Director of Finance and Operations

The Geological Society is an award-winning professional and learned society, working to advance geoscience through a broad range of activities including publishing, conferences and events, accreditation, policy, education, and public engagement.

The Geological Society plays a pivotal role in understanding and advancing such topics as environmental protection climate change, sustainability, and natural hazard mitigation.

Ivy Rock Partners are pleased to be supporting The Geological Society in its search for a Director of Finance and Operations, to join its senior leadership team, in a role overseeing Finance, IT, Facilities and HR operations. Working closely with the Chief Executive, management team, Trustees, the wider organisation and a range of committees, this is an important role which will help to drive The Geological Society’s financial and strategic objectives, and ensure it has the internal support, information, and infrastructure necessary to achieve its goals and operate efficiently.

Role Overview

As Director of Finance and Operations you will be responsible for leading and managing the Finance, Facilities and IT teams.

Key duties will include:

• Develop and implement long-term financial plans in line with the Society’s goals.
• Prepare financial plans and scenario analysis to aid strategic decision-making.
• Present reports, budgets, forecasts, and risk analysis for management, Council,  Finance & Planning Committee, Audit Committee, and other relevant committees.
• Initiate and manage financial processes to improve the effectiveness of the Society’s financial management.
• Ensure strong financial controls, including policy reviews.
• Lead the annual budget process, working with the Chief Executive, Directors and  budget holders to help ensure the budget is developed in a timely and efficient way, helps achieve the
• Society’s financial and strategic objectives.
• Ensure that HR systems and processes are effective and oversee their operation, and help ensure that protocols and operating procedures are up-to-date and used effectively.
• Manage teams of finance, facilities and IT professionals.
• Oversee the management of the buildings and facilities at the Society’s London headquarters and its Publishing House in Bath, including planning for cyclical replacement and maintenance of buildings, equipment and furnishings.
• Oversee delivery of resilient and cost-effective information systems and related support, and develop internal and customer facing ICT facilities, platforms and services.

What’s in it for you?

• Hybrid working – normally 3 days per week in the office (central London) and the remainder up to you
• 25 days basic holiday entitlement (plus bank holidays) increasing up to 30 days with continued service
• Option to purchase up to 2 days extra holiday days per year
• Access to 24/7 online GP with mental health & wellbeing counselling
• Free premium Headspace account for you and 2 members of friends/family
• Free access to Royal Academy exhibitions and free Geological Society Fellow membership for qualified staff

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (CCAB or equivalent) with experience operating at senior operational and strategic level.
You will have experience in or knowledge of the charities or not-for-profit sector and will be able to communicate with stakeholders at all levels.

How to Apply

Ivy Rock Partners are pleased to be working exclusively with The Geological Society in the recruitment of this role. Please apply below or get in contact with Holly Arrowsmith at Ivy Rock Partners for further information.

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 25th February 2025. Interview dates will be held in early to mid March 2025.