Director of Finance

Description:

Introduction

The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is a Learned Society of scientists and members in over 40 countries, across 5 continents. Its in-depth scientific research into the interconnected marine environment is carried out from its prestigious laboratory HQ in Plymouth, UK (Britain’s Ocean City).

We have a Royal Charter that recognises our world-leading status in marine biology. Since 1884 and now in our 140th year, we work as a voice for the ocean and in the interests of the global marine biological community. Over our history our advanced knowledge has contributed to the work of 13 Nobel Laureates and over 170 Fellows of The Royal Society.

Over the last 3 years, we have invested £5-Million in our research facilities to expand our research programme, and have plans to invest a future £4-Million, which will improve our teaching and education facilities, accessibility and sustainability at our iconic building in Plymouth. This is a fantastic time to join the team as we strive to create a world-class facility that is not only a career destination but a key part of both Plymouth and the world’s marine science excellence rooted in the MBA’s eminent spirit of scientific discovery.

Job Advert (Director of Finance)

If you are passionate about the ocean and have a strong background in finance, then we are offering you a unique opportunity to make a difference. The Director of Finance will provide operational and strategic fiduciary oversight to ensure the longterm financial stability of the MBA. This is a strategic role for someone who owns their career, seeks solutions to challenges, who has a commercial mind-set and can translate these to help us chart our next 140 years.

Being an effective accounting professional and strategic thinker is a given, a proven track record in managing sustainable financial growth is critical. This exciting role will have a wide remit to provide extensive financial management expertise to promote the MBA’s charitable business activities and ensure legal and fiduciary compliance. The goal will be to maximise our ambitious growth strategy to build the MBA’s reputation as a Learned Society and to become a pre-eminent advisor in marine biology. You will make a genuine contribution to shaping the future of our ocean.

Key responsibilities and skills
Budget Setting:
• Strategic planning - preparing forecasts and providing strategic advice
• Annual budget preparation and implementation following Council approval

Cash and Investment Management:
• Ensure that adequate funds are available for the running of the organisation including, working with external investment managers to ensure that investments are optimised and initiating foreign exchange transfers.
• Preparation of cash flow forecast.

Reporting:
• Reporting variances quarterly via management accounts to MBA Executive Team (MET), Trustee Finance Audit and Risk (FAR) committee, and MBA Council including KPI’s and cashflow
• Provide financial reports to FAR and MBA Council as required
• VAT – Ensuring that the MBA meets VAT obligations including quarterly VAT returns, annual adjustments and the Capital Goods Scheme (CGS)
• Final Accounts – Production of year end accounts and liaison with external auditors to ensure annual financial and governance reports are filed in accordance with charity law, HMRC and company legislation. This includes any subsidiary charities administered by the MBA

Grant and Contract Management:
• Oversee the grant application process, funding requirements and authorising new grant applications
• Reviewing contract legal issues and negotiating when required

Financial Management
• Oversee the accounts and payroll processes
• Management of company pension schemes, keeping members updated

The successful candidate will have:
• Financial or Management Accountant qualification(s)
• Expertise in production of management accounts
• Experience with charity sector and regulations, charity accounting and SORP
• Contract negotiating skills • Senior management experience Page 8 of 12
• Proactive strategic thinker with evidence of strategy development and implementation
• Change management skills and a passion for continuous improvement
• Demonstrable leadership and people management skills
• Developed communication, interpersonal, and written skills to engage effectively with a wide variety of internal and external stakeholders at all levels
• Proven ability to collaborate across functional boundaries to achieve shared goals

Benefits:
• We offer generous leave, 30 days (pro rata) annual leave plus statutory Bank Holidays
• 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Cycle to work scheme • Electronic vehicle lease scheme
• Low cost bookable parking on site
• Generous pension scheme – MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. MBA will match additional staff contributions up to 15