Finance Director and Deputy Clerk – Brewers Company – London – c£90,000 + Benefits

The Worshipful Company of Brewers, or Brewers' Company as it is more generally known, is one of the ancient Livery Companies of the City of London. Once responsible for governing the beer trade in London, the Company today remains closely connected to the brewing industry through it members. The Company’s four main activities today are: education, philanthropy, fellowship, and involvement in the civic life of the City of London.

The role of Finance Director and Deputy Clerk

Assisting the Clerk in the executive management and running of the Company as part of a Senior Management Team (SMT) and directly leads Finance. It has a major role in providing advice and guidance to the Master who changes annually, the Clerk and the Court (non-executive trustees of the Worshipful Company of Brewers’) who are the ultimate authority.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing the finances of the Company and its extensive portfolio of charitable foundations, trusts and associated investments.
• Acting as the Financial Adviser to the Clerk, the Master and Wardens and to Court, including its Committees, on all financial aspects of the Company, its foundations and trusts by means of management accounts, budgets, long-term forecasts and other reports.
• Working with the Clerk to ensure that maximum income is derived from the commercial potential of the recently redeveloped Brewers' Hall.
• Supervising the management of the Dame Alice Owen Foundation property portfolio including the Islington based residential and commercial estates, to ensure it maximises delivery of income to beneficiaries on an enduring basis.
• Acting as Secretary to the Investment Committee. Monitor and challenge the performance of investment managers to maximise enduring income returns for beneficiaries.
• Preparation of the statutory accounts and trustees' reports and management of the audit process.
• Ensuring proper regulatory and contractual compliance, such as liaison with auditors, the Charity Commission, HMRC, ICO and financial institutions.
• Delivering a culture of continuous improvement of financial systems and processes which promotes high standards of financial control and efficiency to meet the changing requirements of the Company and associated charities.
• Deputising for the Clerk as required; supervise and implement Company HR policy.
• Assisting the Clerk with the hosting of Company events and membership activity.
• Representing the Clerk for the Company externally to other Livery Companies, City institutions, investment advisers and other organisations as required.
• Working closely with the Clerk on development of the Company's strategic plans, for the Master, Wardens and Court, to ensure the continuous evolution of the Company in support of its objective

The Candidate

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) with a strong track record of successful overall financial management experience in senior roles for complex organisations. You will have demonstrable experience in the management oversight of residential and commercial property. An understanding of the charity sector is desirable for the role. Specific characteristics will include:

• Credible, loyal and discreet.
• Exceptional organisational and administrative skills.
• A proven ability to manage a diverse range of stakeholders; at ease and effective at all levels.
• A track record of commercial achievements throughout your career.
• Developed communication skills, with strong intellect, sound judgment; able to listen and to foster consensus.
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively within a small team
• An understanding of and interest in the history, ceremony and protocol of the Company particularly in relation to the City Corporation and other Livery Companies.

For an informal and confidential discussion, please speak with our advisors at Berwick Partners:

Ashley Crich

Principal Consultant – Financial Leadership Practice

D:   +44 (0)207 367 9753

M:   +44 (0) 798 941 0310

[email protected]

Closing date for applications: Friday 24 February 2023