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- Tasks: Lead financial management and support growth at a charity focused on adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join Canterbury Oast Trust, a purpose-driven charity in the beautiful Kent countryside.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, opportunities for development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Empower decision-making and drive change while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and excellent communication skills required.
- Other info: Open to applicants from all backgrounds; we value diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A finance leadership opportunity with a purpose-driven charity. This is an opportunity to join COT, an ambitious charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, in a leadership role as Financial Controller. Based on our 100-acre working farm in the beautiful Kent countryside, you’ll be a key member of our finance team, ensuring robust financial management and supporting the continued transformation and growth of our services.
In this Financial Controller role you'll lead process improvements and drive real impact by delivering clear, timely financial insights to colleagues. If you’re an ambitious finance professional with outstanding communication skills, it’s an opportunity to make a substantial organisational impact through empowering confident and effective decision-making by leadership colleagues.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the month-end and year-end close processes
- Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and variance analysis
- Maintain and enhance financial controls, accounting systems, and policies
- Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and tax compliance
- Optimise our recently implemented financial system, driving further automation and process improvement
- Collaborate with managers across the organisation to share financial insights and support service delivery
- Provide reporting and project support to the Director of Finance
- Lead, mentor, and develop the finance team, embedding a culture of accuracy, efficiency, and service
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience
- Demonstrable experience in financial management, audit, budgeting, and process improvement—ideally in a multi-site or social enterprise environment
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain financial concepts to non-finance colleagues
- Dynamic, proactive, and supportive leader, committed to developing others and driving change
COT is built on acceptance, respect, and inclusion—where everyone feels that they belong and can make a meaningful contribution. We believe in creating a supportive, high-performance culture that empowers both our teams and the people we support.
We’d be delighted if you tick off all our boxes, but we also believe it’s just as important we tick all of yours. If you think you have most of what we’re looking for but not everything, go ahead and apply. We’d still love to hear from you!
Canterbury Oast Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Financial Controller (, , United Kingdom) employer: Canterbury Oast Trust
Contact Detail:
Canterbury Oast Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller (, , United Kingdom)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Canterbury Oast Trust's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to supporting adults with learning disabilities will help you align your responses during interviews and demonstrate your passion for their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity sector, especially those involved in finance roles. Engaging with others in similar positions can provide insights into the specific challenges and opportunities within the organisation, which you can reference in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with financial systems and process improvements. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've optimised financial processes in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Financial Controller position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by preparing examples of how you've mentored or developed team members in the past. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire a finance team, which is a key aspect of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller (, , United Kingdom)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in financial management, budgeting, and process improvement. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to communicate financial concepts to non-finance colleagues.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with a purpose-driven charity like Canterbury Oast Trust. Highlight how your values align with theirs and mention specific experiences that showcase your qualifications for the Financial Controller role.
Showcase Your Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as being a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent). Include any relevant certifications or training that support your candidacy for this finance leadership position.
Emphasise Leadership Experience: Discuss your experience in leading and mentoring finance teams. Provide examples of how you've driven change and improved processes in previous roles, as this is crucial for the Financial Controller position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Canterbury Oast Trust
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research Canterbury Oast Trust and its mission. Understanding their purpose-driven approach will help you align your answers with their values and demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact.
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your qualifications and experience in financial management, budgeting, and process improvement. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate how you've successfully led similar initiatives, especially in a charity or social enterprise context.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since the role requires explaining financial concepts to non-finance colleagues, practice simplifying complex financial terms. During the interview, focus on clear and concise communication to showcase your ability to make financial insights accessible to everyone.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Financial Controller, you'll be leading and mentoring a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've developed others in previous roles. Highlight your proactive approach to driving change and fostering a culture of accuracy and efficiency.
