Group Financial Controller and Wealth Manager

Context

Mallards Support Services Ltd (MSS) is a recently formed company at the heart of a group of philanthropically funded sustainability initiatives in the Isle of Man.  Several legal entities are involved in addition to MSS: namely, The Shuttleworth Botanic Garden Foundation, Botanical Operations Ltd, Mallards Diggers Ltd, Mann, Milk and Honey Ltd and MMH Farming Ltd.

South African British technology entrepreneur Mark Shuttleworth lives on the Island and has been investing in these projects for over a decade.  The coming year will see a significant increase in activity and, thus, in the number of people employed in the Isle of Man (expected to be 20-30, but also to increase steadily).

MSS provides a range of administrative and support services to all projects on the Island.  In addition, support will be provided to Mark Shuttleworth as an individual, via the creation of a family office, and to other projects funded by him; particularly, in São Tomé and Príncipe in Africa.

At the time of writing this job description in July 2026, an office for the company is being developed in Santon.

Role Summary

The Group Financial Controller and Wealth Manager will direct the financial governance, accounting operations, tax compliance and overall wealth strategy for our owner across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting and Accounting Operations

• Manage, as required, full-cycle accounting for privately-held entities, holding companies, operating businesses, special purpose vehicles and personal accounts.
• Prepare consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, cash-flow forecasts and liquidity analysis for Mark Shuttleworth and his senior advisers.
• Act as the main liaison for external auditors, banking partners and corporate service providers.
• Monitor capital expenditure across the portfolio of assets (e.g., botanic garden, agricultural, real estate or passion investments) and oversee day-to-day treasury and FX management.
• As required, review and report on financial performance and controls in African and other projects.

1. Wealth Management and Investment Oversight

• Collaborate with external investment managers, private banks, and custodians to align portfolio allocations with Mark Shuttleworth's long-term risk profile and mandate.
• Track, analyse, and report on performance across liquid portfolios, private equity, venture capital and real estate holdings.
• Forecast and manage cash calls for project funding, private equity commitments, dividend distributions and lifestyle funding requirements.
• Conduct financial due diligence on potential co-investments, private debt opportunities or direct acquisition targets.

1. Tax Governance, Structuring & Estate Planning

• Oversee tax compliance, at individual and corporate levels, in any relevant jurisdiction, with the support of first-class local advisers where necessary.
• Oversee accounting and financial compliance for trusts, companies, and foundations, working with legal counsel.
• Assist in modelling wealth transfer scenarios, estate planning and philanthropic initiatives.

1. Lifestyle and Passion Asset Governance

• Oversee financial operations and tax reporting for land and property estates, residential property portfolios or agricultural ventures.
• Manage insurance, valuations, ring-fenced accounting, and acquisition/sale logistics for fine art or other alternative investments.

Skills and Qualifications

• Educated to degree level.
• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with at least ten years of post-qualification experience.
• Wealth management credentials are desirable: STEP, CISI Chartered Wealth Manager or CFA.
• At least five years’ experience in a single/multi-family office, private client advisory team in a top-tier accounting firm or a trust and corporate service provider.
• Deep understanding tax structures in the British Isles and elsewhere.
• Comprehensive experience with consolidated reporting, trust accounting and enterprise accounting platforms: specifically, Microsoft Business Central and Intuit QuickBooks
• Absolute discretion, integrity and emotional intelligence.
• Strong attention to detail, with a talent for identifying data patterns and translating complex financial data into plain language board summaries.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Proven capacity to manage multiple tasks effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Adaptability to respond promptly to unforeseen events.
• Able to lead teams and work autonomously.

General

This role is intended to be full-time and office based.

The successful candidate will need to have a full, clean driving licence as the role may involve working at different sites on the Island.

Some foreign travel will be expected.