Bristol Energy Cooperative (BEC) has been developing community energy projects since 2011 guided by the principles of sustainability and economic equality. It has raised funds though share and bond offers, debt, and donation crowdfunding.

BEC owns and manages a portfolio of energy generating assets and subsidiary companies with a combined turnover of around £1.2m. It is in the interesting position of being a community business operating in the commercial energy sector.

BEC has grown significantly in the previous year in response to the Net Zero challenge, and has projects in development across a range of technologies. These include solar, hydroelectric, microgrid, and large-scale battery. This scaling-up has brought increased financial complexity to BEC’s operations, so over the past year it has enhanced its financial management capability with the help of a short-term Finance Director (FD) and the outsourcing of its day-to-day accounting to an external provider. This provider manages the online accounts, provides cashflow modelling, quarterly management reports, processes payroll and monthly payment runs, files VAT, etc.

BEC is now embarking on a further round of expansion, and it’s now time to take on a permanent part-time Finance Director to work in tandem with our external accounting provider. This position will suit an experienced FD who is looking to help deliver positive social and environmental impact in a nimble and ambitious community company.

The key roles in this post are to manage BEC’s overall finances; ensure sound financial management and statutory compliance, bring commercial acumen, and provide strategic financial guidance.

BEC is seeking someone with significant commercial experience of working within SMEs. Experience of the energy sector, and the renewable energy sector in particular, would be a bonus. Community energy knowledge is not essential, but a curiosity to learn and understand this sub-sector is important. Above all we are seeking a person who is interested in becoming an integral part of the executive team.

Candidates should be qualified members of an accountancy body or holders of an equivalent qualification, have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and an energetic and enquiring mind.

We envisage this role requiring 3 days per week, which can be worked flexibly. The FTE salary (35 hours per week) is £60-65k depending on experience. There is a 5% employer pension contribution, and working on contract is also an option. Bristol Energy Cooperative is an equal opportunities employer

Application by way of letter and CV, including the names of two referees, should be sent to admin@bristolenergy.coop. Informal discussion prior to application is welcome and can arranged by the same email.