Director of Finance & Operations

Transcription

1 Director of Finance & Operations Appointment Brief March

2 Thank you for your interest in the role of Director of Finance & Operations at the Geological Society. We are looking for an experienced individual to lead and manage financial and budgetary control, and to lead and manage operations in support of the Geological Society s strategic goals. This is a great opportunity for a knowledgeable professional with real ambition to contribute significantly to the successful delivery of the Geological Society s strategy. You will be guaranteed a challenging and rewarding experience within an internationally renowned and respected organisation. You will work with a team of highly committed and skilled staff and a Council of trustees, who will support you in leading and developing the finance and operational functions needed the underpin future success. We look forward to hearing from you. Richard Hughes, Executive Secretary March

3 About us The Geological Society of London aims to improve knowledge and understanding of the Earth, to promote Earth science education and awareness, and to support professional excellence in the work of Earth scientists for the public good. Founded in 1807, it is the oldest national geological society in the world and is both a professional body and a learned society. Today, the Geological Society is a world leading communicator of Earth science through its scholarly publishing, library and information services, cutting edge scientific conferences, education activities and public outreach. It also provides impartial scientific information and evidence to support policy making and public debate. The Geological Society is the UK s professional body for Earth sciences and has a membership (Fellowship) of over 12,000. Membership is growing year on year and, amongst younger members, gender balance is good. More than 2,000 of its members (Fellows) live overseas, with a strong presence in Hong Kong. Approximately 3,000 are Chartered Geologists or Chartered Scientists professionals who have demonstrated a high level of technical competence in their field and a commitment to professional ethics. The Society is licensed by the European Federation of Geologists to award the title of European Geologist and works with partner bodies in the UK to maintain specialist professional registers. It also accredits undergraduate and MSc degree programmes, and in house professional training schemes provided by employers. The Geological Society organises scientific conferences and events in London and across the UK. It publishes a range of internationally recognised scientific journals and thematic volumes that are available online and in print to its members and to libraries worldwide ( The Society has built a reputation for providing policy makers with impartial and authoritative input and advice based on sound science, including potentially contentious issues such as shale gas, radioactive waste, and mineral extraction ( for society). The Society is a registered charity, with an annual turnover of nearly 6 Million, a balance sheet of 9 Million, and a staff of around 60 located in London and Bath. Our strategy The Geological Society s strategy can be found at and the latest Annual Review is at Embedded within this strategy are the Society s values: All that we do is underpinned by scientific excellence, professional and ethical integrity, and quality of service. To that end: We strive to be impartial, authoritative, trustworthy and transparent, We promote diversity, equality, inclusion and respect for others across the geoscience community, We promote social and environmental sustainability, responsibility and stewardship, and 3

4 We seek opportunities to work collaboratively and aim to be recognised as a valued partner. The Geological Society s people The Society is governed by a 23 strong Council of trustees representing the wider membership. The Council is led and chaired by the President, who is elected for a two year term. Four honorary secretaries and up to three Vice Presidents from within Council are responsible for key areas of activity, working with the staff, committees and others. Volunteers from the Society s 12,000 members play an essential role in running the Society and delivering its activities, working in partnership with the staff, from participation in committees and working groups to convening conferences, editing publications, communication and outreach work. The Senior Leadership Team consists of the Executive Secretary and three Directors: Executive Secretary responsible for delivery of the strategy and for the leadership and management of the staff at Burlington House in London and at the Publishing House in Bath, Director of Finance & Operations (this post) responsible for finance, membership, facilities, health and safety, information systems and human resources functions, Director of Science & Communications responsible for science, policy, education, external communication, and conferences/events, and Director of Publishing responsible for the Society s scientific publishing operations based in Bath. 4

5 Role profile Title: Salary: Responsible to: Responsible for: Contract: Location: Director of Finance & Operations 75,000 85,000 commensurate with experience Executive Secretary 4 5 direct reports Permanent, full time Burlington House, Piccadilly, London Purpose The Director of Finance & Operations will bring leadership and management to the financial activities of the Society and, equally importantly, to operational areas including information systems, membership, facilities, health and safety, human resources, and data protection. S/he will empower and motivate his/her teams, working together to develop the capacity of the organisation. S/he will be responsible for the financial health of the Society, the preparation of monthly management accounts, annual accounts and the annual budget, for the efficient delivery of some customer facing activities, and for providing strategic and financial advice. S/he will promote diversity, equality and inclusion among the staff, the membership and all the Society s activities. Together with the Executive Secretary and the two other Directors, the Director of Finance and Operations contributes to the effective leadership and management of the Society through the Senior Leadership Team. Responsibilities The Director of Finance & Operations will focus on the following key areas of responsibility. It is envisaged that the successful candidate will spend approximately c.60% of his/her time on finance matters, and c. 40% on other operational areas. Finance: Ensuring that all financial compliance requirements are met, and that the Executive Secretary and Treasurer are advised on any future changes to financial legislation and other matters that may have direct or indirect financial implications for the Society, Producing an annual budget, maintaining rigorous cost control and financial management procedures, identifying savings and ensuring agreed costs are controlled within the approved budget while maximising income, Producing monthly management accounts across all areas of Society activity, conducting a monthly financial review with each budget holder to identify and manage any underperformance against the approved budget, and implementing actions to develop and grow areas of financial performance, Producing consolidated and separate statements of annual accounts for the charity and its subsidiary trading company in accordance with current regulations and with a view to obtaining a clean audit, 5

