At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and manage a team to drive process improvements.
- Company: Join a purpose-driven charity supporting adults with learning disabilities on a beautiful working farm.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive culture, opportunities for growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Empower decision-making in a dynamic environment while fostering inclusion and respect.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in financial management and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: We value your potential—apply even if you don't meet every requirement!
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This is an opportunity to join an ambitious charity supporting adults with learning disabilities, in a leadership role as Financial Controller. Based on a 100-acre working farm in the beautiful Kent countryside, you’ll work with a forward-thinking senior leadership and management team, reporting directly to an experienced and supportive part-time Director of Finance.
In this Financial Controller role you'll manage the finance team (of 4) to ensure effective financial operations. You'll also lead process improvements, and contribute to strategic organisational initiatives. 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
Our client's organisation is built on acceptance, respect, and inclusion—where everyone feels that they belong and can make a meaningful contribution. They believe in creating a supportive, high-performance culture that empowers both their teams and the people they support.
We’d be delighted if you tick 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.
Contact Detail:
Talent Gateway Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the charity sector, especially in relation to financial management. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by charities can help you demonstrate your commitment and insight during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the charity and finance sectors. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with others who work in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led process improvements in previous roles. Be ready to share measurable outcomes that highlight your impact on financial operations and team development.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation's values and mission. Tailor your conversations to reflect how your personal values align with theirs, showcasing your passion for making a difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required for the Financial Controller position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your qualifications as a financial professional, particularly your experience in financial management, budgeting, and process improvement. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Showcase Communication Skills: Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, provide examples of how you've successfully explained financial concepts to non-finance colleagues. This could be through presentations, reports, or team collaborations.
Personalise Your Application: Make your application stand out by personalising your cover letter. Mention why you are passionate about working for a purpose-driven charity and how your values align with their mission of acceptance, respect, and inclusion.
How to prepare for a job interview at Talent Gateway
✨Understand the Charity's Mission
Before your interview, take some time to research the charity's mission and values. Understanding their purpose will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to making a meaningful contribution.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Financial Controller, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have in mentoring others.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial management, budgeting, and process improvement. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific tools or systems you've used, especially if they relate to automation and efficiency.
✨Communicate Clearly with Non-Finance Colleagues
Since the role involves explaining financial concepts to non-finance colleagues, practice simplifying complex financial information. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated financial insights to diverse audiences in previous roles.