At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure robust financial control in a dynamic educational organisation.
- Company: Reputable educational and charitable organisation in central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, impactful role, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for those who thrive in values-driven environments and enjoy operational improvement.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact while supporting a finance team through a period of transition.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with substantial financial accounting experience.
An exceptional opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Financial Controller to join a highly regarded educational and charitable organisation in central London on a six-month fixed-term contract to provide stability while they recruit permanently.
Reporting to the Finance Bursar, you will provide leadership to an established finance team while overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of a complex organisation. This role offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact, ensuring robust financial control, delivering an efficient finance service, and supporting the continued embedding of a recently implemented finance system.
The organisation is seeking an individual who can hit the ground running, provide stability during a busy period and quickly build credibility with stakeholders across the organisation.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading month-end and year-end financial accounting processes, ensuring an accurate and timely trial balance.
- Managing financial operations including purchase-to-pay, billing, income collection, cash management and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Supporting year-end audit processes and statutory reporting requirements.
- Ensuring compliance with charity, tax and regulatory requirements, including VAT and Gift Aid.
- Driving continuous improvement across finance systems, controls and processes.
- Leading, coaching and developing a transactional finance team.
- Acting as a key finance business partner to senior stakeholders across the organisation.
The successful candidate will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) with substantial financial accounting experience gained within a medium to large organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading teams, improving processes and maintaining strong financial controls within a complex environment. Experience within the education, charity or not-for-profit sectors would be advantageous, although candidates from other sectors with relevant technical expertise will also be considered.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced finance leader who enjoys combining strong technical accounting expertise with team leadership and operational improvement in a values-driven organisation. The role would particularly suit someone who thrives in an environment where they can add immediate value, strengthen processes and support a finance team through a period of transition.
Interim - Senior Financial Controller employer: Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment
Join a highly regarded educational and charitable organisation in central London, where you will be part of a values-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact. This role not only offers competitive remuneration and benefits but also fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With opportunities to lead a talented finance team and enhance financial processes, you will find this position both rewarding and fulfilling as you contribute to the organisation's mission during a pivotal time.
Contact Details:
Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim - Senior Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education or charity organisations. A personal recommendation can make all the difference when you're trying to land that Senior Financial Controller role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial controls and compliance regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and improved processes in your previous roles. We want you to show them you can hit the ground running!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Senior Financial Controller position!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim - Senior Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Financial Controller. Highlight your relevant experience in financial accounting and team leadership, especially in educational or charitable organisations. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate how you've improved processes or led teams effectively. This will help us see the impact you can make right from the start.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, be clear and concise. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point. This will make it easier for us to understand your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Allen Lane Interim & Permanent Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed month-end and year-end processes in the past. Be specific about your contributions and the impact they had on the organisation.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a finance team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Talk about your coaching style and how you've developed team members. Highlight any experience you have in driving continuous improvement within financial operations.
✨Understand the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the educational and charitable sectors, especially regarding compliance with charity, tax, and regulatory requirements. Being able to discuss relevant challenges and opportunities in these areas will show that you’re not just technically skilled but also sector-savvy.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since this role requires acting as a finance business partner, think about how you can quickly build credibility with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to stakeholder management and provide examples of how you've effectively communicated financial information to non-financial colleagues.
