The Physiological Society’s Finance Committee is seeking an external member with financial expertise to broaden its skills and diversity. The Society’s Finance Committee aids the Board of Trustees in overseeing all financial aspects of The Society, to support its short- and long-term ability to achieve its charitable objects.

The Physiological Society is the largest network of physiologists in Europe, with academic journals of global reach, and a 140-year tradition of being at the forefront of the life sciences. The Society organises world-class scientific meetings, offers grants for research and innovative educational activities, as well as promotes physiology through outreach and policy work. It publishes the latest developments in its leading scientific journals: The Journal of Physiology, Experimental Physiology and Physiological Reports.

The new member will come from a finance background and be able to provide advice on aspects of key financial issues such as investments, audit, property, risk, business development, financial management and financial controls. They will also have a genuine interest in the support and promotion of STEM.

The Society is committed to equity and diversity and encourages expressions of interest from all communities and backgrounds. The position will be for a four-year term and Finance Committee meetings are held 4 times per year, approximately every 3 months, two in person in London and two virtual. Committee meetings usually last up to 3 hours.
This voluntary position is unpaid, although reasonable out of pocket expenses while fulfilling these duties will be reimbursed.

Person specification
• A qualified/accredited accounting professional with significant experience and knowledge of financial management and an understanding of issues affecting the not-for-profit sector.
• A commercial or business background would be helpful, particularly related to property management, publishing, or enterprise/innovation.
• A charity or not-for-profit background would be helpful, particularly related to membership bodies, grant making bodies or other academic led organisations.
• Likely to hold (or have recently held) a senior finance or business management position in an organisation of a similar or larger size to The Society to provide opportunities to share comparative practice.
• An understanding of and commitment to the responsibilities of a company director and charity trustee according to the law and ethical standards of the UK and the Charity Commission.
• Experience in scrutinising and interpreting financial reports and management accounts, budgets and forecasting analysis
• Ability to work as part of a team and to accept collective responsibility in decision making, accepting of others’ views.
• Ability to provide scrutiny and analysis of financial reports and be able to interpret complex information for less experienced committee members.
• Proven ability to think strategically, exercise independent judgement and share knowledge constructively.
• Excellent listening, communication, and committee skills.
• A willingness to take the lead in relevant committee matters if required and to be available for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.
• Able and willing to challenge the committee and executive in a collaborative and constructive manner.
• Able to fulfil the time commitment for the role.

To apply please send a short statement of suitability and CV to the attention of Mary Arbuthnot at governance@physoc.org