This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close 2 months ago at 23:59 BST.
The Vacancy
Main purpose of job:
We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller to provide leadership to the Finance Team and to advise on all financial accounting aspects for the Institute. This is a great role for a qualified accountant who enjoys combining a commercial perspective with a hands-on approach. They will help formulate our financial planning and will guide financial decision-making by senior colleagues.
From a technical perspective, the successful individual will have extensive knowledge of financial processes, the handling of VAT, and will also manage cashflow forecasting. Provision of the external audit and preparation of the statutory accounts are also key outputs of this role. The right individual will also have the ability to engage with external stakeholders, including our auditors, advisors, bank, and internal auditors.
The Hutton is a forward-thinking and innovative organisation with a strong track record of delivering projects and diversifying into new areas. As a key position in the senior finance management team, the Financial Controller will engage actively with a wide range of colleagues. The ability to effectively communicate, collaborate, and influence financial decision-making across the organization is key in this role. By using your initiative and problem-solving skills to find solutions and provide the right advice to colleagues, you will have a significant positive impact on the wider Institute.
We would expect the individual to be a qualified accountant (CCAB or CIMA) with a minimum of 5 years experience in a similar or senior finance role. This role offers a great work-life balance including hybrid working.
Main duties of postholder:
1. Manage and mentor three senior finance reports.
2. Lead the financial support and guidance provided to key projects, as well as representing the Finance function at key committees and meetings, as required.
3. Preparation of statutory accounts including liaison with external auditors and preparation of audit working papers.
4. Development and maintenance of cashflow forecasting.
5. Preparation of quarterly VAT returns (including partial exemption).
6. Provide other statutory financial reporting e.g. ONS returns.
7. Control of Fixed Asset Register postings.
8. Ensure all key balance sheet control accounts are reconciled periodically.
9. Review of month-end processes relating to sales, purchase, payroll, and nominal ledgers, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and that efficient processes are in place.
10. Review of proposed purchase ledger and sundry payments.
11. Deliver accounting support and technical guidance to both the finance team and colleagues across the organisation.
12. Provide cover for the Head of Finance with particular support provided in communicating financial aspects to colleagues and ensuring a strong governance framework and compliance.
13. Other ad hoc duties as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualified - UK accountancy body
Experience:
1. 5 years experience in a similar or senior finance role within a medium / large organisation.
2. Management of a finance team, including senior qualified colleagues.
3. Experience of working with external auditors, the preparation of working schedules for audit and the production of statutory financial statements.
4. Experienced at maintaining and reconciling the general ledger, ensuring all financial transactions are recorded properly.
5. Good knowledge of fixed asset accounting.
6. Cashflow management.
7. Experience of working in a variety of finance environments.
8. Knowledge of charity accounting principles, or willingness to acquire knowledge.
9. Knowledge of payroll.
10. Good knowledge of VAT.
Skills:
1. In-depth knowledge of UK financial accounting and the ability to explain key aspects to non-financial colleagues.
2. Ability to work under own initiative in order to positively impact financial performance.
3. Mentoring and development of senior finance colleagues.
4. Management of a finance team.
5. Ability to engage with a variety of internal and external stakeholders.
6. Effective written and verbal communication in presenting financial information or explaining challenges, particularly to non-finance staff.
7. Strong problem-solving skills when providing financial advice and influencing decision-making.
8. Proficiency in accounting software with excellent IT skills and a particular strength in MS Excel.
What We Offer:
1. Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
2. Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
3. Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
4. Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work-life balance.
Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity
The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.
The Company
The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils, and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy, and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these.
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