Management Accountant

Main purpose of job:

Are you looking for a challenging, rewarding and meaningful finance role at an organisation that's tackling global land use issues and exploring solutions to the multiple crises relating to climate, biodiversity, food security and energy? The James Hutton Institute is a well-respected and globally recognised independent research organisation, delivering fundamental and applied science to drive the sustainable use of land and natural resources. The Institute, a charity, is supported by our trading subsidiary James Hutton Limited, which seeks to commercialise the intellectual property, facilities, science and research of the Institute to provide services that address global challenges in a changing environment. Group turnover excluding capital projects is around £45m, and the Group employs over 500 people.

As part of a busy and pro-active senior Finance Team, the Management Accountant will support the wider organisation by producing and sharing high quality management information. The Management Accountant is responsible for the production of budgets, forecasts, month end management accounts and other financial reports, for both the Institute and associated companies within the wider Group. A key aspect of the role is partnering with senior colleagues from across the organisation to help drive up contribution and to seek efficiencies. They will also have the opportunity to be involved in larger areas of work such as the RESAS programme that James Hutton Institute completes on behalf of the Scottish Government as well as supporting capital projects.

Our ideal candidate would have a passion for the Hutton's mission, with an enthusiastic approach, an ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of colleagues and wider stakeholders as well as strong management accounting experience and knowledge. Experience in Higher Education, particularly at a research-intensive organisation would be an advantage, but not essential. More important is an inquisitive nature, excellent analytical and problem solving skills and a desire to make improvements and have a positive impact.

This post can be based at either Invergowrie (Dundee) or Craigiebuckler (Aberdeen) and can be combined with hybrid (remote) working if desired. So, join us, and contribute.

Main duties of postholder:

Budgeting

• Provide key input to the annual budget-setting process across the full range of income and expenditure categories.
• Prepare regular budget monitoring reports for nominated budget holders to allow corrective action to be taken in year, as required.
• Provide ongoing support and advice to budget holders in respect of both RESAS funded activities and externally funded contracts.
• Review Forecasts, on a regular basis throughout the year, to discuss and agree possible revisions with other senior Finance staff.

Monthly Reporting

• Prepare and submit for authorization the monthly RESAS funding claim, in line with Scottish Government timetables.
• Prepare monthly "Work in Progress" schedules for all ongoing externally funded projects. This will involve appropriate recognition of income and overheads, as well as closing off completed projects.
• Prepare Balance Sheet reconciliations reviewing accruals and prepayments and other control accounts as required.
• Produce monthly Management Accounts including analysis of significant variances between budget and actual, together with reconciliations, where relevant.

Annual Accounts/ Reporting

• Prepare year-end Management Accounts, including all agreed audit schedules, for both the Institute and associated companies within the Group.
• Compare externally funded project values to cumulative expenditure reports and highlight any significant financial risks that may require action.
• Prepare annual overhead rate calculation and annual site cost calculation.
• Review methodology for charging shared costs / services into proposals.
• Contribute to annual audit and accounts project for all companies within the Group in line with the agreed audit schedule of work.

General

• Prepare project costings, reports and claims (mainly RESAS) as per external funder requirements.
• Collaborate with the Finance Directorate and wider organization to streamline existing processes and improve the provision of quality financial management information.
• Work with other senior finance managers on the development of a suite of reports to provide quality financial management information.
• Complete ad-hoc duties as required by the Financial Controller and Head of Finance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

Desirable

Attainments:

Education / qualifications

Qualified - UK accountancy body or part qualified or qualified by experience.

Experience:

Experience of working in the finance department of a large, complex organization.

Experience of preparing budgets and month end management accounts and associated commentary.

Experience of providing support to a range of budget-holders.

Experience of working in a variety of finance environments

Experience of accounting for grant/contracts.

Experience of managing finances within a charity in a related organisation.

Skills:

Excellent analytical and problem solving skills.

Ability to identify and implement new concepts and ideas.

Ability to work effectively as a member of a senior finance team

Effective written and verbal communication up to and including senior management and key stakeholders.

Creative, proactive, flexible and able to organise own work effectively to meet agreed timescales

Excellent attention to detail and accuracy

Sound knowledge of accounting principles, processes and standards.

Proficiency in accounting software with excellent IT skills and a particular strength in MS Excel.

What we offer:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.
• Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
• Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
• Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.

The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.