Regional Finance and Administration Manager

ABOUT EIT FOOD

EIT Food is Europe’s leading food innovation initiative, working to make the food system more sustainable, healthy and trusted by consumers. Established by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) in 2017, EIT Food is a fast-growing partnership organisation focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation in the food sector. 

As an Institutionalised European Partnership, it brings together key industry players, agri-food startups, research centres and universities from across Europe representing the food value chain in Europe. In addition to thematic leadership, EIT Food is also responsible for coordinating a multi-million euro EU grant allocation from the EIT and distributing it among its partners and stakeholders for the implementation of projects. EIT Food aims to achieve long term financial sustainability and independence from EIT funding, and is implementing a Financial Sustainability Plan which is detailed in the EIT Food Strategic Agenda 2021-2027.

EIT Food headquarters (HQ) are based in Leuven (Belgium) and it has 5 regional offices in Europe (based in Poland, Spain, Germany, the UK and Belgium), each working with and for partners in several EIT Food partner countries.

Visit our website to find out more: https://www.eitfood.eu

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Finance Manager is responsible for the day-to-day running of the UK Branch operations including accounting, financial reporting and grant management activities. They will also be a point of contact between the Partnership team and the Operations team, contributing to aspects of financial planning.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with a dotted line responsibility to Director of Partner Recruitment in their role within EIT Food UK. The position is UK based, working from home or at our co-working space in Reading if desired. The position is for 0.8 to 1 FTE with flexibility in delivery days upon agreement. 

Key Responsibilities

• Grant management and financial reporting for EIT Food UK including any external non-EIT funded projects
• Company financial and budgetary planning & monitoring
• Preparation of annual budgets for EIT funded projects and costings for non-EIT funded projects
• Ensuring all legal and financial responsibilities for EIT Food UK are performed in a timely manner
• Management of regular business activities such as monthly management accounts, invoicing, contracts, oversight of HR processes and organising payroll
• Processing of all BACS payments
• Coding and allocation of costs and bank reconciliations within the Finance system
• Preparation and posting of journals including prepayments and accruals
• Review and processing of monthly expenses following approval by the UK Director

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

• Bachelor's degree in Business Accounting, or equivalent.
• Significant experience in a similar business or financial management role;
• Excellent organisational skills and ability to work collaboratively with other financial or administrative team members across the wider organisation
• Excellent English language skills, knowledge of other European languages will be advantageous.
• Problem solving ability: no matter how small or complex;
• Analytical rigour: ability to analyse complex situations and use data to inform insights
• Organisational sensitivity and business acumen: ability to translate business needs and problems into solutions..
• Ability to work in a matrix organization and collaborate with multi-location teams.
• Self-motivated, results-driven, and able to work under deadlines.
• Resilient, stress-resistant, and adaptable to periods of heightened workload.

WHAT WE OFFER

Working at EIT Food means joining a team of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to creating a better future through food innovation. We cultivate a culture of collaboration, inventiveness, inclusivity, and constructive feedback. All employees are encouraged to contribute their ideas and expertise towards our mission of creating a more sustainable and inclusive food system.
Together, we're making a real impact on the food industry and we're looking for talented individuals like you to join us.

As a valued member of our team, we'll provide you with a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

CONTRACT TYPE

1 year temporary role.

LOCATION & TRAVEL FREQUENCY

UK based role, working remotely. Occasional travel may be foreseen to attend group-wide Finance meetings, or visit regional offices.

APPLICATION PROCESS 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

EIT Food is an equal opportunity employer, offering each candidate matching the minimum obligatory qualifications and experiences an equal chance in employment and promotion procedures.