Financial Controller. Application Pack. Innovative conservation since 1903

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1 Financial Controller Application Pack In the past century FFI has consistently saved species from extinction and protected habitats from destruction. Their solutions have always been practical, efficient and sustainable in local circumstances. Sir David Attenborough, FFI Vice-president Innovative conservation since 1903

2 FAUNA & FLORA INTERNATIONAL Fauna & Flora International (FFI) saves species from extinction and habitats from destruction, whilst improving the livelihoods of local people. Our guiding principles are to work through local partnerships, act as a catalyst for change, make conservation relevant and base decisions on sound science. Founded in 1903, FFI is the world s longest established international conservation body. We are acutely aware of the challenges we face. The world s remaining natural habitats, and the species that depend on them for survival, are under greater pressure than at any time in recent history. However, with the health of the planet now firmly centre-stage, we have an unprecedented opportunity to make a real difference. Our success in doing so will depend on us conveying to a broader audience how our distinctive characteristics differentiate us from other organisations, while reinforcing our value in the eyes of existing donors and other stakeholders, and attracting income to the organisation. THE OPPORTUNITY We are seeking a Financial Controller to provide strong technical and managerial leadership for the Transaction Procession & Treasury function within the FFI finance team, reporting to the Head of Finance. The post holder will work closely with the Head of Finance, UK-based and overseas-based Finance Managers and with Programme Team Directors, Project Managers and Administrators to ensure the efficient and effective management of financial resources. S/he will work with our overseas offices and with FFI entities in the USA, Australia and Singapore in order to deliver cohesive and comprehensive financial management across the organisation. The post holder will need to engage with staff at all levels across the organisation, as well as bankers, auditors, other professional advisers and suppliers. The role would suit someone who has experience of working in a similar position in a diverse and complex environment, charity sector experience and exposure to international operations. Good systems skills and strong technical accounting knowledge will be important, as well as a collaborative management style, with the ability to coach and mentor both UK-based and overseas based finance staff, as well as the ability to discuss and present on finance matters effectively to non-finance managers. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Start Date: Duration of contract: Probation Period: As soon as possible Open Six months

3 Salary range: Location: Benefits: Competitive Fauna & Flora International, Cambridge, UK 25 working days annual holiday entitlement plus Public/Bank Holidays and any normal working days that fall between 24 th December and 31 st December inclusive, during which time FFI UK offices are closed. FFI currently provides a pension contribution of 2% of salary after 3 months continuous employment, rising to 8% of salary after the completion of 6 months continuous employment, or following completion of probationary period, whichever is the later. These contributions are currently non-contributory for employees. An employee can opt to join the pension scheme in their first 3 months of employment, in which case FFI will provide a pension contribution of 1% of salary for this period, provided the employee makes a minimum contribution of 1% of salary. FFI also provides Group Life insurance, currently set at a benefit of 4 x basic salary. Hours of Work: This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday from 9.00am to 5.30pm, with a one-hour lunch break. JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Reporting to: Line manages: Key internal relationships: Financial Controller Head of Finance Finance staff in the Finance, Transaction Processing & Treasury team UK based Finance Team members Overseas based Finance Team members Programme Team Administrators and Senior Team members Purpose of the role To ensure the efficient and effective management of FFI s financial resources in accordance with established accounting principles and good practice and ensure that the finance function s delivery is in accordance with agreed service level deliverables. General Responsibilities Ensure that sound processes and procedures are in place to ensure financial transactions are recorded in an accurate, timely and complete manner

4 Ensure that accurate and timely financial accounts are maintained in accordance with established UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (UK GAAP) Manage the activities of the Finance, Transaction Processing & Treasury team against agreed service level deliverables Line manage the members of the Finance, Transaction Processing & Treasury team Help prepare timely and accurate management accounts and other financial reports to meet the requirements of key stakeholder groups Specific Responsibilities Provide line management of the Finance, Transaction Processing & Treasury team through objective setting, continuous performance management, annual appraisal, training provision and personal development planning to develop individuals and their functions Ensure there is a clear allocation of responsibilities within the Finance, Transaction Processing & Treasury team Oversee the maintenance of the primary ledgers within the organisation, ensuring regular reviews and reconciliations are performed. This includes the Sales Ledger, Purchase Ledger and Fixed Asset Ledger, as well as all bank and cash balances held in the UK and overseas. Ensure financial reports are distributed on a regular basis to key stakeholders In conjunction with the Finance Manager, Reporting & Systems ensure that payroll related and timesheet transactions are accurately recorded in the finance system, and such accounts are reconciled on a regular basis Ensure that staff expenses, cash advances and corporate credit card transactions are processed accurately, completely and in a timely manner, and in accordance with FFI accounting policies and procedures Ensure that other accounts are maintained and reconciled on a regular basis (e.g. accruals. prepayments, loans) Develop, maintain, communicate and implement policies and procedures for FFI employees relating to Finance, Transaction Processing and Treasury, and lead on their implementation across FFI s operations globally in accordance with local legislation Ensure procedures, policies and controls are in place (and documented) so that all financial transactions, including those of FFI s overseas offices, are recorded accurately, completely and in a timely manner, and consolidated in accordance with accepted accounting practice Implement appropriate financial controls over payments/funds transfers and bank transactions in particular, as set out in FFI accounting policies and procedures, ensuring timely and efficient payments to suppliers and partners

