Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, delivering marine science for a productive and sustainably managed marine environment through innovative research, education, and engagement with society.
Based near Oban on the Scottish west coast, our marine research and teaching portfolio is diverse in topic and discipline, global in outlook, project locations and relevance, and delivered by a SAMS team with a can-do attitude working in partnership with academic, business, government, regulatory, voluntary, and civic society colleagues.
SAMS is a charitable organisation (009206) with a membership that elects the Board members following a recruitment process. It is also a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland (SC 009292) and operates two wholly owned subsidiary companies: SAMS Enterprise - a specialist marine consultancy - and SAMS Ltd. It is an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
About the role
You will work closely with the Head of Finance and Senior Finance Partners to provide a business partnering approach, ensure compliance across services, working together to provide regular and accurate information to internal/external customers, funders, and regulatory bodies.
You will provide an in-depth analysis of the financial drivers of the organisation – revenue, cost, and cash in order to improve reporting to stakeholders and assist with the financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting processes, including the preparation of monthly Management Accounts for the Group.
In this role, you will oversee the financial management of circa 100 research contracts, through regular monitoring and the provision of accurate financial and administrative advice to science project leaders across the organisation. This is to ensure that funding proposals are prepared in line with the funder's financial guidelines and SAMS' internal financial requirements. You will also provide supervisory and coaching support to the Finance team. In addition, you will also assist the Head of Finance with accounting activities and deputise, as required.
Responsibilities
Financial Analysis & Reporting:
* Lead the preparation and review of financial reports, forecasts, and budgets.
* Analyze financial performance, variances, and trends to provide actionable insights.
* Support strategic planning by delivering detailed financial models and scenario analyses.
Business Partnering:
* Act as a bridge between finance and other departments (e.g., operations, marketing, sales).
* Translate business needs into financial solutions and vice versa.
* Provide financial guidance for business cases, investment decisions, and new initiatives.
Process Improvement & Efficiency:
* Identify and implement improvements to financial processes and reporting tools.
* Streamline budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning systems.
* Ensure consistency, accuracy, and automation in reporting and analysis.
Data & Systems Management:
* Oversee financial systems (e.g., ERP, BI tools) and ensure data integrity.
* Work with IT and data teams to develop dashboards and performance indicators.
* Support digital transformation and finance automation initiatives.
Team Leadership & Stakeholder Management:
* Manage and mentor a team of business analysts or finance professionals.
* Allocate resources, prioritize tasks, and develop team capabilities.
* Present findings and recommendations to senior executives and stakeholders.
Compliance & Risk Management:
* Ensure alignment with financial regulations, audit requirements, and internal controls.
* Support internal and external audits with required documentation and data.
* Assess financial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
* Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and convey financial information clearly to non-financial managers.
* Experience in supervising people or managing a team, as well as dealing with external auditors and finance providers.
* Bring experience in providing and developing financial information within a diverse organisation.
* Knowledge and understanding of charity accounting; experience in research and education organisations is preferred, and commercial sector experience is also desirable.
* Exhibit energy, enthusiasm, and integrity, and contribute to fostering a positive and inclusive culture within the department.
Required Qualifications
* Degree in Accountancy Qualification CA, CIMA, or ACCA
* Generous salary and pension
* Employee benefits package.
* Supportive policies to assist with absence
* Family and other leave.
Conditions of employment
* You must have the right to work in the UK
Working locations
* SAMS, Oban
How to apply
* Applications must include a CV and a cover letter, which should be sent electronically to recruitment@sams.ac.uk quoting Job References D24/24.JB and in the subject "Finance Business Analyst Manager" by 30th June 2025
* If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email them through, in the first instance, to HR@sams.ac.uk
Interviews
* Interviews will be held shortly.
SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised, as our institute was presented with an Athena SWAN (Scientific Women’s Academic Network) Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation.
SAMS Group is committed to being an equal and open organisation. Diversity and inclusion are important to us, and we strive to remove any barriers that may prevent people from applying to join us. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and from all who share our values and can help us broaden our knowledge and range of ideas.
The job vacancy information provided here is from third-parties and the AAE can not guarantee the accuracy of the information.
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