Director Of Finance & Operations

As the Finance and Operations Business Partner, you will work alongside the different directorates of the Charity, providing financial information, tools, analysis and insight to Directors and Heads of Service.  You will challenge their thinking, helping them to make more informed financial and operational decisions to help drive the business strategy.

You will work closely with all areas of the Charity, forming good relationships with stakeholders, providing real-time financial support and analysis.  You will be a trusted financial adviser who is willing and able to challenge decisions in a valued and constructive way.

You will be required to be in the office at least two days per week and will have a high level of financial acumen and understanding, with the ability to bring the numbers to life.  Through your knowledge of business activity, you will play a crucial role in supporting the Executive Director of Finance and Operations and the Head of Finance, providing regular updates to ensure the charity is on track and to enable accurate future forecasting and longer-term business planning.

Providing a strong integration between Finance, Corporate Services, and the rest of the Charity, you will assist in driving change across the organisation, ensuring that Finance is always at the forefront of any decision making.  In a period where Alzheimer’s Research UK is looking to continue to grow, you will be key in making sure that financial and other operational impact is considered at all times.  

Main duties and responsibilities of the role:

• Support the development and implementation of best financial practices.
• Manage and process the quarterly financial forecasts.
• Assist with operational planning, including financial assessment of new initiatives, and processing the annual budgets.
• Provide financial analysis and support to budget holders and directors.
• Prepare the monthly management reports and commentary, enhancing the story behind the numbers.
• Monitor and assess financial trends, risks, and opportunities to inform future forecasting and business planning.
• Liaise with the insight and development team to understand the potential impact of the external macro environment on actual and projected business performance.
• Assess the payback from key fundraising activities; and assess returns on investment for both existing and new events.
• Provide financial training to operational stakeholders as required, to enhance financially sound decision making across the organisation.
• Critical friend.
• Act as a conduit between Corporate Services and the rest of the organisation to ensure that all operational aspects are consulted and considered before decisions are made.

What we are looking for:

• Accounting or financial qualification or qualified by experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including an advanced knowledge of Excel, with an understanding of functions such as Pivot Tables and Formulas
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and practices
• Experience in a previous finance role
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and numeracy skills
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to problem solve
• Ability to build constructive relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to communicate effectively to colleagues at all levels across the Charity
• Ability and willingness to challenge decisions in a valued and constructive way and to provide a balanced/countered perspective
• Ability to interpret information and prioritise what is important
• Ability to understand and leverage financial and non-financial data
• Ability to demonstrate a deep understanding of organisational operations
• Passionate, proactive, and friendly attitude
• Methodical and adaptable approach
• Strategic thinker

Additional Information:

Ways of working: As part of our Agile ways of working you will be required to work approximately 2 days a week from the office, which is subject to the requirements of the role and the business needs. Flexibility on where you work can be split between working from home and our office.

Roles that are classed as part of the Agile ways of working are not able to claim any costs for Mileage/Travel on Public Transport, Accommodation and/or Meals.  This includes when attending the office for various meetings/events.

Our Office: Our office is at 3 Riverside, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge, CB21 6AD. 

Salary: Circa £55,000 per annum, plus benefits

Please download the Vacancy Pack for more information.

The closing date for applications is the 1st April 2024, with interviews likely to be held week commencing the 15th April 2024. We would encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity as the closing date may be brought forward at any time. Please indicate in your covering letter if you are unable to attend an interview on a certain date.

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential.  We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.  Any offer of employment is however subject to you having the right to work in the UK.

As part of our commitment to be an inclusive employer and ensure fairness and consistency in selecting the best candidate for this role, your CV will be anonymised as part of the selection process.  Should you need any adjustments at either the application or interview stage, then please do contact us via our website.

How to apply:

Please create an online account using our Online Recruitment Platform which can be accessed through our Job Vacancies page. You will be able to attach your CV to your application and track the status of your application.

About Alzheimer’s Research UK:

Alzheimer's Research UK is the UK's leading dementia research charity. Our mission is to accelerate progress towards a cure.  Today 1 in 2 people will be impacted by dementia, either through caring for a loved one, developing it themselves or tragically both. But there is hope. 

There has never been a more important and exciting time in dementia research. With promising new drugs in clinical trials that slow the progression of the diseases that cause it, and revolutionary new ways to diagnose them on the horizon, we are now at a tipping point. Working with the smartest minds globally and across the UK, with industry and academia, Alzheimer’s Research UK is uniquely placed to invest in the very best research identifying barriers to a cure and knocking them down so that there are more and better treatments for everyone with dementia. For the first time in history, we can see a future where people with dementia can get a swift and accurate diagnosis, and effective treatments that could slow or even stop their disease. We stand for everyone affected by dementia. We stand for a cure. 

In 2022, we were incredibly proud to be awarded a 3-star accreditation by Best Companies which recognises ‘World Class’ levels of workplace engagement and were also listed in the prestigious Best Companies lists:

• 48th in the 100 Best Large Companies to Work For in the UK.

• 19th in the 100 Best Companies to Work For in the East of England.

• 3rd in the 50 Best Companies to Work For in the Charity Sector.

In addition, we were also shortlisted for a special award recognising the work undertaken on reducing our environmental impact.

In 2021, we were awarded the HR Management award by The Charity Times for our Wellbeing initiatives throughout the pandemic.

In 2020, we demonstrated our commitment to changing the way we think and act about mental health in the workplace and signed the Time to Change Employer Pledge. 

ARUK really does look after its people, where you will be able to add value and make a difference. 

To view further details about working for us and the benefits we offer, please visit Alzheimer’s Research UK