in changing their banking provider to a common bank, and implementing internet banking facilities

Ø Designing a standard model of internal financial control to be applied by all branches joining the combined central charity

Ø Preparation of enhanced financial procedures manual/toolkit for use by branches joining the central charity

Ø Manage Financial Due Diligence for branches applying to join the central charity or seeking to retain affiliation status

Ø General Duties of a Samaritans’ Staff Member

4. DIMENSIONS AND LIMITS OF AUTHORITY

Ø Coordinates and implements the delivery of Finance aspects of the Transition Programme

5. QUALIFICATIONS

Ø CCAB Qualified accountant

Ø Project Management qualification desirable

6. SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

Ø Worked as qualified accountant with multi location organisation

Ø Proven project management experience

Ø Process improvement and change experience

Ø Good communication skills including ability to communicate with a diverse group of staff and volunteers

Ø Strong IT and analytical skills

Ø Planning, organisation and time management skills

Ø Appreciation of Samaritans mission and values and working in a volunteer led organisation

Desirable

Ø Experience of working with volunteers would be an advantage

7. PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

Ø Excellent interpersonal skills, specifically the ability to communicate with other staff members, volunteers and external agencies.

Ø Strong planning skills and an ability to multitask

Ø Flexible, adaptable and ‘can do’ attitude

Ø Able to schedule work effectively and meet deadlines

DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Financial Due Diligence of Samaritans six year financial projections prepared for the purposes of the Transition

Ø Assist BDO with completion of their work to review six year financial projections prepared by Samaritans management, in relation to the Transition

Ø Act as liaison between BDO and General office management and with branches on information requirements, queries etc. from BDO as they complete their work

Ø Review and comment on BDO draft reports

Change of branch accounting reference dates to 31 March 2016

Ø Act as primary point of contact for branch Treasurers and other staff in changing their accounting reference dates, with reference to Transition office guidance on this subject issued in May 2015

Ø Advise on specific aspects of the process and compliance (e.g. formalities around local trustee and board actions and contact with the Charity Commission and equivalent regulators in other jurisdictions in which Samaritans branches operate)

Design and implementation of standardised process and systems for branches joining the combined central charity

Ø Map existing state and design future state processes for branches joining the CCC, in respect of reporting financial results to the central office each quarter for management reporting purposes, and annually for year-end statutory accounts and audit

Ø Develop, test and implement proformas to be used by each branch

Ø Work with central office Finance in the design and implementation of financial information database and consolidation mechanisms for CCC financial reporting

Ø Provide training and other resources to assist CCC branch Treasurers and other volunteers with their ongoing responsibilities in terms of financial reporting to the central office

Retendering of Samaritans banking partner (currently Lloyds bank) and working with branches joining the CCC to changing their banking provider to a common bank, and implementing internet banking facilities

Ø Discussions with potential future banking providers to the CCC and manage the tendering of banking services

Ø Work with central office Finance and Information Systems in implementing new central banking software (if selected)

Ø Set up internet banking for all CCC branches with the new banking provider

Ø Provide CCC with training and other support resources in respect of a new banking partner

Internal financial control in respect of branches joining the combined central charity

Ø Design model of key environmental, transaction, process and reconciliation controls to be operated by branches joining the CCC

Ø Implement with CCC branches at stage dates (starting with Pathfinder branches)

Ø Provide guidance, tools and other resources to enable branches to understand and implement required internal financial control requirements

Ø Establish mechanism to be operated by CCC central office to periodically review and asses compliance with internal financial control requirements

DUTIES & KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Preparation of enhanced financial procedures manual/toolkit for use by branches joining the central charity

Ø Update existing ‘finance toolkit’ for use by CCC branches (and for guidance to affiliated branches)

Manage Financial Due Diligence for branches applying to join the central charity or seeking to retain affiliation status

Ø Work with Transition Programme office in requirements to perform financial due diligence on branches applying to join the central charity or seeking to retain affiliation status

General Duties of a Samaritans Staff Member

Ø Contribute to the effective and efficient running of the General Office as appropriate.

Ø Participate, as appropriate, in staff forums and meetings.

Ø Adhere to Samaritans Policies and Procedures

Ø Represent the General Office appropriately across the movement and Samaritans to the wider community as appropriate.

Ø Treat all colleagues, volunteers and members of the public with dignity and work within and adhere to Samaritans’ equal opportunities statement and polices.

Ø This Job Description is a statement of requirements at the time of writing and is not contractual. It should not be seen as precluding future changes after appointment to this role.

Signed by employee:______Date: ______