Further Particulars Financial Reporting Analyst (Ref 460) Full time, permanent Salary 23,437-35,081 in the IDS Grade 6 range About IDS IDS is a leading global charity for research, teaching and information on international development. Our vision is a world in which poverty does not exist, social justice prevails and economic growth is focused on improving human wellbeing. We believe that research knowledge can drive the change that must happen in order for this vision to be realised. Founded in 1966, IDS enjoys an international reputation based on the quality of our work and our commitment to applying academic skills to real-world challenges. Our theory of change is at the heart of what we do. We think that knowledge should be generated by sound methodology and in partnership with other development and non-development actors. IDS hosts six dynamic research teams, nine popular postgraduate courses, and a family of world-class knowledge services. These three spheres are integrated in a unique combination as a development knowledge hub, IDS is connected into and is a convenor of networks throughout the world. The Institute is home to approximately 100 researchers, 70 knowledge services staff, 65 professional staff and about 200 students at any one time. But the IDS community extends far beyond, encompassing an extensive network of over 250 partners, 1500 alumni and hundreds of former staff across the development community worldwide. Job Description Financial Reporting Analyst (Ref 460) Responsible to: Head of Finance IDS has identified the strategic need to strengthen the way in which it produces, analyses and uses financial information to support decision making and achievement of its strategic plan. This role will provide practical support in specifying, creating, training and implementing the financial reporting requirements across all areas of IDS. Initially this will focus on data that is generated and owned by the Finance Department but is likely over time to involve assisting other staff in their own financial reporting needs for example on incentives or fundraising. They will support the Head of Finance, Senior Project Accountant and Financial Accountant in the delivery of the Finance and IDS strategic plan.
The role will have a significant interface with users across the Institute, including responsibility for coordinating the reporting requirements of users and training users in current and new reporting technologies and undertaking training presentations. The role will also be involved in the implementation of any new systems that impact the Finance department; and be responsible for the Finance intranet including ensuring that all relevant documentation is placed on the site. This will be a busy role, with limited supervision. The post holder will be required to manage their own priorities, responding promptly and efficiently to demands from others and identifying ways of managing and improving existing systems and processes. They will be a go-to person for help and information about a range of reporting/finance matters. The post holder will be also be the project manager for a range of projects including new systems implementations, organising and monitoring activities on behalf of the Head of Finance and working with a broad range of people across IDS and externally. They will have excellent written and oral communication skills and attention to detail. It is anticipated the post holder will help map and streamline the flow of financial information wherever possible. This is a new role which will be shaped significantly by the post holder. Main duties and accountabilities of Post: 1. The post-holder will support the HOF in specifying, prioritising, managing and meeting a range of reporting requirements across IDS, setting up and managing the implementation of regular financial reporting cycles for different audiences to support effective decision making. These reports might be for individual role holders, Board and internal committees, or SMG. Reports might involve one-off analyses, time series or internal comparisons 2. Facilitating Finance communication with the rest of the Institute on reporting matters, managing reporting change processes as well as writing, formatting and editing written outputs to a standard suitable for public circulation 3. Co-ordinating special projects at an Institute level, as directed by the HOF 4. Supporting the development of the Finance Departments strategic plan by improving reporting and streamlining reporting processes. 5. Collaborating with the Impact and Learning Team in the production of: a. Board Indicator data to facilitate monitoring of IDS strategy b. Value for money data for specific IDS activities 6. Supporting other staff in setting up and using financial reporting tools for data that is not necessarily owned by the Finance Department
7. Any other duties as required that are suitable for the grade of the post Person Specification Requirement Qualifications Knowledge Skills Essential Desirable Assessment Educated to at least A level standard Excellent knowledge of SQL query language Macro level programming knowledge in excel Excellent excel knowledge including the ability to work with complex functions Knowledge of accounting ledgers and their interrelationships Project management skills Excellent communication skills, both in written and presentations, meeting the needs of those with varying levels of financial literacy/expertise Excellent organisational and problem solving skills Ability to train users in using and setting up reports Excellent negotiating and planning skills Excellent interpersonal Knowledge of SAGE Database and Database tables Ability to use Visual Studio and Business Intelligence Studio Ability to create reports using SQL reporting services Knowledge of Report definition language (RDL) Knowledge of Scribe Knowledge of funding agency reporting requirements Experience of a similar organisation (e.g. research, higher education or charity) and/or understanding of research grant or project funding Ability to map the flow of financial information within an organisation Interview Interview
