At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations for a charity, ensuring compliance and excellence in reporting.
- Company: Join a UK charity dedicated to improving lives in marginalized communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on problem-solving and team development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your finance skills in a meaningful sector.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and significant senior finance leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Full‑time Finance Controller (35 hours per week) based in Central London – 2 days per week in office. We are partnering with a UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of marginalized communities. The Finance Controller will lead the organisation's financial operations, ensuring statutory compliance and driving excellence across reporting, audit readiness, and financial controls.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting, including statutory accounts and regulatory filings.
- Ensure full compliance with Charity SORP, fund accounting and other reporting standards.
- Oversee annual budget development, financial planning, forecasting and scenario modelling.
- Manage restricted and unrestricted fund tracking, ensuring strong donor and grant compliance.
- Lead core finance operations including AP, AR, payroll, banking and cash flow management.
- Maintain strong internal controls, risk management, policies and balance sheet integrity.
- Line‑manage and develop Finance Business Partners and Finance Officers.
- Partner with budget holders, programme teams and fundraising to strengthen financial insight.
- Oversee the finance system and drive improvements in reporting, processes and automation.
- Lead external audit delivery and ensure implementation of recommendations.
About You
We’re looking for a professional who brings technical excellence, strategic thinking and collaborative leadership. You will thrive if you enjoy problem‑solving, improving processes, developing people, and working in a fast‑paced environment with purpose.
Qualifications
- Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA).
- Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally in the charity or not‑for‑profit sector.
- Strong knowledge of charity accounting standards (SORP, FRS 102) and fund accounting.
- Proven experience in statutory reporting, audit management and financial operations.
- Deep understanding of month‑end close, reconciliations, payroll assurance and balance sheet control.
- Experience developing internal controls and compliance frameworks.
- Strong financial systems skills (e.g. Business Central, Excel), with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and decision‑making skills.
- Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
Financial Controller employer: Altum Consulting
As a leading charity in Central London, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values collaboration, professional growth, and a commitment to making a difference. Our supportive work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, while offering employees the opportunity to develop their skills and advance their careers in the non-profit sector. With flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee well-being, we provide a fulfilling environment for those passionate about driving positive change in marginalized communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Financial Controller role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity accounting standards and financial operations. We recommend practising common interview questions related to statutory reporting and compliance, so you can showcase your expertise with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and improved financial processes. This will show them you’re not just about numbers, but also about people.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Finance Controller. Highlight your experience in charity accounting standards and financial operations, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your skills in statutory reporting and audit management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you’re passionate about working in the charity sector and how your strategic thinking can drive excellence in our financial operations. Make it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see how you’ve developed high-performing teams in the past. Include examples of how you've managed finance professionals and improved processes. This will help us understand your collaborative leadership style.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Altum Consulting
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial reporting and compliance. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed statutory accounts and audits in the past. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also lead financial operations effectively.
✨Understand Charity SORP Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Charity SORP and fund accounting principles. Be prepared to explain how you’ve applied these standards in previous roles. This will highlight your technical excellence and show that you can ensure compliance in the charity sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
The role involves managing teams, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve developed high-performing finance teams. Discuss your approach to mentoring and leading others, as well as any specific successes in improving team performance or processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you had to make tough financial decisions or improve processes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
