Finance Director

• Lead and strengthen Chatham House through strategic financial transformation
• Develop the Institute's financial strategy and develop a high-performing team

About Our Client

Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs, is one of the world's leading independent policy institutes with a reputation for tackling the hardest problems of international relations that stretches back more than a century. Based in London with a global outreach, we aim to help build a secure, sustainable, prosperous and just world. We pursue our mission through convening meetings and speakers, private dialogue, world leading analysis and solutions-based ideas, and look to help the next generation as well in building a better world.

Job Description

We seek a Finance Director who will work closely with the COO and CEO to develop the Institute's financial strategy; lead the finance team through change and develop and deliver its policies and procedures. You will provide financial leadership to the Institute, ensuring that it is financially compliant, has accurate and timely financial information as well as the appropriate analysis to support decision making. You will also be responsible for inspiring and developing a high-performing finance team that provides excellent customer service to internal and external stakeholders. You will play a key role in the development and implementation of the organisation's strategy and in supporting the overall management.

Strategy

• Ensure effective financial management and control of the organisation's resources.
• Develop and maintain a strong understanding of Chatham Houses' business operations to ensure financial decisions are aligned with communicated goals and objectives.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to support strategic planning, new business opportunities, and capital investments.
• Work collaboratively with the CEO and COO to develop and implement income generating strategies to ensure long-term financial sustainability.
• Work with the COO to identify new business opportunities and develop business cases for new products and services.
• Identify and manage the risks associated with change initiatives and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
• With the COO, present the strategy and performance to Council and its committees.
• Inspire and create new ways of working, drive efficiencies and generate new ideas across the House.
• Drive forward our ambitious EDI strategy.

Delivery

• Take ownership of all finance procedures, centralising and modernising them to drive maximum efficiency and transparency.
• Oversee Chatham House's investments to ensure appropriate return.
• Lead and manage change within the finance function, such as the implementation and development of a new integrated finance system.
• Oversee the preparation of financial statements and reports, including budgets, forecasts, and financial analysis to provide timely and accurate financial information to support decision making.
• Collaborate with the Head of Research Partnerships overseeing and improving the process for grant application.
• Support house-wide reform, leading committees as requiring and inspiring change.
• Identify and manage financial risks and opportunities and recommend appropriate actions to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities such as cost recovery, project pricing, overhead setting, and funder due diligence.
• Work closely with the CEO and COO to review costs across the organisation in pursuit of efficiency, ensuring our risk management, governance and compliance processes and the pricing of our research are robust.
• Build a business partner approach to finance, to ensure compliance and best practice across the institute.
• Help lead the organisation as a member of our Executive Leadership team.

People

• Lead and manage the finance department of 6, providing guidance, coaching, and support to ensure a high level of performance and customer service.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, bankers, and regulatory bodies, to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the finance team.
• Partner with research teams to ensure centralised oversight and management of all finances and budgets.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, encouraging new ideas and approaches to improve financial processes and procedures.
• Mentor and coach direct and indirect reports, establishing an inclusive and collaborative culture
• Drive collaboration between research programmes and non-research departments, delivering a "One Chatham House Approach" to all work.

The Successful Applicant

• Qualified accountant, with a recognised accounting qualification (ideally ACA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Excellent leadership skills. You will be a credible, creative, and inspiring leader - ideally with experience of building consensus, influencing positive change and developing teams.
• Outstanding communication, reporting and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven experience in people leadership and management, with a track record of developing high-performing teams.
• Strong financial management and analytical skills, with the ability to provide clear strategic financial advice and analysis to senior management and the Board.
• Excellent presentation skills both written and verbal, and able to communicate with people (including non-financial) at all levels across the business and develop effective relationships at all levels.
• Experience of managing change and supporting organisational development, and in implementing new financial systems and processes.

What's on Offer

A salary in the range of £130,000 - £140,000 plus benefits. 

A hybrid working arrangement, with the flexibility to work remotely and an expectation of 2-3 days per week in the London office

The closing date is 6th February 2025.

Contact
Rochelle George
Quote job ref
JN-122024-6617366Z

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.