THE INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER- RESEARCH DIVISIONS

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1 THE INSTITUTE OF CANCER RESEARCH FINANCE BUSINESS PARTNER- RESEARCH DIVISIONS Role To provide core financial management support and services to the Institute s Research Divisions, and manage the budgeting and reporting for the investment of ICR general funds in research activities. This will include the provision of critical management information and advice to Heads of Division and Research Team leaders on their generally funded activities, supporting them to deliver effective business planning and management of resources in their application of these funds. The post will report to the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis, and be supported by a Shared Assistant Management Accountant. Objectives of the job To deliver core financial management support on areas of strategic research finance, including performance and cost recovery of scientific services and deployment of central Research Investment funding. To support ICR financial planning and reporting arrangements through undertaking the annual budgetary and quarterly reforecasting processes for research divisions. To support the Head of Financial Planning and Analysis in producing strategic reports through the provision of robust financial analysis and commentary. To improve processes and ways of working, driving efficiency and value and maximising impact. Tasks Management Information and Analysis 1. Responsible for production of monthly ICR general funds financial reporting information for research budget holders, including providing commentary on key variances to budget, prior year and prior month 2. Provide business support to Research Service facilities, including ensuring that cost recovery targets are tracked, and that inter-departmental recharges are processed in timely basis 3. Provide management information to the Research Leadership Board on Research Investment Decisions and performance, and support the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in managing financial reserves earmarked for research initiatives.

2 4. Provide budgeting and monitoring support on long term Research capital projects 5. Work with key stakeholders to produce ad hoc financial analysis on a proactive and project basis 6. Support the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in the production of reports to Senior Management and Trustees Business Planning 7. Responsible for supporting the delivery of the Research Divisions five-year budget estimates and plans on an annual basis, working closely with Division Heads and the Head of Research Operations to assess the funding requirements for each team. 8. Ensure robust forecasting is undertaken for all Research Divisions, including monthly review of key forecast changes and variances, and delivering the quarterly formal reforecast process with budget holders, so that the ICR forecast accurately reflects the projected outcome for the financial year. Financial Processes and Controls 9. Ensure that the month end timetable is adhered to, supporting the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis in ensuring all income and expenditure adjustments have been posted by colleagues within the finance department and procurement team. 10. To support and where possible implement improvements in the month end timetable to shorten the management accounts production time and improve timeliness of financial information provided to budget holders 11. Ensure accurate financial information, including through posting general ledger adjustments, running a robust monthly accruals and prepayments process and ensuring all purchase commitments are appropriately reported 12. To follow up recommendations on the operation of the control systems and other matters by internal and external audit in respect of Research Division accounting Business Relationships and Decision Support 13. Develop a good working relationship with and be the main point of contact for Research Budget Holders, the Director of Finance and the Deputy Director of Finance in respect of ICR general research funding. 14. Meet with budget holders on a monthly basis to review their financial information, understand key movements and provide support for financial decision making

3 15. Responsible for providing financial and financial system training for the Institute s Research Division budget holders Other 16. To contribute towards continuous improvements in finance processes and ways of working 17. Any other duties that may be required which are consistent with the nature and grade of the post. This job description is a reflection of the present position and is subject to review and alteration in detail and emphasis in the light of future changes or development.

4 Other Information Employee Specification Education/Knowledge Education to degree level or member of a professional body of recognised Graduate status. Qualified accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA/CIPFA) Skills Strong technical accountant An analytical approach to problem solving Extremely clear communication skills both written and oral and an ability to communicate complex finance issues to non-finance staff A high degree of computer literacy Experience Experience of management accounting gained either within a finance department or through working in practice. Substantial experience of presentation of financial information in spreadsheets and other forms Desirable A working knowledge of AGRESSO and Pyramid Experience of the charity sector and/or the higher education sector General Ability to deal with a wide variety of stakeholders. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. Contacts arising from the Job (i) Internal - Senior Institute staff and directors and Board of Trustees, Internal audit (ii) External - Royal Marsden Hospital, external auditors Working Conditions

5 Based in the administrative office in Chelsea but frequent contact with staff at both the Chelsea and Sutton sites will be essential.