Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officer

Competitive Six Figure Salary

London

Law Debenture plc was founded in 1889 and is one of the UK's most prestigious British-based investment trusts dedicated to a diversified range of investments.

With gross total assets of £873m the Trust is managed by Henderson Global Investors and has consistently been among the top ten performers in the Global sector over one, five and ten years (source: AIC).

Law Debenture is also a leading provider of independent fiduciary services, operating across the United Kingdom, United States, Hong Kong, the Channel Islands and Ireland. Their broader operating businesses are collectively known as the Law Debenture Independent Professional Services (LDIPS) and this incorporates: independent pension fund trustee; corporate trust, agency, escrow and banking; corporate and SPV services and whistleblowing services.

The current CFO is retiring this year and as such, Law Debenture need to source a highly adept finance professional to maintain their long term capital growth and steadily increasing income.

The role stands as a rare and exciting opportunity to fully participate as an integral member of the Board, pro-actively and positively involved in all key business decisions affecting the organisation. With a new CEO at the helm, this is a unique window to help shape its future direction.

Role

A member of the executive team, the CFO will be responsible for the financial and management reporting of both the UK listed plc investment trust (a close ended investment fund) as well as the operating businesses collectively known as the Law Debenture Independent Professional Services (LDIPS) portfolio of businesses (business lines).

In addition the CFO will be specifically responsible for ensuring there is sufficient control and risk prevention in place for all Law Debenture businesses and offices.

Core Responsibilities:

• Supervising the finance department of 7 full time staff, including the Group Accountant.
• The ultimate responsibility for the whole range of financial activity from bank payments to financial statement production for every entity and jurisdiction within the group.
• Supervising and approving the production of the monthly management accounts pack including the plc board monthly presentation.
• Supervising and approving the production of the weekly published NAV statement.
• Responsibility for the production and efficient audit process of the published half year statement.
• Responsibility for the production and efficient audit process of the published annual financial statements.
• Supporting the CEO in analyst briefings, shareholder meetings and the presentation at the AGM.
• Responsible for the preparation and audit of the pension plan financial statements.
• Responsible for all aspects of the annual budgeting cycle.
• Working with the Chief Executive to design the short, medium and long-term strategy, objectives and targets for the organisation globally.
• Collaborating with the Chief Executive to explore global acquisition opportunities to both complement and extend the current business lines.
• Working with the business heads to improve financial efficiency and management information within each business or department.
• Preparation of all financial planning, budgets and targets for businesses and individuals.
• Supporting the Chief Executive in setting remuneration (including bonuses) and overseeing recruitment.
• Supporting new product and services development and evaluation for all service lines.
• Risk management of the group including being a member of the Executive Risk Committee.

Candidate Profile:

• The candidate is expected to be an ACA or FCA, or equivalent, with suitable experience in professional practice, as well as suitable industry experience.
• Specific knowledge or experience of each of the LDIPS business lines or jurisdictions is not required.
• Specific knowledge or experience of equity based investment management accounting and financial reporting is not a pre requisite, but is highly desirable.
• The CFO must have the ability to understand, analyse and produce suitable management information to validate and highlight the strengths, weaknesses and nuances of the individual business lines to make the most from them, and to ensure that implementing change enhances the whole business.
• Culturally astute - able to influence at a senior level to achieve the best outcome for the organisation.
• Experience of successfully implementing improvement and change in a timely way which provides value for money.
• Excellent communication skills, with ability to think clearly and broadly.
• Strong client relationship skills.
• Strong analytical skills