Hutcheon Mearns are partnering with an oil and gas explorer, developer and producer which operates in a variety of locations around the world. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, this business has a flexible and balanced exploration portfolio and is going through an exciting phase of development. With recent acquisitions and an ambitious growth strategy, this organisation is an attractive proposition.
This is a broad and varied role with two primary areas of focus:
- Operational Finance
- Central Finance
This role has key governance obligations and accountabilities for all Central and Operational Finance related activities as well as ensuring that finance staffing and governance activities are established for remote offices. The role therefore requires a strong people leader who can influence peers, partners and other stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership
- Provide proactive leadership and direction to develop high performing, business partnering Central and Operational Finance teams (both in Edinburgh and in remote offices) to deliver key goals and commercial objectives within the risk framework
- Proactively lead and manage the provision of resources, both manpower and tools, to deliver agreed plans
- Use strong coaching techniques, cultivate an enthusiasm for change, innovation and continuous improvement
Internal Control Environment
- Establish processes, policies and procedures to provide the necessary controls to meet the needs of the business, and document and communicate such controls
- Drive the highest standard of regulatory compliance, ensuring adoption of the company’s processes, policies, and procedures
- Continuously review, develop, and implement an effective financial and operational strategy that fits with the company’s risk framework and appetite
Systems, Processing, and Reporting
- Ensure the financial accounting and reporting systems meet the needs of the business, work effectively and that any enhancements reflect and anticipate ongoing business requirements
- Ensure the development and supply of financial information necessary for reporting and decision making in the business
- Ensure supply of relevant, accurate and timely financial information in Operational Accounting, Reporting & Analysis and Central Finance activities in Edinburgh and ensure that this done in remote offices
Analysis and Business Support
- Ensure the provision of timely and accurate business performance analysis on ongoing and ad-hoc activities (acquisitions / divestments / one-off cost analysis)
- Provide advice and guidance on opportunities related to cost optimisation
- Provide financial input to commercial agreements such as Joint Bidding Agreements, Joint Operating Agreements, Production Sharing Contracts and Asset/Company acquisitions (including Farm-ins and Farm-outs), dispositions, and swaps to ensure that the company’s financial position is protected and enhanced
- Ensure all opportunities for cost allocation to operated ventures have been implemented in accordance with industry norms
Joint Venture Audits
- Determine which audits should be conducted by the company as non-Operator, taking in account risks and exposures, approve the scope thereof and monitor closure
- Approve all responses to audit findings of the company as Operator
Representation
- Represent the company, the operated assets and Central and Operational Finance functions’ interests in meetings and discussions with governments, partners and other stakeholders, both external and internal
The successful candidates will have:
- Extensive financial experience in a senior finance leadership role including, but not limited to, people management; joint venture accounting; PSC accounting; budgeting, forecasting and analysis; audit; internal controls; commercial agreements; and representing the company in meetings with JV partners and governments
- Strong experience in the oil and gas industry, preferably in production and development phase assets, including joint venture accounting
- Experience of working in multiple jurisdictions, including in emerging markets
- Proven track record of building high performing teams through the delivery of exceptional business partnering and stakeholder management expertise
- Experience of remote location management
- Highly commercial individual who can build consensus and drive change and can effectively communicate and influence at all levels
- Ability to be both strategic and hands on with skills in managing multiple priorities in fast-paced environment
- A mindset of continuous improvement, driving improvements and standards