Job Description
Help protect endangered species by leading the finances of one of the UK's best-known conservation charities – Twycross Zoo!
For more than 60 years, Twycross Zoo has combined outstanding animal welfare, conservation science, education and memorable visitor experiences to make a real difference for wildlife and communities. With a national and international reputation, it is a charity where every decision is guided by purpose.
Twycross is also a commercially driven organisation. As a charity, it is dedicated to generating revenue so that it can invest in its conservation work. Not every investment will deliver a financial return, and sometimes the case is made purely for the conservation of the animals. Balancing commercial discipline with that mission is at the heart of this role.
The Role
This is a genuinely strategic and operational appointment. Reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, you will be a trusted advisor to the CEO, Trustees and Senior Leadership Team, providing insight, challenge and commercial perspective. You will also lead the day-to-day delivery of the finance and technology functions.
You will:
- Help shape and deliver the Zoo's strategic plan and long-term financial sustainability, leading financial planning, scenario modelling, budgeting, forecasting and cashflow
- Provide financial leadership for the Global Conservation Centre and other major capital projects, and drive commercial performance and diversification of income streams
- Ensure financial resources are deployed to maximise conservation impact, supporting investment appraisal and business cases, including where the return is conservation rather than financial
- Lead financial governance, risk management and compliance (Charity Commission, Companies House, HMRC and Charity SORP), the annual audit and the Board and Audit & Risk Committee processes
- Act as Company Secretary and Data Protection Officer, with executive oversight of information governance and cyber security
- Lead and develop the Finance and IT teams, oversee payroll and key technology suppliers, and drive continuous improvement in systems and reporting
- Contribute as a full member of the SLT, taking collective responsibility for the success and reputation of the Zoo beyond your own function
The Global Conservation Centre
- The new Global Conservation Centre is a landmark project for Twycross. As Finance Director, you will play a key role in bringing the new facility online, from financial planning and oversight of funding, expenditure and risk through to maximising its use and return on investment once it opens. This is a rare chance to shape a flagship development from the finance seat.
A close-knit, supportive leadership team
You will join a senior leadership team that works collaboratively, supports and constructively challenges one another, and shares responsibility for Twycross Zoo's performance. The zoo has undergone significant development and growth under the leadership team and you will be valued as a partner and a visible leader, with a genuine voice in the decisions that shape the Zoo's future.
About you
You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with financial leadership experience in a complex organisation. You will bring:
- Experience as part of an executive or senior leadership team, and of partnering with Boards, Trustees or non-executive stakeholders
- Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking, with a track record in financial strategy, business planning and forecasting
- Demonstrable success supporting growth, transformation or major capital investment
- A strong grasp of governance, risk management and financial controls
- The ability to influence, challenge and build credibility with senior stakeholders, plus excellent communication skills
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
Experience in the charity sector, Charity SORP reporting, a visitor attraction, leisure, education or conservation organisation, large capital development projects, or as a Company Secretary would be advantageous although not essential. The over-riding requirement is that you are passionate about the organisation and utilising your skills and experience to improve the wellbeing of the animals and experiences of the visitors!
