Rutherford Cross is delighted to be retained by the HCEG / Muirfield to appoint a Head of Finance.

Due to the retirement of the current incumbent at the end of September 2020, there is a requirement for a Head of Finance to join HCEG. The role will report directly to the Secretary and will be responsible for the management of the Club’s finances, ensuring that strategic objectives are met and the financial integrity of the organisation is maintained.

The position requires an individual who enjoys a diverse role, challenge and high visibility, yet is equally comfortable working through the more routine aspects of finance.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Managing the finance team and reception desk providing them with any training and on-going development
• Production of the monthly management accounts and analysis, reporting presenting to the Board
• Preparing annual budgets and forecasts
• Managing capital expenditure projects
• Overseeing and decision making around the Club’s investments
• Treasury optimisation and cashflow management
• Preparation statutory accounts and liaising with auditors as required
• Managing the relationship with the external auditors
• Completing quarterly VAT returns and tax computations
• Compliance with Board Policy regarding payments and creating obligations
• Controlling unbudgeted spending
• Lead on the development of financial controls whilst streamlining process within the finance function
• Controlling members’ accounts
• Maintaining the Asset Register
• Maintaining historic data on annual results, visitors, Members’ guests, lunches and trends on income, costs and Members’ subscriptions
• Membership profiling, reviewing members’ subscriptions including billing and collection
• Maintaining the risk matrix and risk register
• Updating the Club’s insurance policy
• Calculating asset valuations as required

This is an exciting opportunity for a talented finance professional who has the desire to work for one of Scotland’s most iconic institutions. It is crucial the appointed candidate is technically sound and commercially astute; however, their approach and attitude will be particularly important to ensure a long-term fit with the overall team and the ethos of the club and its members.

The successful candidate will be technically excellent and highly credible, demonstrating the ability to influence across the organisation, building robust relationships with key stakeholders. There are many internal and external interfaces to the role, so the individual must be adept at understanding all facets of the club and ensure that their interactions are always consistent with the high standards set by HCEG. Alongside the key finance tasks, the individual must also demonstrate the ability to manage other areas of responsibility, especially in relation to risk management, insurance and member services. Given that the club seeks to continually reinvest profits into the infrastructure of the club, you will also need to have good understanding of capital expenditure.

In order to apply, candidates will be professionally qualified accountants and understand the breadth of accountabilities associated with a privately-owned organisation. Applications from those with a background in sporting, hospitality or member based organisations will be of particular interest.  The appointed individual will have significant interaction with the Treasurer and Secretary. Due to the finance team being relatively small, the individual will require a hands-on approach and be equally comfortable with managing senior stakeholders, coaching team members and delivering key tasks autonomously.

A summary of the key attributes required to succeed in this role:

• Fully qualified accountant (CA/ACA/ACCA or equivalent) with appropriate post-qualification experience working in a similar role and environment
• Excellent technical knowledge of statutory accounting, taxation and compliance
• Experience of implementing robust financial controls, processes and procedures
• Strong commercial understanding
• Ability to develop high quality management information to support decision making
• Excellent management and development skills
• Good IT skills, especially in relation to Microsoft applications and Excel
• Self-starter, willing to be involved in the detail, whilst having sufficient gravitas to support and challenge key stakeholders as required
• Confident and strong communicator at every level, with strong interpersonal and influencing skills.
• Ability to build relationships with internal and external stakeholders including members of the club
• Self-motivated and organised
• Committed individual, displaying integrity and professionalism
• A genuine interest in golf or sport in general