At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial processes and oversee day-to-day operations for the Royal Astronomical Society.
- Company: Join the prestigious Royal Astronomical Society, a leader in astronomy and geophysics.
- Benefits: Competitive salary around £80k, pension, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for strategic development and process improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic organisation while shaping the future of science policy.
- Qualifications: Senior charity finance experience and qualified accountant status required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Salary: c.£80k plus pension and benefits
Location: Piccadilly, London (Hybrid role)
THE ORGANISATION
The Royal Astronomical Society was established in 1820 and is incorporated by Royal Charter. With almost 4,000 Fellows, it is the leading UK body representing the interests of astronomers and geophysicists. The Society promotes and disseminates the study of astronomy and geophysics. It organises scientific meetings, publishes world-leading research journals, and awards grants and prizes. It also regularly contributes to the formulation of the UK government’s science policy and provides the media with expert commentary.
THE POSITION
- Provide strategic leadership to all financial processes for the Society, working closely with senior colleagues and the Treasurer.
- In a hands-on role when needed, oversee the day-to-day operations of the finance function, including accounts payable and receivable, payroll, banking, month-end close and cash flow forecasts.
- Reporting to the Executive Director, contribute to the strategic development of the Society as a key member of the Senior Management Team.
- Identify and implement improvements to processes and systems to increase efficiency and accuracy.
THE CANDIDATE
- Proven experience in a senior charity finance role.
- Experience of producing statutory accounts in accordance with Charities SORP.
- Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/equivalent) or part-qualified candidates with substantial relevant experience.
- Ability to learn new systems quickly and reconcile accounting records with other systems efficiently, ideally with a broad experience across several finance systems.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Finance (Temporary)
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Hanover Fox.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Hanover Fox might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Finance (Temporary)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Hanover Fox will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Hanover Fox. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Hanover Fox confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hanover Fox
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Hanover Fox.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Hanover Fox that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
