Job Description

The Company

Woocheen is an ocean-health business platform, bringing together a number of companies to tackle the challenges facing the oceans in a variety of ways: supporting sustainably managed fisheries around the world, applying geotechnical expertise that keeps our waters clean, driving digital transformation and cutting-edge data intelligence/AI, and supporting the generation of energy from offshore wind.

Woocheen is part of Sealaska, an Alaska Native regional corporation for Southeast Alaska formed under federal law in 1971. With more than 27,000 shareholders of Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian background, its purpose is to strengthen its people, culture, and homelands. Sealaska invests in, and operates businesses, that improve the health of our streams, waterways and oceans, maintain healthy homelands in Southeast Alaska, and benefit shareholder communities.

Sealaska believes that protecting and preserving our environment is not just a moral or cultural imperative; it is smart business. In fact, it is the core of its $600 million business portfolio, which includes companies dedicated to sustainable foods, environmental and engineering services, and natural resources/land management. All of its businesses follow a formula designed to create both profit and pride. As an organization, it is committed to evaluating the social, economic, and environmental impact of each of its businesses to ensure alignment with its values and long-term vision to support future generations.

Sealaska is embracing the best of humanity and the most innovative technology to heal the oceans and land, and is constantly looking for like-minded people and partners to join them.

Seas Geosciences ("Seas") is a fast-growing global division within Woocheen and is focused on solving the most challenging geosciences problems all over the world, including facilitating the development of clean, offshore wind and advancing climate science.

The capabilities of the division align with the needs of offshore power projects, including comprehensive services in all environments - from land to nearshore to offshore - in both deep and ultra-deep waters.

Job Summary:

The Finance Business Partner ("FBP") role is newly created as part of the growth of a finance team based primarily in Northeast England. The FBP shall support the Finance Director ("FD") in developing processes and procedures fit for purpose for a dynamic international business with a strong growth strategy.

This role will be on-site at our office in South Shields.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Manage a robust and reliable month end close process for several legal entities. Produce management accounts for review with the FD. Post journal entries. Maintain balance sheet reconciliations. Liaise with the Project Accountant to ensure expenditures are accurately recorded and reported. Review capitalization and ensure it is compliant with US GAAP. Co-ordinate the year end close in compliance with Group Finance schedules and manage the annual year end audit process. Assist the FD with forecasting, including monthly re-forecasts and annual budgets. Maintain cash flow forecasts and liaise with the Accounts Payable Specialist to ensure currency and cash drawdown requirements are clearly communicated to the group. Monitor sales invoicing and customer collections. Prepare quarterly VAT returns for review. Build strong relationships with non-finance personnel; become a partner to them and an enabler of the various company's continued growth in a controlled manner. Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Ability to comfortably work across multiple ERP systems. Familiarity with contract/projects-based business. Ability to manage multiple competing priorities, in a dynamic environment, with a high level of initiative and an ability to work independently when required. Desire to improve processes and drive out inefficiencies. Strong attention to detail and strong organizational skills. Ability to meet deadlines and provide reports on a timely basis. Clear and effective written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal skills. Microsoft Office Suite with advanced knowledge using Microsoft Excel.

Desirable

Multi-currency/international experience. Understanding of offshore operations. Experience of long-term contract accounting. Experience of working with different reporting standards, including US GAAP and FRS. ERP implementation.

Education and Experience:

Recognized accountancy qualification, university degree or equivalent in accounting. At least 2 years of post-qualified experience.

Working Conditions:

The physical and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to walk, use hands to finger, handle objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; balance; stoop; bending or crouching; talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Some lifting of files, opening cabinets. Bending or standing as necessary. The role will be primarily office based but flexibility is offered in terms of working hours and occasional working from home. In return, flexibility is expected in respect of working with colleagues based in other time zones, particularly in the United States. Some occasional travel may be required, including but not limited to Northern Ireland/Republic of Ireland.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions and other elements prevalent at the time.

This description is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as an all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. It is intended to accurately reflect the activities and requirements of the position, but duties may be added, deleted, or modified, as necessary. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.