At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance strategy and team, ensuring effective financial governance and reporting.
- Company: Join a leading educational charity group making a real impact in the UK and beyond.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, competitive pension, and tailored development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with exciting career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be a trusted adviser and drive financial innovation in a dynamic, growth-focused environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with senior financial experience and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 64473 - 64473 £ per year.
Starting Salary: £51,578.40 (FTE £64,473 per annum)
Job Type: Permanent, part-time
Working pattern: 28 hours across 4 days a week, flexible and hybrid working options are available and will be discussed.
In this role you will:
- Provide strategic leadership across our Finance and Estates functions, leading and developing the team to deliver an effective, high-quality service.
- Act as a trusted financial adviser to the CEO, Deputy CEO, Leadership Team and Board, providing clear insight and guidance to support strategic decision-making.
- Lead the development of budgets, forecasts, management accounts, statutory accounts and financial reporting, ensuring strong financial governance and effective use of resources.
- Drive the modernisation of our financial systems and processes, supporting our wider digital transformation agenda and making effective use of Sage Intacct.
- Oversee key areas including cash management, audit, risk, taxation, pensions, procurement, banking and regulatory reporting, ensuring we continue to meet our financial and legislative responsibilities.
- Partner with leaders across the organisation to identify commercial opportunities, maximise value for money and support sustainable organisational growth.
You are a qualified accountant, such as CIMA, ACCA, AAT or CIPFA, with significant experience in a senior financial role.
You have significant experience of managing budgets and substantial financial operations, alongside a strong understanding of financial governance and compliance.
You combine strong commercial acumen with the ability to think strategically and translate financial information into clear, meaningful insight for others.
You are an experienced and inspiring leader who can build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and confidently provide constructive challenge at senior and Board level.
You are comfortable embracing technology and using financial systems to improve processes, efficiency and organisational decision-making.
If you have the following attributes, then we’d be even more impressed:
- Senior financial experience gained within the charity sector.
- Experience of contributing to or leading organisational change projects.
Closing date: 12 noon on 23 November, 2026
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Stacey Boardman, Head of People and Culture.
We reserve the right to close the job vacancy early if we find an appointable candidate or receive a high volume of applicants.
This job may meet the eligibility requirements to qualify for visa sponsorship.
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave plus 8 public holidays, birthday day off, closure days gifted during the Christmas period, increased annual leave with long service and an Annual Leave Purchase Scheme (up to a maximum of 43 days).
- Competitive pension benefits, including a salary sacrifice scheme.
- Access to Informal Flexibility, allowing you to flex your working times and location where viable.
- Incremental service benefits as a family-friendly employer, including enhanced Maternity, Neonatal, Paternity, Shared Parental, Adoption Leave and Pay, Sick Pay, Life Insurance, and Paid Compassionate Leave.
- Access to state-of-the-art office and break facilities.
- Free parking, locked bike storage shed.
- Access to car electric charging points (charges payable by employee).
- Tailored learning and development opportunities.
- Cycle to Work Scheme.
- Home and Tech Scheme.
- Discounted gym membership at 3-1-5 Health Club.
- 24-hour employee helpline and a proactive focus on wellbeing.
- Aviva DigiCare+ health app with access to virtual GP appointments, annual health check and more.
- Reward and recognition scheme, regular team building and communication activities.
Do you like the sound of Ascentis, but think your skills might suit another role? We also have other vacancies available.
Financial Controller in Lancaster employer: Ascentis
Ascentis is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration, continuous learning, and employee empowerment. With a commitment to quality and innovation in the education sector, employees benefit from tailored development opportunities, generous leave policies, and a range of wellbeing initiatives, all while working in a modern office environment in Lancaster. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of learners and enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Lancaster
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like Ascentis often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at Ascentis.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Lancaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at Ascentis and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at Ascentis. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ascentis
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
