Head of Finance & Digital Transformation

Sussex Wildlife Trust

Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in
Sussex. We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our
towns, countryside and coast. By working alongside local people we create opportunities for us
all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive in even the most unlikely places. 

We are now in a critical decade for change to protect and restore nature with the help of more
people taking action for wildlife. Now is the time for an ambitious action plan to match the
scale and urgency of the challenges we are facing. Our new Strategic Plan – Our Wild
Sussex – was launched in April and sets out our vision and commitment to turning the
tide for wildlife so that by 2030, nature in Sussex will be in recovery.

To deliver our new strategic aims, we have recently completed a comprehensive restructure of
the charity to align to our goals. This restructure has generated a suite of new roles and
opportunities which will enable us to achieve our ambitions of restoring and protecting at
least 30% of Sussex land and sea for nature, inspiring one in four people in Sussex to take
meaningful action for wildlife, building a stronger more inclusive and diverse organisation and
becoming a net zero and climate resilient organisation.

In order to encourage diversity and inclusivity within the environment sector, we particularly
welcome applications from people who have an ethnically or geographically diverse background,
who are non-graduates and/or are living in economically deprived areas

The Role

The brand new role of Head of Finance & Digital Transformation will enable SWT to deliver
effective action for wildlife in Sussex by leading and overseeing the operational management of
the Finance (HR) and Information Technology teams. This role will develop a Digital
Transformation Strategy putting innovation and inclusion at the heart of everything we do. It
will also take a strategic approach to ensure skills, capabilities and infrastructure are
appropriate and sustainable.

The Person

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Operations, we are seeking an innovative and dynamic
IT & Finance professional who will be responsible for the day to day running of a proactive
and supportive IT and Finance service, with an integral role in shaping and implementing
improvements in line with our strategic goals, ensuring the smooth running of our Finance and
IT processes, policies and procedures.

We are looking for someone who is proactive and highly organised, with great communication
skills that can build relationships with all key stakeholders, both internal and external.
Ensuring that all staff are trained, supported and motivated to deliver a consistent, effective
and high-quality service to the organisation.

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays each year (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Pension – company contribution from 6% and employee contribution of 3% 
• Life Assurance – Pension Scheme Members 2 x Salary, Non-Pension Scheme Members 1 x Salary
• 2 days paid leave for volunteering each year
• Flexible working policy
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• EAP
• Employee discounts
• Informal car share arrangements

Job Purpose 

To enable SWT (Sussex Wildlife Trust) to deliver effective action for wildlife in Sussex by
leading the Digital Transformation of our operations and managing the Finance and the IT teams.
Taking a strategic approach to ensure financial and IT infrastructure sustainability,
commercial viability, undertaking long term planning and deputising for the Director when
required.