Director of Finance

At the SKAO we are coordinating a global effort to deliver one of the largest science facilities on the planet. The SKAO telescopes will be next-generation instruments that will help to answer key questions in astrophysics, drive technological innovation and support human capital development. 

More than a dozen partner countries and over a thousand scientists and engineers around the world are already on board, making the SKA project an international collaboration like no other, and one of the most ambitious science and engineering endeavours of the 21st century.

Headquartered in the UK, with telescope sites in Australia and South Africa, the SKAO will be one observatory operating two telescopes, an endeavour spanning three continents. Multinational by design, in early 2021 the SKAO became an intergovernmental organisation, one of only a select handful of science infrastructures to do so worldwide.

Our Global HQ is located near the buzzing city of Manchester at the historic Jodrell Bank Observatory, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the Cheshire countryside. It is home to a rapidly expanding international team of more than a hundred, working in a highly collaborative and inclusive way, in coordination with SKAO teams in Australia and South Africa as part of a global astronomy and engineering community.

Being part of Team SKA means contributing to something extraordinary: a uniquely exciting project to advance human knowledge that will last for decades. In return, we offer a diverse multicultural working environment, 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, a generous pension scheme, visa and support with relocation (if applicable), regular social events, a family-friendly environment and much more. Come and join us!

Job Location Cheshire, UK (Head Office)

This is a high-profile executive leadership position at the SKAO, whose mission is to build and operate the world’s largest radio telescope. Managing an annual budget of approximately €200M per annum, the successful candidate will lead the Finance, Procurement, ERP and UK Facilities teams at a strategic level, as well as overseeing the continuous improvement of and compliance with the SKAO's Policies and Procedures. The post holder will report to the Director-General and be supported by teams distributed across the SKAO’s three sites in the UK, Australia and South Africa.

The postholder will act as the financial leader for the delivery of a multi-billion Euro cutting-edge research infrastructure by an International Organisation with a global government membership. The role presents a unique opportunity to be involved at a critical time, as the SKAO begins the transition from construction to a full working Observatory. The successful applicant will require the vision and drive to support the financial and commercial requirements of the SKA Observatory as it enters operation and as the strategic planning for the next phases of the Observatory are developed.

SKAO is committed to providing an inclusive and flexible working environment, meeting the requests of our Colleagues whilst also fulfilling the needs and objectives of the Observatory.

There may be occasions where this role requires the post holder to work across different time zones and, in line with SKAO policy, flexible working hours will be supported in agreement with the line manager.

Key Responsibilities, Accountabilities and Duties

• Provide high-level financial advice and guidance to the Director General and senior managers.
• Similarly provide financial advice and reports to the SKAO Council and relevant sub-committees, primarily delivered through formal governance papers and presentations;
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with external parties including project partners, SKAO’s Member States, other peer Intergovernmental and Research Organisations, banks, auditors, advisors, contractors and suppliers;
• Ensure effective cross-functional working across all locations to contribute to the development of financial planning across the company;
• Lead budgetary control and budget management throughout the Observatory, ensuring organisational excellence is balanced with value-for money;
• Business continuity planning for Finance, Procurement, ERP and UK Facilities, including risk analysis, mitigation and recovery;
• Leadership and oversight of the SKAO insurance strategy, insurance portfolio and claims;
• Ensure that SKAO’s financial systems are robust, compliant with best practice, and support current activities and future growth;
• Ensure that relevant tax compliance and regulatory requirements are met;
• Responsible for all financial activities, including financial accounting, management accounting, cash flow and treasury, foreign exchange, compliance and control, audit, payroll and pensions;
• Responsible for leading the Procurement team through a variety of procurement actions including complex, high-value, long-term construction contracts and agreements, some of which are provided as in-kind contributions, as well as operational efficiency for low-value high-volume procurement;
• Sponsor and responsible officer for the ERP system, including e-Procurement, overseeing its operation and on-going development;
• Leadership of facilities management team for the UK headquarters, including building maintenance and catering operations;
• Provide visible leadership to staff, setting clear direction, developing and motivating staff through change;
• Travel both inside and outside of the UK as necessarily required by the position. It is anticipated that the need for travel will be modest; and
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as directed by the Director-General.

Mandatory Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Fully qualified member of an internationally recognised professional finance-related body (CCAB or equivalent), with at least 5 years’ experience in similar senior management roles;
• Proven track record of working in an international context with internal and external stakeholders, building effective working relationships at all levels with people from a broad range of national and cultural backgrounds;
• An influential communicator with commercial acumen, strong business writing skills, and a track record of operating effectively at a strategic board level or equivalent;
• A highly motivated strategic leader with an analytical and enquiring mind, able to identify and deliver effective changes to meet organisational needs now and in the future;
• A technical expert with an in-depth knowledge of financial management and IFRS-based accounting, international employment tax rules, contract law, strong 'hands on' financial analysis, budgeting, forecasting and reporting skills and working knowledge of financial controls and risk management;
• Experience with procurement in an international setting;
• Knowledge of foreign currency transactions and associated risks;
• Strong IT skills and open to new technologies;
• Able to work effectively at operational level with an internationally distributed team to deliver excellent operational services, whilst also operating effectively at strategic level;
• A leader with high integrity and openness combined with commitment to good governance, equality and diversity and sustainability; and
• A flexible team player who collaborates effectively with peers and other functions and is adaptable to change.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Experience of interacting with public bodies such as universities, research organisations, local and national government departments, etc;
• Experience of research grant funding;
• Experience of managing, and accounting for, in-kind contributions;
• Experience of the legal aspects of financial management, in particular with contract/commercial law
• Experience of managing subsidiaries from a finance perspective;
• Experience of facilities contract management;
• Proficient in the use or development of ERP systems, ideally Unit4 Business World; and
• University degree in law, or experience working with contract/commercial law such as with supplier contract terms.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

SKA Observatory recognises that our diversity is a strength. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels they belong, and diverse perspectives and ideas thrive. As such, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are at the core of SKA Observatory’s agenda.

Our aim is to recruit and retain the most talented individuals, regardless of gender, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, nationality or background.

Women have traditionally been under-represented in the fields of science and engineering; SKA Observatory welcomes and encourages female applicants. 

Where applicants with a disability need facilities or adjustments to enable them to participate in the recruitment process, these will be provided.

SKA Observatory welcome all candidates, especially those from member countries.

The “How to Apply” information contained within the SKA Observatory recruitment portal provides more detail regarding our application and selection approach.

Apply for this jobSend to a Friend