THE ORGANISATION

The R&A was created in 2004 to engage in and support activities undertaken for the benefit of the sport of golf. Despite deriving its name from the members’ golf club, The R&A is separate and distinct from The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews.

The R&A organises The Open, golf’s oldest and most international Major championship. Additionally, The R&A also organises a series of amateur and junior golf events.

Together with the USGA, The R&A governs the sport of golf worldwide, operating in separate jurisdictions whiles sharing a commitment to a single code for the Rules of Golf, Rules of Amateur Status and Equipment Standards. The R&A, through R&A Rules Ltd, governs worldwide, outside of the United States and Mexico, with the consent of 156 organisations from amateur and professional golf, and on behalf of over 30 million golfers in 143 countries.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The R&A has identified the need to review the current accounting system in order to improve the quality of information and insight produced by the finance function. This is a newly created role and is well suited to an experienced finance professional who is looking to drive change within a finance function.

Your role will require you to manage the full project lifecycle. The successful candidate will assess the functionality of the current system and work with the finance and IT teams to identify the requirements of a new accounting system. You will be responsible for the selection of a new system and will project manage the implementation. The role will encompass the entire transition, ensuring that the correct policies, procedures and reports are in place, resulting in more efficient financial management and reporting capabilities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assessment of existing accounting systems and business reporting processes.
• Liaising with Finance and IT teams to build a specification/ requirement for a new accounting system.
• Conducting an assessment of available accounting systems to fit the group’s requirements, potentially via an RFP.
• Selection of new accounting systems.
• Working with the Finance and IT teams to project manage the installation of the new accounting systems, including a new implementation and transition timetable.
• Coordinating with the system provider in provision of staff training.
• Working with the relevant teams across the business to integrate the new accounting system with other software (e.g. HR system, T&E system, Hospitality Sales, Ticket Sales, Banking systems).
• Developing financial management reports to help support the business.
• Ensuring the new system provides the necessary information and reporting for accounting and tax purposes.
• Automating current processes where possible, in liaison with the IT team.
• Managing the transition from the old to the new accounting system.
• Monitoring the performance of the new system and operate a model of continual improvement.
• Develop a set of policies and procedures to cover the use of the system.
• Managing the delivery of the project overall, reporting to the Executive Director – Finance.

EXPERIENCE

Qualifications and Experience

• Part or fully qualified accountant.
• At least 5 years’ experience in a commercial environment.
• First-hand experience of managing a similar project (i.e. transitioning to a new accounting system).
• Experience of multi-channel large scale projects.