5 Monitor and report on the global cash position of FFI, and maintain working capital forecasts and mitigate exchange rate risk when appropriate Ensure revaluation of balances held in a foreign currency (e.g. bank accounts, sales ledger, inter-company accounts) are conducted on a regular basis Maintain day-to-day relationships with FFI s bankers, auditors and other external advisors, as appropriate Maintain relationships with FFI s brokers, to deal with the selling of donated stock Complete necessary statutory returns in an accurate and timely manner, in particular the VAT returns and Gift Aid returns, and ensure returns reconcile to the finance system Act as the primary point of contact with the organisation s external auditors, be responsible for the preparation of a final trial balance and other required reports and documentation Provide reports and documentation required for grant audits, when required Help ensure provision of accurate and timely monthly management accounts and other financial reports, with supporting analysis where appropriate Working with other Finance Team members, provide advice and support to Programme teams on financial management, internal financial controls and financial systems and procedures, and provide assistance to overseas teams in the preparation and submission of local accounts In conjunction with the Governance and Facilities Coordinator, maintain appropriate registers and master data information (e.g. bank accounts, finance and lease agreements and direct debit mandates) Assist the Head of Finance and other Finance Team members with organisational budgets and forecast plans as appropriate Support and lead where appropriate, the implementation of new finance related systems and work flows, which may include purchase order processing, timesheet work-flow and staff expenses In conjunction with other Finance Team members ensure that the Finance section of My FFI is maintained. In conjunction with other Finance Team members ensure that new staff are inducted and current staff are trained and aware of FFI s accounting policies and procedures Provide cover for the Finance Manager, Reporting & Systems, when required Carry out any other reasonable duties which are consistent with the post and the aims and objectives of the role

6 Duties may be altered, reasonably added or delegated from time to time to reflect changes within the organisation s activities and structure. PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable Skills Ability to manage teams and to support and represent staff Ability to write and present policies and procedures to a wide range of stakeholders, internally and externally Good communications skills, both verbally and in writing Qualified Accountant (CCAB or overseas equivalent) with at least 3 years of PQE Knowledge and experience Experience as a finance professional within a similar sized organisation Experience of working within an international environment, with complex funding bases across multiple stakeholders Proven ability to design, develop and implement effective policies, procedures and controls to govern financial management processes Experience of Treasury management Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications Experience of compliance requirements for a UK-based company, such as VAT, PAYE etc. Experience operating and accounting for multiple foreign currencies Experience of PS Financials, or similar accounting systems Experience of the Charity sector Audit background Understanding of grant management requirements of key donors, such as the EU and USAID Behavioural qualities Able to work under own initiative Collegiate management style, supporting a multi-skilled team Demonstrate rigor, diligence and attention to detail in approach Flexible to respond to demands of operating across different cultures and time-zones Personable, able to work and communicate effectively with highly qualified professionals in other disciplines Interest in and empathy with the mission and values of FFI Other Entitlement to work in the UK

7 HOW TO APPLY Applications, consisting of a covering letter explaining why you are applying for the position and relating your experience and skills to the role, a full CV, and contact details for two referees (who will not be approached without your permission), should be submitted electronically to graham.gale@fauna-flora.org Please mark the subject line of your application Financial Controller and indicate in your covering letter where you saw this position advertised. The closing date for applications is Sunday 30 November Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. No agencies please. APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES FFI encourages applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application, please contact Kathie Alban, HR Manager, FFI, on Tel: +44 (0) or kathie.alban@fauna-flora.org. FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity