Finance & Operations Manager (6 Month FTC)

APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON FRIDAY 6TH DECEMBER AT 12:00 GMT

ABOUT US:
Modern Synthesis is a biotech company bringing life to new materials. Founded by ex-Adidas designer Jen Keane and synthetic biologist Dr. Ben Reeve, we work with bacteria to produce an entirely new class of nanocellulose-based materials, which deliver performance without plastics and aesthetics without animal inputs. Designed for applications within fashion and beyond, our 100% biobased materials not only displace animal leathers or plastic-based materials, but also generate entirely new textile possibilities for designers. You can read more about our technology on our website.

We believe that big breakthroughs happen when disparate disciplines, perspectives and ideas collide. As a team of biologists, chemists, designers, engineers, business experts, and microbes, we benefit from these creative collisions on a daily basis. From our strong culture of debate (hot takes always welcome 🌶️) to our bi-weekly deep dives, we intentionally embed collaboration and growth into everything we do.

We hire people, not roles, so we can be flexible on scope. We strongly encourage you to apply if you think you’re qualified for a portion of this role, and can demonstrate a proven ability to take on new skills and challenges.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
We’re looking for a Finance Manager to join our team at an exciting time for the business. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Finance Manager will work with the supervision of the fractional CFO to be responsible for all day-to-day financial operations within the business, as well as partnering with our internal teams and implementing new financial systems and controls.

We are currently focused on R&D and planning scale up for material manufacturing. This is a role for a do-er, ideally suited to someone who is looking to step up and take on more responsibilities and grow within the role. You'll be on the ground, doing the heavy lifting which makes the company run in a fast-paced environment.

This role is initially a 6-month Fixed Term Contract, with the potential to extend at the end of the initial period.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Financial Operations - Management & controlling of day-to-day operations, including:

  • Monitoring & maintaining our finance inbox

  • Ownership of bookkeeping through our finance systems (Pleo & Xero)

  • Overseeing regular reporting activities related to month-end, grants and payroll

  • Assisting the fractional CFO with FP&A, company administration and compliance

  • Collaborating and supporting with drafting, approving and tracking internal budgets

  • Reviewing and updating business cases for internal budgets and spending

  • Assist with payments

• Business Operations:

  • Liaising with third parties for business operations with financial implications

  • Reviewing & developing business policies related to financial operations and systems

  • Support & review payroll in conjunction with the People Team

  • Implement and manage best practice operational systems and controls, including keeping IT, data and insurance policies up to date

• Non-dilutive Funding:

  • Support & review grant applications in collaboration with internal departments

  • Managing grant spending and deadlines

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field

• Self motivated to undertake critical enabling activities for the wider team 

• A foundational understanding and interest in wider business operations

• 4+ years of relevant work experience

• High attention to detail and ready for work to be audited

• Experienced bookkeeper, proficient in using Xero or similar

• Excellent verbal and written communication for stakeholder management

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

The following skills and experience are not required for the role, but would be beneficial for a successful applicant:

• Ideally part qualified 

• Experience working in a start-up environment

• Cost accounting within a manufacturing/textiles environment

BENEFITS:

• Company pension scheme

• Private Health Insurance, including vision, dental and stipends

• Enhanced Parental Leave Policy

• Hybrid working arrangements

• Flexible working hours

• Cycle-to-work Scheme

• Headspace subscription

• Individual training budget for professional development, including access to LinkedIn Learning

OUR VALUES:

Co-Culture - We Co-Culture Change

Co-Culture reflects our commitment to cross-pollination internally and externally, our ability to lean on one another, and our role as a catalyst in both business and culture.

Growth - We Put Growth on a Pedestal

Growth speaks to our inspiration and creative use of biology, our bias towards impact and scale, and our dedication to empowering industry to ‘grow up’ from a harmful past.

By Design - We Do It All By Design

By Design articulates the intentionality, empathy and creativity built into every aspect of our work. It also denotes the importance of accountability and our adherence to core design thinking principles.

OUR HIRING PROCESS

Round 0. Apply online

Round 1. 25 minute exploratory phone interview where we’ll dive into your work history and motivations for applying to Modern Synthesis

Round 2. 1 hour skills interview where we’ll explore the skills and knowledge you’ll bring to this role. Successful candidates will be asked to prepare a presentation for the final Round 3.

Round 3. 1 hour panel interview and presentation with key members of the team

MODERN SYNTHESIS ED&I STATEMENT

Innovation rarely happens in a vacuum. The greatest ideas stem from a variety of perspectives, and an environment that supports equal representation and opportunities for all.

We are committed to driving global change. We only have one planet we all call home, and we need to work together to protect it. We believe in collaboration and a culture of debate. Disagreements are a chance to refocus our direction. We call this co-culture.

We welcome people of all races, genders, religions, ages, backgrounds, and abilities to our workplace and are committed to ensuring all our employees are safe, heard, represented and provided with every opportunity to thrive.

Equally we will act with integrity, purpose and respect in everything we do. We too are human. We will likely make mistakes and need to continue evolving our approach to ED&I as the world around us changes.