Head of Finance

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) is a leading UK charity dedicated to improving the health and dignity of Palestinians affected by conflict, occupation, and displacement. With a focus on the occupied Palestinian territory and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, we provide vital health and medical care to those in need, particularly in crisis zones like Gaza. As part of our commitment to meeting the growing needs of the communities we serve, we’re expanding our team.

The ideal candidate will have responsibilities that include monitoring compliance with MAP’s financial and procurement policies, developing strong cash and treasury management policies, and managing financial accounting systems. You will also ensure timely and accurate preparation of annual statutory accounts, compliance with relevant accounting and legal requirements, and submission of necessary returns to regulatory bodies.

Duties and key responsibilities

Leadership, Collaboration & Line Management

• Support the Director of Operations through preparation for and reporting to governance meetings.
• Participate actively as a member of the Leadership Team.
• Provide leadership, direction, training, and motivation as appropriate to the UK Finance Manager, and the overseas Finance Managers in conjunction with overseas Directors.

Finance Policy & Process Management

• Be responsible for monitoring compliance with MAP’s financial and procurement policies and review and update these policies on a regular basis.
• Develop and implement strong cash and treasury management policies and procedures.
• Manage and develop all financial accounting systems in consultation with the Head of Reporting to ensure they are fit for purpose.
• Help to ensure value for money and the effective use of funds across the organisation.

Compliance & Regulatory Reporting

• Manage the ongoing relationships with the external auditors.
• Ensure the timely and accurate preparation of the annual statutory accounts for the annual audit and implement recommendations from the auditors and/or Board.
• Monitor institutional income and related contracts and ensure that all restricted income, including Zakat, is properly accounted for.
• Ensure the financial management of MAP is compliant with relevant accounting, legal, HMRC and tax requirements, including VAT and corporation tax, and that the correct returns are made.
• Submit the necessary returns and maintain our records with the Charity Commission and Companies House on a timely basis.

Cashflow & Bank Account Management

• Manage the ongoing relationships with MAP’s banks in the UK.
• Maintain UK bank accounts and ensure financial governance is in place for overseas bank accounts.
• Ensure bank mandates and online banking operations are reviewed and updated on time.
• Monitor and manage the organisation’s cash flow to ensure there are sufficient currency funds to meet operational needs.
• Review fund and payment requests from overseas offices and that planned activities are within budget.
• Release all payments from UK bank accounts, including UK payroll.

Financial Controls

• Implement appropriate internal controls, policies, and procedures to protect against fraud and misappropriation.
• Oversee and manage all payroll budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee the payroll functions, ensuring adequate internal controls and approvals are in place and adhered to, and all statutory requirements are met.
• Ensure regular reconciliations are made between the accounting system and the CRM.
• Oversee legacy administration liaising with the Legacy Advisor.

Risk Management

• Risk management – manage strategic and operational financial risks working with the Head of Internal Audit & Compliance.
• Maintain insurance policies across all MAP offices to ensure appropriate and adequate risk mitigation and meet statutory requirements.

Person Specification

Experience

• Extensive experience in a finance leadership role within a complex charitable organisation, working internationally.
• Experience of UK charity finance practice and governance – UK Charities SORP FRS 102.
• Excellent technical knowledge and skills in accountancy principles, governance, and standards, including preparation of statutory accounts.
• Successful track record of managing financial systems, and cashflow.
• Experience of working in a multi-currency organisation.
• Ability to contribute to the management of in-country finance colleagues, while not taking direct line-management responsibility for them.

Skills and abilities

• Leadership skills to undertake a complex management role in an international organisation.
• Excellent staff management, communication, and inter-personal skills.
• Clear written /verbal communication skills, with the ability to present.
• Strong decision-making skills and ability to translate priorities into operational goals and plans.
• Excellent IT skills, including experience of using Office 365 software.
• Solution-focused approach, ability to work under pressure.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Knowledge

• Thorough understanding of financial accounting principles and techniques, particularly those relating to charities including charity regulations and the SORP.
• Knowledge of the taxation regime for UK charities.
• An appreciation of the political complexities in the Middle East region, of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and of the position of the Palestinian refugee population in regions where MAP operates.

Education

• A recognised professional Accounting Qualification, for example ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA.
• A commitment to continuing professional development.