Finance Director, Horserace Betting Levy Board

The Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) is among the most important contributors to horseracing's finances within the UK. It is a non-departmental public body which collects around £95m a year from betting operators worldwide and distributes the sums to support and improve horseracing within the UK. At a time when the organisation is moving into an exciting new phase of its evolution, the Board now wishes to appoint a permanent, full-time Finance Director.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Finance Director will focus on developing the financial strategy and will plan, organise and direct all aspects of the Levy Board’s financial operations. This broad Finance Director appointment will be the key financial business partner to the Chief Executive and will require extensive liaison with Government, Board members and the racing and betting industries. Aside from the financial management responsibilities, the role will also play a key part in the ongoing development of the organisation as a whole.

Key responsibilities include:

·         Ensure that an appropriate financial policy framework is in place to guide the Levy Board’s financial decision-making.
·         Providing financial guidance to the Levy Board and advice on the financial consequences of internal and external changes to the Levy Board’s financial position.
·         Contribute to the preparation of the Levy Board’s business plan and other documents.
·         Oversee internal financial controls.
·         In conjunction with the Audit Committee and Chief Executive, carefully monitor risk, making appropriate recommendations.
·         Act as the lead senior executive for both internal and external audits.
·         Ensure the accuracy of monthly management accounts and monthly re-forecasting reviews.
·         Be responsible for the statutory annual accounts as per regulatory and legal requirements.
·         Be responsible for the Board’s cash flow and assess investment and/or borrowing requirements.
·         Be responsible for all payroll matters, ensuring NI and income tax regulations are met.
·         Dealing with all appropriate taxation issues affecting HBLB.
·         Provide appropriate guidance and support to the Head of ICT, including in the introduction of new IT projects and equipment through 2019 and 2020.
·         Act as the organisation’s Data Protection Officer.
·         Manage the finance team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Fully qualified accountant with an exceptional track record at senior financial management level
• ​A motivated and dynamic self-starter with strong presentation and interpersonal skills with high levels of emotional intelligence
• Evidence of excellent management skills and a ‘hands on’ approach
• Excellent IT skills – Excel, Word and good understanding of computer systems
• Strong grasp of process and cycle with excellent organisational skills
• Intelligent, enthusiastic, energetic and ready to question and challenge (empathetically) people, systems and practices
• Significant experience of Board level presenting and writing reports
• Experience of working successfully in a smaller company environment
• Knowledge of the UK betting or horse racing industry is desirable but not essential

If you feel you have a relevant background and skillset for this appointment, please send an updated CV to our retained consultant, Paul Fox at Rockwell Search, email pfox@rockwellsearch.com, quoting job ref RS360.