Chair of Finance and Audit Committee

Job Purpose

The Chair of the Finance & Audit Committee (FAC) leads the Committee in supporting the Board of Trustees to fulfil its responsibilities for financial stewardship, financial reporting, audit, risk management, internal controls, systems, compliance and organisational assurance.

Working closely with the Board Chair, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, external auditors and fellow Trustees, the Chair provides independent oversight and constructive challenge to ensure BBC Media Action maintains high standards of governance, accountability and responsible stewardship of charitable resources aligned to BBC Media Action’s mission, strategic objectives and long-term financial resilience.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience of financial governance, audit and risk oversight, together with a strong understanding of charity governance and regulatory requirements. They will bring the judgement, independence and credibility to provide effective scrutiny and challenge within a complex international organisation.

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

Leadership & Governance:

Lead the Finance & Audit Committee in accordance with its Terms of Reference and ensure effective delivery of its responsibilities on behalf of the Board.

Ensure committee papers provide clear information and enable effective decision-making.

Ensure the Committee provides effective scrutiny and oversight of financial reporting, risk management, internal controls, assurance and compliance.

Foster a culture of constructive challenge, robust debate, transparency and continuous improvement.

Ensure clear recommendations and actions are reported to the Board and appropriately monitored.

In addition to chairing the Finance & Audit Committee, the postholder will serve as a Trustee of BBC Media Action and share collective responsibility for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation.

Financial Stewardship:

Review the integrity of BBC Media Action’s financial statements and related disclosures before recommendation to the Board.

Review annual budgets, financial forecasts and long-term financial plans prior to consideration by the Board.

Monitor financial performance, sustainability and the responsible use of charitable funds and donor resources.

Oversee significant accounting policies, financial reporting matters, the reserves policy and management’s assessment of financial resilience and going concern.

Review significant financial decisions and investment proposals before Board approval.

Ensure financial implications of strategic decisions are properly assessed and understood by Trustees.

Challenge assumptions in business cases and funding proposals.

Risk Management and Internal Control:

Oversee the effectiveness of internal control and risk management systems.

Review key strategic, operational, financial, compliance and reputational risks.

Oversee arrangements for fraud prevention, whistleblowing, safeguarding and ethical conduct.

Monitor management’s actions to address material risks and control weaknesses.

Assurance and Audit:

Review and approve assurance and audit plans, findings and recommendations.

Oversee the effectiveness and independence of the Assurance & Risk function.

Monitor management’s response to assurance and audit recommendations.

Oversee the relationship with the external auditor, including audit planning, findings, effectiveness and recommendations regarding appointment or reappointment.

Review annual statutory accounts and trustee reports and recommend to the Board for approval.

Compliance and Organisational Assurance:

Oversee compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and organisational requirements.

Seek assurance that effective governance, compliance and control frameworks are in place.

Partnership with Management:

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with the CEO, COO and senior management team, providing constructive support and challenge on matters within the Committee’s remit.

Ensure management responds appropriately to Committee recommendations and agreed actions.

Person Specification

Commitment to the mission and values of BBC Media Action.

Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.

Sound judgement, independence of thought and ability to provide constructive challenge.

Ability to analyse complex issues and support effective decision-making.

Ability to commit sufficient time to the role.

Essential:

Significant experience of financial governance, audit, risk management or assurance oversight at Finance Director, CFO or equivalent level, ideally within a charity or purpose-led organisation of comparable size.

Experience of scrutinising financial performance, risk and control frameworks and providing constructive challenge at a senior level.

Experience of governance and organisational oversight in a complex environment.

Desirable:

Experience within the international development, media or charity sectors.

Experience of organisations operating internationally and/or across geographically dispersed locations.

Previous experience chairing an Audit, Finance, Risk or Compliance Committee.

Experience of operating within a subsidiary, group or affiliated organisational structure.

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong understanding of financial governance, audit, risk management and internal controls.

Good understanding of UK charity governance, regulation and financial reporting requirements, including charity accounting principles and the Charity SORP.

Ability to interpret financial statements, audit reports, risk registers and assurance information.

Excellent judgement, communication and chairing skills, with the ability to provide constructive challenge and build effective relationships.

Experience of an organisation managing its way through periods of financial constraints.

How to apply

Interested and qualified? Go to BBC Media Action on careers.bbc.co.uk to apply

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