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- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and manage professional services at a top research institute.
- Company: Join the James Hutton Institute, a leader in sustainable land and crop management research.
- Benefits: Be part of a dynamic team with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global scientific research while shaping the future of the organization.
- Qualifications: Must be a qualified accountant with extensive management experience in complex organizations.
- Other info: Applications close on February 9th; interviews start February 10th.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary
The James Hutton Institute is Scotland’s pre-eminent interdisciplinary scientific research institute operating at the forefront of transformative science for the sustainable management of land, crop and nature resources that support thriving rural communities in Scotland and across the globe. With a community of 500 employees and over 100 PhD students in Dundee, Aberdeen and three research farms, the Institute is also the host for the Plant Sciences Department of the University of Dundee. Recently awarded c£62 million as part of the Tay Cites Region Deal to develop a Crop Innovation Centre, the Institute will next year be investing a further £8 million in a world-class, state of the art, Just Transition hub to continue its impressive contributions to the region and wider global scientific research.
This is a hugely exciting time to be joining James Hutton Institute and your task as a key member of the senior management team will be to build on recent successes to develop further whilst navigating through the currently challenging external environment. Key elements of this strategic management position will include the development of new business operating models, increased commercial activity plus the re-shaping and modernization of the organization’s professional services. Combining financial stewardship with commercial activities and company secretarial responsibilities your role will be pivotal in ensuring the Institute’s long-term financial and organizational success. Managing teams of high-quality professional staff, you will be responsible for wide-ranging professional services that include finance, research support, procurement, legal, campus services and IT and will be expected to effectively combine both strategic and operational management responsibilities.
The successful candidate will be a clear strategic thinker, and a professionally qualified accountant with extensive successful management experience of equivalent services in large and complex multi-site organisations. You will also have proven experience of developing and delivering successful financial strategies and have delivered significant financial change and transformation. Responsible for managing a broad range of professional services, you will also ideally have experience of company secretarial duties and have delivered major capital programmes. An appreciation of and empathy with the purpose and values of a scientific research institute is essential; along with an ability to effectively balance commercial and more academic imperatives.
As a technical expert you will also possess excellent interpersonal skills and be able to work collegiately with all internal and external partners.
The closing date for applications is Sunday 9th February, with preliminary interviews with Dixon Walter from Monday 10th February and final interviews at James Hutton Institute the week commencing 10th March.
To find out more about this exceptional opportunity, please contact Alan Walter on 07876 766972, email
- a letter of application setting out your interest in the role and details of how you match the person specification
- a comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV)
- details of three referees and notice period (referees will not be contacted without your permission)
- a completed Personal Details Form (available above)
Closing date for applications is Midnight on Sunday 9th February.
Preliminary interviews will take place with Dixon Walter via MS teams from w/c Monday 10th February.
Final interviews will take place at James Hutton Institute on w/c Monday 10th March.
Please note that the dates above are indicative and may be subject to change.
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Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary employer: Dixon Walter
Contact Detail:
Dixon Walter Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the James Hutton Institute's mission and recent projects, especially the Crop Innovation Centre and Just Transition hub. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your alignment with their goals during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing financial strategies and transformations in complex organizations. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully navigated financial challenges in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your interpersonal skills by preparing to discuss how you've collaborated with diverse teams and stakeholders. The ability to work collegiately is crucial for this role, so have examples ready.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the current trends and challenges in the scientific research sector, particularly those affecting financial management. Being knowledgeable about the external environment will position you as a strategic thinker.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Chief Financial Officer and Company Secretary position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the key elements mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a letter of application that clearly expresses your interest in the role. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you meet the person specification. Make sure to convey your understanding of the James Hutton Institute's mission and values.
Update Your CV: Ensure your CV is comprehensive and highlights relevant experience, particularly in financial stewardship, commercial activities, and company secretarial duties. Include any significant achievements in financial change and transformation that showcase your strategic thinking.
Prepare References: Select three referees who can speak to your professional qualifications and experience. Make sure to inform them about your application and confirm their willingness to provide a reference when contacted.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dixon Walter
✨Understand the Institute's Mission
Before your interview, take the time to familiarize yourself with the James Hutton Institute's mission and values. Understanding their focus on sustainable management of land, crops, and nature resources will help you align your responses with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Chief Financial Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully developed and implemented financial strategies that led to significant organizational change.
✨Highlight Your Management Experience
Be ready to discuss your experience managing diverse teams and professional services. Provide specific examples of how you've led teams in finance, procurement, or legal services, and how you navigated challenges in multi-site organizations.
✨Prepare for Questions on Company Secretarial Duties
Since the role includes company secretarial responsibilities, be prepared to discuss your experience in this area. Think about how you've handled governance issues, compliance, and any major capital programs you've delivered.
