The Alan Turing Institute
Financial Controller
The British Library, Euston Rd, London -- the site of the Alan Turing Institute
Job title:
Financial Controller
Location:
British Library, London
Salary:
C.£55 subject to skills and experience
Hours:
Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent/secondment
Placed on:
16 February 2016
Closes:
29 February 2016
Job Ref:
ATI-0004
The Alan Turing Institute (ATI) is the UK’s national institute for Data Science. The Institute is
headquartered at The British Library, at the heart of London’s knowledge quarter, and will bring
together leaders in advanced mathematics and computing science from the five founding
universities and other partners. Its work is expected to encompass a wide range of scientific
disciplines and be relevant to a large number of business sectors.
The ATI is a charitable company which is limited by guarantee. Its founders are the Engineering and
Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) the University of Cambridge, the University of Edinburgh,
the University of Oxford, University College London, and the University of Warwick.
The Institute has been in existence for a year and operational for 6 months. It is expected to grow
significantly over the next two to three years and this is an exciting opportunity to shape the finance
function and processes of a new organisation.
The ideal candidate needs to be confident dealing with all aspects of Finance and be able to present
their recommendations to the rest of the senior management team. They should have experience of
designing, communicating and implementing finance policies. A strong finance background is a must
as is the ability to understand all areas of finance including Financial Accounts, Budgeting, Risk &
Governance, Payments, Reporting, Tax and Finance Systems. As the Institute is in its infancy it is
expected that the candidate will need to be “hands on” in the workplace as they are likely to be
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involved in the development of the recently implemented finance system and updating the finance
policies. It is also likely that they will need to understand and therefore report and control the
different mechanisms the ATI uses to fund its operation.
The Financial Controller will report to the Chief Operating Officer and will take the lead on strategic
financial planning, decision support, statutory returns and the finance implications of grant funding.
This role could expand in the future to take on Risk & Governance. At present there is one other
member of the Finance team who would report into the Financial Controller. It is likely that the
team will grow as the ATI becomes a more mature organisation. The main duties are:
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Overall responsibility for the Accounts Payable; Accounts Receivable; General Ledger and
Fixed Asset accounting processes ensuring that the processes; policies and records
are appropriate to the operations/scale of the Institute and ensuring that the processes are
run in a timely manner to support the regularly monthly and annual reporting processes.
Responsible for the financial integrity of the organisation that encompasses systems and
controls, risk management, planning, budgeting and reporting.
Responsibility for the delivery of the Annual Report and Accounts, and liaison with
the external auditors and any other statutory returns required.
Management of the annual budget setting process, ensuring that the budget meets
operational requirements and falls within funding agreements.
Establish guidelines for budget and forecast preparation and to present management
accounts, financial reports and budgets to the leadership team, board and other governing
bodies.
Embed financial best practice into all aspect of the Institute.
Ensure value for money for the Institute, including development and implementation of an
appropriate and regularly updated financial strategy to guide financial decision making.
Produce monthly reports and further develop management reporting and financial
performance measures.
Develop forward-looking reporting to profile income and costs relating to
external grant funding.
Manage the cash flow of the institute.
Leading the Institute’s approach and policy in relation to tax.
Produce all financial reporting required by the Institute’s external funders.
Liaise with the Funding & Development Manager to understand the Institute’s plans for
funding calls and for incoming funds from third parties.
Liaise with the Operations Manager with regards to the management of payroll, pensions
and resourcing of the Institute.
Building the capacity of the finance function in line with the growth of the Institute.
Ensure that the Institute’s current policies are robust to meet the needs of the organisation,
identify gaps and develop the new ones as necessary.
About you:
 At least 2 years’ experience of financial and operational leadership, preferably within the
charity sector, at management level
 A CCAB qualified accountant.
 Experience of the charity sector/grant funding is desirable.
 Proven ability to implement, improve and manage finance and operational systems and
processes.
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Strong technical financial accounting skills with an ability for applying technical requirements
and standards to practical business situations.
Strong analytical skills, with good attention to forward planning and achieving strategic
objectives combined with proven capacity to manage procedures and detail.
Ability to play a leadership role within an organisation.
Ability to self-direct and self-start, to work well under pressure, and to tight deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with, and influence, people
at all levels internally, with partners and externally.
Ability to manage, support and motivate staff.
Person specification
The successful candidate will have:
ESSENTIAL
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At least 2 years’ experience of financial and operational leadership, preferably within the
charity sector, at management level
CCAB qualified or a professional accounting qualification from a recognised UK accountancy
body.
Proven ability to implement, improve and manage finance and operational systems and
processes Significant financial and operations management experience including the ability
to operate at a senior level
A Strong technical financial accounting skills with an ability for applying technical
requirements and standards to practical business situations.
Strong analytical skills, with good attention to forward planning and achieving strategic
objectives combined with proven capacity to manage procedures and detail.
Ability to play a leadership role within an organisation.
Ability to self-direct and self-start, to work well under pressure, and to tight deadlines.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, able to engage with, and influence, people
at all levels internally, with partners and externally.
Ability to manage, support and motivate staff.
DESIRABLE
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Education to degree level or equivalent
Experience of the charity sector
Experience in a similar role
Understanding of EU grants and public/private funding for research
Terms and Conditions
Salary is c. £55k; negotiable according to the level of experience and seniority of the successful
candidate.
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This is a full time permanent post, to be held at the Institute’s site at the British Library, Euston Rd,
London. A generous benefits package includes flexible working, 30 days holiday, 10% employer
contributions to pension, health and other insurance, interest free season ticket loan and employee
assistance programme including childcare vouchers. A relocation allowance is payable where
appropriate.
How to apply
Please send a covering letter addressing the criteria presented in the Person Specification, and a full
CV including the contact details of three persons from whom references may be sought to
HR@turing.ac.uk.
If you have any queries or would like to discuss the role further, please contact Yoginee Patel,
Interim Financial Controller on 020 74127450 or email ypatel@turing.ac.uk
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 29 February 2016
INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE ON 10 March 2016
The Alan Turing Institute is committed to creating an environment where diversity is valued and
everyone is treated fairly. In accordance with the Equality Act, we welcome applications from
anyone who meets the specific criteria of the post regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender,
gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy, religion or belief or sexual orientation. Reasonable
adjustments to the interview process can also be made for any candidates with a disability.
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