View Vacancy -- Head of Finance - Operations Group - Finance - LMB 2779

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is one of the birthplaces of modern molecular biology and has played an important role in the development of many new techniques, most notably protein crystallography, cryo-electron microscopy, DNA sequencing and monoclonal antibodies. The LMB has a clear goal of understanding biological processes at the molecular level, with the ultimate aim of using this knowledge to tackle specific problems in human health and disease. We aim to tackle difficult, long-term problems, which often require investment over many years.

There are four scientific Divisions - Structural Studies, Protein and Nucleic Acid Chemistry, Cell Biology and Neurobiology. However, scientific collaboration between the different Divisions is extensive. Scientists are well supported by excellent scientific facilities and by the LMB Operations Group which maintains the core infrastructure and services of the institute.

The LMB provides an unsurpassed environment for both new and established researchers. Scientists are drawn to the LMB from all over the world, thus creating a lively and international community for the exchange of ideas and technical innovation

Overall purpose:

The MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology (LMB) is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in biomedical research, with research interests encompassing fundamental basic science and translational programmes enhancing the application to human health. More information can be found at www.mrclmb.ac.uk.

You will lead the vision, development and operation of the financial management service and associated functions for the LMB.

This is a broad and continuously evolving hands-on role that involves formulating and producing strategic financial plans, improving and developing reporting approaches and systems to support decision-making. You will provide high level expert financial advice and guidance within the LMB and will establish yourself as a key business partner with MRC Head Office and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) colleagues in the broader research community. Close working with a multitude of stakeholders will be essential, so the ability to connect with people and build lasting relationships is paramount. You will also act as Company Secretary to the Max Perutz Fund, the LMB’s charitable arm.

Main duties/ Key responsibilities:

To continuously develop and implement a vision for the financial management of the LMB. This will involve leading, developing, managing and motivating staff members across a range of activities including expenditure, income, VAT, contracts, grants and invoicing third party service users.

To effectively communicate the vision and strategy for finance to senior management and to all levels of the LMB and MRC, persuading key decision-makers to adopt the strategy.

To lead the LMB budget setting, financial planning and forecasting to enable informed decision-making through:

• The provision of insightful information, analysis and risk management advice.
• The preparation and analysis of monthly expenditure, budgets and financial forecasts over future years.
• The ability to drive ongoing changes in the finance system and processes to ensure the management information meets stakeholder needs in a timely manner.

To lead, produce and present timely Management Information. This will include close liaison with the budget holders and information providers, preparing reports and providing supplementary analysis for any arising key issues. The ability to explain financial concepts to a non-financial audience is critical.

To help evaluate the overall effective and efficient use of funding received, identifying and developing approaches for optimising value for money.

To lead from the front to ensure effective financial controls and appropriate policies and practices are followed. Lead change where necessary to develop internal systems and controls to be “best in class”, acting as a change agent for performance improvements.

To ensure key stakeholder requirements are included and communicated. This will involve developing and maintaining strong and open relationships internally and externally.

To play a leading role in MRC- and UKRI-wide development and implementation of new corporate financial systems or upgrades and optimising the current system (Oracle Fusion). You may be required to act as project management lead in key areas.

As a senior member of the Operations Group to contribute, push forward and lead ideas to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Group and the way in which the LMB operates.

To lead negotiations with external stakeholders such as the University of Cambridge, Cambridge University Hospital Partners and the Cambridge Biomedical Campus on financial matters as required e.g. shared costs, service and facility costs, income and expenditure, influencing their approach and securing agreement.

To play a leading representative role for the LMB, MRC Head Office, other MRC establishments, UKRI, the University of Cambridge, external service users and other bodies with whom the LMB interacts.

To act as Company Secretary to the Max Perutz Fund, the LMB’s charitable arm, preparing the annual financial statements and Charity Commission return, liaising with the auditors, managing the Fund’s investments and preparing and presenting at the Fund’s twice-yearly Board meetings.

Working relationships:

• Report to the LMB Chief Operating Officer.
• Liaise with the LMB Director and Heads of Divisions as required.
• Line-manage the Finance Team and Management Information Analyst.
• Work closely with other Operations Group Heads and Facility Managers.
• Liaise with MRC Head Office’s Finance Director and colleagues and UKRI colleagues.
• Have working relationships at multiple levels and across many different professional disciplines.

Education / qualifications / training required:

Essential:

• Degree level education or equivalent relevant experience.
• Fully qualified with relevant finance qualifications (ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).

 Desirable: Degree in a related field.

Previous work experience required:

 Essential:

• Significant relevant experience of leadership roles and managing teams and services.
• Significant experience of developing new ideas for financial planning.

 Desirable:

• Experience of leading organisational change projects.
• Experience of working in a research laboratory environment.
• Experience of contract reviewing

Knowledge and experience:

Essential:

• Sound knowledge of corporate policy, accounting practices and procedures ideally in the public and charitable sector.
• Experience of several financial systems.
• Excellent IT skills with the ability to develop models to meet business needs, and ability to interrogate data and write reports and presentations for senior management.

Desirable:

• Understand tax law and related risks related to research operations.
• Project management facilitation and coordination skills to provide deliverables to tight time frames with various information providers.

Personal skills / behaviours / qualities:

Essential:

• Demonstrable ability to lead, motivate and manage services and staff.
• Proven ability to listen, understand business needs and provide solutions in a proactive and principled manner.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, elicit confidence and able to command respect as a trusted advisor to senior management within the LMB and in discussions with MRC Head Office.
• A strong and pro-active communicator able to liaise with both finance and non-finance senior managers and budget holders.
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and to lead a team/projects as required to achieve outcomes for the LMB.
• Flexible and adaptable approach, capable of planning, prioritising and delivering on a multitude of tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Refined analytical skills with the ability to make and communicate recommendations rather than simply provide reports.
• Appreciative of the culture of the LMB and the MRC.

You must at all times carry out your responsibilities with due regard to the UKRI:
•    Code of Conduct
•    Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy
•    Health and Safety policy
•    Data Protection policy

Job descriptions should be reviewed on a regular basis and at the annual appraisal.  Any changes should be made and agreed between you and your manager.

The above lists are not exhaustive and you are required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested within the scope of the post.  All employees are required to act professionally, co-operatively and flexibly in line with the requirements of the post, the MRC and UKRI.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.