Finance Director

Covent Garden Market Authority (CGMA) is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Finance Director. A statutory body, set up by Acts of Parliament in 1961, CGMA own and are responsible for the running of the market.

The Finance Director will lead the Finance function ensuring accurate financial information is maintained and sound financial data and advice is provided in a timely and accessible way. This role is a great opportunity for an exceptional and proven senior finance leader to contribute to the continuous improvement of CGMA.

The role:

• Provide strategic recommendations to the General Manager, Executive team and the Board.
• Continue the development and transitioning of the finance team from a mainly transactional team to a team providing forward looking, high quality and accurate information.
• Implement the strategic goals of the board and deliver against the Authority’s obligations for managing public money to ensure the Authority at least breaks even post Defra’s cost of capital taking one year with another.
• Analyse financial performance, identifying areas for improvement and growth opportunities.
• Provide financial insights and negotiation support for major projects, disposals and capital investments.
• Create and deliver a long-term strategy and business plan maintaining and updating the 10-year financial business plan as and when required for changes in commercial, economic & strategic drivers, having reference to the Plan within the annual forecast & reporting cycle.
• Attend Board, Remuneration Committee, Audit & Risk Assurance Committee and Pension Trustee Meetings as and when required.
• In collaboration with the Project Director, oversee the management and control of the finances for the market redevelopment project.
• Identify and negotiate, as may be required, CGMA’s access to external funding.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls to safeguard company assets and prevent fraud.

The organisation:

CGMA are accountable to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) but are not directly funded by government. CGMA work to give their market community the best possible space, support and help to connect with each other and grow. Leasing space on the market and providing the community with the facilities they need to run their businesses. This includes cleaning, recycling and waste disposal, security, traffic control and the maintenance of buildings and equipment. CGMA also work to support and promote their tenant businesses.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified Accountant; ACA, ACCA, CIMA with minimum of 10 years post qualification experience.
• Proven experience leading transformation or change projects.
• Experience in Commercial Property/Real Estate/Property.
• Proven experience in a Senior financial leadership role working with Boards and Committees and prepare and presentation of reports including statutory accounts, financial planning and treasury.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

The position will be based at CGMA’s head office at Nine Elms and requires four days a week of office attendance. The closing date for applications is 8th January with first stage interviews taking place on the week commencing 20th January.

Applications will be under constant review before the closing date, so please submit your application to our exclusive search agent, Robertson Bell. Apply now to be considered!