Interim Chief Financial and Operations Officer - 12 Month FTC

TN United Kingdom; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading independent research organization in Cambridge seeks an Interim Chief Financial and Operations Officer for a 12-month fixed-term contract. This senior role involves overseeing finance, legal, HR, and operational functions, ensuring strategic growth and operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in finance and operations, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in managing multiple functions. The position offers a dynamic work environment with a focus on improving policy and decision-making through rigorous research.

Benefits

Pension - 8% Employer contribution

33 days holiday allowance, including Bank Holidays

Annual salary review

BUPA medical insurance

Generous company sick pay

Enhanced family friendly policies

Group life assurance

Flexible working arrangements

Learning and development opportunities

Employee wellbeing training and support

Free on-site parking

Cycle to work scheme

Access to company bikes

Service awards

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in finance and operations management.
• Track record of managing multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Finance, Legal, PSO, Facilities, HR, Data Protection, and IT functions.
• Develop financial and operational strategies to support goals.
• Manage the Finance Team to ensure high-quality deliverables.

Skills

Leadership

Financial Acumen

Strategic Thinking

Problem Solving

Communication

Adaptability

Reporting

Taxation & Audits

Contract Negotiation

Collaboration

Education

Significant progressive experience in finance and operations management roles

Proven experience in a senior leadership role

Tools

Advanced Excel

Job description

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Interim Chief Financial and Operations Officer - 12 Month FTC, Cambridge

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Client:

Rand Europe

Location:

Cambridge, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

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EU work permit required:

Yes

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Job Reference:

84de22b1e286

Job Views:

3

Posted:

14.05.2025

Expiry Date:

28.06.2025

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Job Description:

RAND Europe is an independent, not-for-profit research organisation whose mission is to help improve policy and decision-making through rigorous and independent research and analysis. We benefit the public interest through the impact and wide dissemination of over 200 projects per year. Our work at its most impactful changes policy, practice and process to the benefit of the public good. That is also our organisational mission

RAND Europe has approximately 180 staff across offices in Cambridge, Brussels, and the Netherlands. Our staff represents 22 nationalities, speaks over 20 languages and covers 31 academic disciplines. Our multi- and inter-disciplinary approaches to research generate unique perspectives and insights for our wide-ranging government, foundation and other NGO clients.

RAND Europe’s research is rigorously peer-reviewed, draws on extensive subject and methodological expertise, and is conducted in a professional, delivery-oriented environment.

The Interim Chief Financial and Operations Officer (CFOO) at RAND Europe is a senior executive role responsible for overseeing Finance, Legal, PSO, Facilities, HR, Data Protection, and IT functions. Reporting to the President, the Interim CFOO ensures financial integrity, operational excellence, and strategic growth. Key duties include providing commercial advice, operational oversight, and supporting strategic objectives related to net revenue and performance management. This role requires extensive experience in finance and operations, strategic thinking, and strong leadership skills, offering a significant impact on the organisation's success.

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Support the President in delivering business and strategic objectives, particularly with respect to net revenue, net contribution, and performance management.
• Develop and implement financial and operational strategies to support organisational goals and objectives.
• Provide insights and recommendations for growth, innovation, and efficiency improvements.
• Deputise for the President/Executive Vice-President to run key organisational meetings.
• Foster a positive organisational culture and ensure employee engagement.
• Support the President in the development and delivery of the RAND Europe Business Plan and strategy.
• Overall financial management of RAND Europe
• Manage the Finance Team to ensure high-quality deliverables in all aspects of financial, management, and project accounting.
• Responsible for corporate reporting and management information, including reporting to RAND US and external statutory reports.
• Oversee multi-currency cash flows, including predicting future financial trends to maximise company liquidity.
• Ensure compliance with all audits, accounting, charity, and reporting requirements.
• Provide continuous review and development of controls and procedures to safeguard the organisation.

Operational Oversight

• Lead and coordinate the efforts of the Operations Director and departmental heads to ensure seamless operational performance.
• Oversee the Finance, Legal, PSO, Data Protection, HR, IT and Facilities teams to ensure resource, operations and technologies aligns with the business needs.
• Manage the Programme Support Office to ensure the smooth operation of the company’s research proposals and projects.
• Principal business signatory for all contracts and grants.
• Oversee governance of proposal and project processes within the business to ensure consistency and quality in all projects and make determinations on exceptions.

Legal and Compliance

• Manage the Legal team to provide legal and commercial advice to the organisation, including contracts, legislation, and intellectual property.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant laws and regulations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Comply with all company policies and RAND Europe Management Systems.
• Handle ad hoc duties as required.

Requirements

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and guide multi-functional teams.
• Financial Acumen: Expertise in financial management, accounting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strategic Thinking: Develop and implement long-term strategies.
• Problem Solving: Strong analytical skills to resolve complex issues.
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills.
• Adaptability: Navigate a rapidly changing business environment.
• Reporting: Proficiency in internal/external reporting and grant reporting.
• Taxation & Audits: Knowledge of compliance requirements.
• Contract Negotiation: Experience with large international contracts.
• Professional Services: Leadership in a professional services environment.
• Commercial Experience: Proven track record in commercial roles.
• Collaboration: Experience in leadership teams.
• Multi-Currency Accounting: Proficient in consolidated multi-currency financials.
• Business Systems: Familiarity with various systems, including new implementations.
• Advanced Excel: High proficiency in Excel.

Qualifications

• Significant progressive experience in finance and operations management roles.
• Proven experience in a senior leadership role, with a track record of managing multiple functions.
• Pension - 8% Employer contribution;
• 33 days holiday allowance, including the Bank Holidays;
• Annual salary review;
• BUPA medical insurance;
• Generous company sick pay;
• Enhanced family friendly policies;
• Group life assurance;
• Flexible working arrangements;
• Learning and development opportunities;
• Employee wellbeing training and support;
• Free on-site parking;
• Cycle to work scheme;
• Access to company bikes;
• Service awards.

How to Apply

If you believe you are suited to the above role, please submit an application comprising of a CV and covering letter below. Closing date for applications is 15th June 2025. We are targeting a start date of Monday 4th August 2025 for 12 months.

If you have not been contacted within 30 days of application deadline, please assume your application has not been successful.