Job Opportunity: Finance Officer/Adviser
Government of Tristan da Cunha; one year contract, c. £40,000
Tristan da Cunha is an Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom. It is famously known as the world's remotest inhabited island. The island lies 1500 miles west of Cape Town and is accessible by a seven-day journey by sea from Cape Town.
Taking the island's Strategic Sustainable Development Plan as the starting point, this role will support the Finance Department in the efficient and effective management of Accounting Services across the whole of the Tristan da Cunha Government as well as help implement initiatives and reforms to increase its long-term sustainability.
Candidates must be qualified accountants with excellent financial and budget management skills, adept in the preparation of statutory accounts and the analysis of financial information. Sound technical accounting skills should be supported by outstanding interpersonal skills, being able to integrate, adapt and overcome living in such a remote location. Resilience and a flexible approach are essential qualities.
As this is a unique setting, candidates should be able to demonstrate their desire and abilities, not only in sharing their skills in supporting and mentoring staff, but also in setting strategic direction and establishing successful working relationships, with a range of government, international and local stakeholders.
The successful candidate will be a highly motivated team player, who is an effective and confident communicator, well versed in presenting financial information to peers, senior officials and elected members.
Being a champion for best practice, you should have the flexibility of not only dealing with day-to-day regulatory and reporting but be able to take responsibility for all the TDC Government's statutory accounts.
With the above in mind, this unique role requires a special and entrepreneurial individual, who will not only deliver the financial management and strategic aims of the Government of Tristan da Cunha, but who can also integrate swiftly into an island community and contribute to its commercial success.
An attractive benefits package, which includes free housing, travel and medical cover will be offered together with the option to extend the initial first year's contract to two years.
How to apply
If you would like to participate in the island's Strategic Development Plan and Tristan da Cunha's future success and sustainability, you should apply for the role by sending a CV, together with a supporting statement illustrating your suitability, to Philippa.watkins@penna.com. If you would like to discuss the opportunity please contact Philippa Watkins at CIPFA-Penna on T: + 44 (0)20 3849 2703
Closing date: COP, 30 April 2019.
Interviews in May with a start date for September 2019.
Additional documents
Tristan da Cunha overview [PDF 124KB]
Finance Officer Tristan da Cunha job description [PDF 214KB]