Finance Director

Perrett Laver; London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job description

Our vision is for the world’s oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international, non-profit organisation operating the most globally recognised standard for sustainable fishing. In 25 years, the MSC has established itself on the world stage and, working with its partners and stakeholders, achieved a truly global presence, affecting positive, ecological change in oceans: over 600 fisheries around the world, representing almost 20% of the annual global marine catch, are now engaged in the MSC program and MSC certified and labelled seafood products available in over 100 countries.

We are seeking a dynamic, highly skilled and experienced Finance Director to join our senior leadership team. In this pivotal role, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all financial and licensing activities across the MSC to ensure that MSC’s financial strategies, financial management, and finance operations align with and support MSC’s mission, global presence, and long-term sustainability.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the rest of the Executive team, the Finance Director leads the development and implementation of financial strategies to support the delivery of the organisation’s mission and strategic objectives. This is a global, multifaceted role that includes responsibility for overseeing the preparation of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans and the annual financial audit. The Finance Director also holds accountability for the MSC’s global tax arrangements, ensuring that these meet the requirements of an increasingly complex international regulatory environment. The Finance Director also leads the maintenance and enforcement of key organisational policies related to procurement, anti-fraud, anti-bribery, and whistleblowing, and ensures that MSC maintains a strong control environment through effective finance processes.

Additionally, the role includes strategic oversight of MSC’s licensing activities and trademark protections, working with the Head of Licensing to ensure effective management of licensing revenues and agreements.

The ideal candidate will have significant senior-level experience in international financial leadership, ideally within a multi-entity organisation, with proven expertise in financial strategy, budgeting, audit, risk, and compliance. Relevant professional experience in a non-profit environment (including knowledge and experience of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP)) is highly desirable. You will hold a relevant degree and a professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent). A sound understanding of international tax and cross-border financial management is required.

Success in this role requires exceptional leadership and management qualities, a collaborative mindset, an international perspective and the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels, including Board members, colleagues and professional advisers. You should be committed to contributing actively to MSC's global sustainability and environmental goals while demonstrating sound judgement, creativity and strong influencing, negotiating and problem-solving skills. Given the small size of the MSC's finance team, a hands-on approach to operational tasks is essential to ensure success.

You will demonstrate a people-centred approach and a track record of effective relationship building across an organisation of geographically and culturally diverse colleagues. Crucially, you will be able to gain credibility and respect of staff at all levels at the MSC and be able to demonstrate to others your empathy and interest in the MSC’s mission and objectives.

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering MSC’s future direction. If you are passionate about our vision for the world’s oceans and seeking to make a meaningful impact, we invite you to join us in advancing the MSC's mission and strategic goals.

To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter, detailing how you fulfil the role description and personal specification to https://candidates.perrettlaver.com/vacancies/ quoting reference 7818.

The deadline for applications is 9am BST 21st April.

The location for the role is London, United Kingdom with hybrid working, including the expectation to work in the MSC’s offices in Central London at least 50% of the month.

The MSC is committed to the principles of equality and fairness, and we welcome applications from all communities. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, ethnicity, race, colour, religion or belief, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation or disability. If you consider yourself to have a disability and need reasonable adjustments made during the recruitment and selection process, please let us know how we can help you.