6 Providing any required financial information to Council in order to fulfil statutory and charity financial reporting requirements, including financial information to the Treasurer as required, Ensuring that the Society s standard operating procedures and financial controls are maintained and kept up to date to the satisfaction of the Finance & Planning Committee and the Society s Audit Committee, Identifying income generating activities and financial opportunities for the Geological Society, with supporting business case and financial analysis including return on investment. Human Resources: Ensuring the Society practices and adheres to legal and efficient HR policies and procedures, commensurate with the welfare of the Society s staff, the ethos of the Society and its wish to be a perceived as an employer of choice, Keeping under review the staff pay and reward scheme and specifically developing and overseeing the implementation of recommendations made by the Pay & Reward Review Panel in 2017, Overseeing performance management and training for all staff. Information systems: Overseeing delivery of resilient and cost effective information systems and related support, and developing ICT facilities and services, Implementing the recommendations of a recently completed independent audit of the Society s ICT systems and support provision, Developing the Society s IT Strategy. Fellowship Services: Ensuring all service needs of the Fellowship are met cost effectively, including those in support of Chartership status, and to develop and grow the Fellowship and Chartership. Other: As Data Protection Officer ensure compliance of all the Society s activities with relevant legislation, principally the General Data Protection Regulations 2018, Overseeing the management of facilities at the Society s London headquarters at Burlington House and its Publishing House in Bath, including planning for cyclical replacement and maintenance of buildings, equipment and furnishings, Compliance with all relevant health & safety policies and procedures, and promoting and supporting a culture of a safe and healthy working environment, Carrying out any other tasks to help the organisation achieve its overall business objectives as directed by Council or by the Executive Secretary, Contributing to the development and implementation of the strategic plans of the Society. Person specification Candidates for this role will be required to demonstrate a range of skills, competencies and abilities for the post. The successful candidate will ideally be an experienced Finance Director (or equivalent) with a 6

7 strong leadership and management track record. Proven experience in the operational areas detailed above is equally important. S/he will be able to demonstrate a commitment to the Society s objectives in the service of science, fellowship and society, as well as the following specific qualities and experience: Leadership and Management A track record of successful leadership and management Experience of successfully implementing and leading change A team worker with proven experience of working collaboratively to realise organisational objectives A track record of successfully building and nurturing strong and productive relationships, internally and externally An ability to influence and inspire people successfully at all levels. Personal Qualities Open minded to new ways of working and others perspectives Positivity and enthusiasm Tact, tenacity and a willingness to work in partnership with others A commitment to personal development and learning Exceptional interpersonal and people management skills Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines, prioritising work accordingly. Qualifications and Experience ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA full, professional qualification Strong technical accounting and finance knowledge, at both operational and strategic levels A working level of understanding of legislation and best practise relevant to data protection, principally the General Data Protection Regulations 2018 Advanced knowledge of MS Excel and spreadsheet usage, as well as accounting software packages (preferably Sage 200) The ability to present complex financial, regulatory and technical information in an accessible manner to non specialists Experience of working within the charitable / not for profit sector is desirable. 7

8 How to apply To apply for this position, please forward a copy of your CV together with a cover letter and a supporting statement to recruitment@geolsoc.org.uk. Please provide details of your current remuneration. You should ensure that your application fully addresses the appointment criteria set out in the person specification. You should provide the names, positions, organisations, contact telephone numbers and addresses of two referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer. References will only be taken once your express permission has been given. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please advise if you will require any special provision as a result of any disability should you be called for interview. Finally, please ensure that you have included your mobile and home telephone numbers, as well as dates when you will not be available or might have difficulty with the indicative timetable. RECRUITMENT TIMETABLE Closing date for applications: Noon on Friday, 6 April 2018 Initial interviews: Final interviews: Early Mid May Mid May Recruitment process Please note that only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The Geological Society is supported by a specialist recruitment consultancy in this process, and shortlisted candidates may be required to undertake a role specific competency test prior to the final interview. Queries If you have any queries on any aspect of the appointment process, or would like to have an informal discussion, please contact Richard Hughes at Richard.hughes@geolsoc.org.uk. 8