skills Good understanding of Financial accounting systems and software and how they can be used to best effect to meet information needs Excellent skills in standard MS and other IT packages Good numeracy skills with an understanding of standard financial processes Experience Experience of working with a wide variety of users with both financial and non financial knowledge Experience of translating verbal reporting requirements into reports Experience in NGOs and / or other voluntary organisations Experience of project management/ coordination of strategic processes Experience of working in an academic or similar professional setting Interview Attributes Ability to work effectively, calmly and accurately under pressure in order to meet tight deadlines High levels of self motivation The ability to respond effectively and flexibly to quickly changing circumstances and priorities and seek solutions to reporting problems Enthusiasm, creativity and a proactive problemsolving approach (i.e. the ability to anticipate and identify problems or areas for attention, see through processes, pre-empt and deal with issues that arise within given frameworks or Interview
advise others with responsibility) An assertive, tactful and articulate approach able to work effectively with a wide range of people from a variety of cultural backgrounds and levels of seniority, including more senior staff. Attention to detail and methodical approach to keeping track of processes and information Financial Reporting Analyst (Ref: 460) Information to Candidates Closing date: Friday 19 August 2011 at 12 midday UK time Interview date: Friday 2 September 2011 The following information is intended as a useful guide to applicants considering joining the Institute. Full details are supplied with an offer of appointment. MEDICAL As part of the Institute s selection procedure for employment, we ask all prospective employees to complete a pre-employment medical questionnaire. The purpose is to ensure we fulfil our responsibilities under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and ensure that the proposed employment does not present any risks from a medical point of view. Further details about this will be sent to you following the initial interview. REFERENCES An offer of employment will be subject to the receipt of satisfactory references. We require two references, one of which must be from you present or most recent employer. The Institute reserves the right to contact your previous employer before an offer is made. Unless your permission is granted, your present employer will not be approached until after an offer of employment has been made.
PROBATIONARY PERIOD The first 6 months of your employment with the Institute will be counted as a probationary period. During this time the Institute will make an assessment of your suitability for acceptance to a permanent position. SALARY Candidates will normally be offered a starting salary appropriate to their qualifications and experience within the range indicated in the advertisement (IDS Grade 6, 23,437-35,081 per annum,) dependant on experience. Salaries are paid on the last working day of the month by credit transfer to a bank or building society account. Any cost of living increases are normally awarded on 1 st August. Subject to satisfactory performance automatic incremental progression occurs on the 1 st October, except if appointed between 1 st April - 30 th September inclusive and then the first increment will occur on 1 st October the following calendar year, until the top of the grade is reached. Further details will be available on appointment and are contained in the Incremental Progression Policy. PENSION The post holder is eligible to join the Institute s USS pension scheme. HOURS OF WORK The normal working hours are 35 hours per week, (normal office hours are 9am 5pm, with one hour for lunch). HOLIDAYS The annual leave entitlement is 24 days, (2 days for each complete month worked). The Institute s holiday year runs from 1 st October to 30 th September. In addition to the normal public holidays and 24 normal working days as annual leave (pro rata for parttime), the post-holder is eligible for up to 6 non-negotiable closure days. NOTICE During your probationary service the period of notice to terminate your employment is 1 month. Following successful completion of your probationary period, the notice period you are required to give the Institute becomes 1 month.
ANNUAL REVIEW The Institute operates an annual appraisal system, further details available on appointment. OTHER BENEFITS Upon satisfactory completion of your probationary period, a number of benefits are available to the post holder including loans for a variety of purposes, including travel loans and bicycle loans, and support in the attainment of a relevant professional qualification in line with the Professional Development Policy, further details available on appointment. The Institute offers a Child Care Voucher Scheme and a Childcare Fund. Institute staff are eligible to use the University of Sussex gym and sporting facilities at staff rates. LOCATION The appointment is located at the Institute of Development Studies, University of Sussex, Brighton; employees are required to reside with 20 miles of the Institute s premises in the University of Sussex. About Brighton and Hove IDS is located on the University of Sussex campus, on the edge of the beautiful Sussex Downs and just 10 minutes from the lively south-coast city of Brighton and Hove. Just 50 miles south of London, Brighton and Hove is a popular destination for visitors seeking respite from the capital on its long promenade, its famous Pier and its pebbly beach. The intellectual life of the university is enhanced by Brighton and Hove s reputation as a city of culture for example as host to one of Europe s largest annual arts festivals each May--and heritage. APPLICATIONS ON OFFICIAL FORM ONLY TO (CVs are not accepted): Human Resources Institute of Development Studies University of Sussex Brighton BN1 9RE Alternatively please email your application to hr@ids.ac.uk. We would recommend that electronic applications are sent 24 hours in advance of the deadline, to ensure there are no technical difficulties. Please ensure that you quote the correct reference number Owing to the large number of enquiries received and consequential processing/postage costs, regretfully, it is not possible to enter into further correspondence with all applicants. Therefore, if you do not receive any
communication by the interview date, please assume that, on this occasion, your application has not been successful. IDS values diversity and is committed to equal opportunities; applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates who meet the stated criteria. Thank you for your interest in working with the Institute of Development Studies