Financial Controller

Hours: 8–12 hours per week (flexible, to be agreed). This role may be delivered on a fractional basis, subject to discussion.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Purpose of the Role

The Financial Controller will provide senior financial oversight and assurance for the organisation, ensuring robust financial management, accurate reporting, and effective cashflow and budget forecasting.

The role exists to strengthen financial governance, support strategic decision-making, and reduce the level of day-to-day financial involvement required from the CEO.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting & Management Accounts

• Prepare and oversee monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timeliness
• Provide clear variance analysis against budget, with narrative insight for the CEO and Board
• Ensure appropriate financial controls and compliance with accounting standards relevant to the charity sector

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead on short- and long-term budgeting, working with the CEO and budget holders
• Oversee and maintain cashflow forecasting, including 13-week rolling forecasts
• Identify financial risks, pressures, and opportunities, and advise on mitigations

Audit & Compliance

• Act as the main finance lead for the annual external audit
• Prepare audit schedules and liaise with external auditors and accountants
• Ensure compliance with charity finance regulations and reporting requirements

Financial Oversight & Support

• Provide professional oversight and guidance to the Finance Coordinator, who manages transactional processing (e.g. invoices, payments)
• Act as a trusted financial adviser to the CEO, offering insight rather than just data
• Support continuous improvement of financial systems, processes, and reporting

Strategic Contribution

• Translate financial information into clear, decision-useful insight for senior leadership and trustees
• Support financial planning aligned to organisational strategy and sustainability

Person Specification

Essential

• Fully qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Significant experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role
• Strong track record in management accounts, budgeting, and cashflow forecasting
• Experience supporting or leading external audits
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound professional judgement
• Clear communicator, able to explain financial information to non-financial colleagues

Desirable

• Experience in the charity or not-for-profit sector
• Experience working in a part-time or fractional capacity
• Familiarity with organisations in the £1–2m turnover range

Personal Attributes

• Trusted, calm, and confident financial presence
• Detail-focused without losing sight of the bigger picture
• Values-led and aligned with the mission of the organisation
• Comfortable working flexibly and collaboratively with senior leadership

What This Role Is (and Is Not)

• This is a senior oversight and assurance role, not a transactional bookkeeping position
• Working alongside our Finance Co-ordinator, the role is designed to own financial leadership, allowing the CEO to step back from operational finance
• Hours are intentionally limited, with focus on impact rather than volume

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How to Apply

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