At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure accuracy in all financial records.
- Company: Dynamic organisation based in Brixton with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enhance your career in a vibrant environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and operations in a hands-on role.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with 5+ years in senior financial management.
The Financial Controller is a management-level role responsible for the overall financial control and management of the organisation. This is a hands-on role where you will execute and own the financial operations, while ensuring the precision and integrity of all financial records, including verifying the work of outsourced bookkeepers. As a fully qualified accounting professional, you will verify the accuracy of the organisation’s financial operations and ensure strict adherence to UK accounting standards and financial controls. You will provide the Head of Finance and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with strategic, high-quality reports for decision-making, budgeting, and the annual audit.
Core Responsibilities
- Financial Operations & Bookkeeping
- Verify the accuracy of all ledger entries and day-to-day financial transactions.
- Perform bank reconciliations and review the work of outsourced bookkeepers to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Own and manage the Pleo expense management platform, personally verifying that data exports to QuickBooks are correct and reconciled monthly.
- Personally maintain detailed financial documentation and audit trails to meet all statutory requirements.
- Review technical accounting treatments for restricted funds within QuickBooks to ensure compliance with donor requirements and charity law.
- Monitor and review accounts receivable and payable ledgers, taking a lead role in reporting on debtor and creditor ageing.
- Arrange and process all outgoing payments, including approved staff expenses and supplier invoices, while strictly enforcing the organisation’s Expenses Policy.
- Prepare and submit VAT returns and Gift Aid claims, ensuring total compliance with HMRC regulations.
- Act as the senior technical lead for financial queries, designing and upholding robust internal controls across the organisation.
- Liaise with and manage the relationship with the outsourced payroll provider, reviewing monthly pay runs for accuracy.
- Financial Reporting & Budgeting
- Prepare month-end management accounts, ensuring all accruals, prepayments, and adjustments are accurately posted.
- Prepare and distribute budget templates to budget holders, offering technical guidance throughout the annual budget cycle.
- Consolidate sub-budgets into a master draft for review by the Head of Finance.
- Provide analytical support to budget holders to enable effective variance analysis and ongoing budget monitoring.
- Create bespoke financial reports and granular project budgets to facilitate scenario planning, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making.
- Audit & Process Maintenance
- Coordinate the annual audit process, acting as the primary technical point of contact for external auditors.
- Manage the audit testing process, ensuring all evidence and documentation are provided accurately and on time.
- Contribute to the preparation of the Trustees’ Report, audit schedules, and draft accounts.
- Provide technical feedback on draft financial statements to auditors.
- Oversee the production timeline and data requirements for the Annual Report.
- Maintain and update financial policies and record-keeping systems to ensure they remain fit for purpose.
- Develop clear process documentation where necessary.
- Identify and implement practical optimisations to financial systems and procedures to increase organisational efficiency and automation.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
- Professional Qualification: Fully qualified CCAB accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). This role requires a professional capable of advanced financial management and strategic oversight.
- Technical Experience: At least 5 years of significant post-qualification experience in a senior financial management or control role.
- Software Proficiency: Proven experience using financial software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage.
- Financial Knowledge: A deep understanding of chart of accounts structures, cash/accrual-based accounting, and the distinction between restricted and unrestricted fund accounting.
- Communication: Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable information for non-finance staff.
Interim Financial Controller in Brixton employer: Chefs in Schools
As an Interim Financial Controller in Brixton, you will join a dynamic and supportive team that values precision and integrity in financial management. The hybrid work model allows for flexibility while fostering collaboration, and the organisation is committed to employee growth through continuous professional development opportunities. With a focus on strategic decision-making and a culture that encourages innovation, this role offers a meaningful chance to make a significant impact within the finance sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller in Brixton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who might know about interim roles. A personal recommendation can make all the difference in landing that Financial Controller gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and recent financial regulations. Be ready to discuss how you’ve handled financial operations in the past and how you can bring value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability! Since this is a hybrid role, highlight your experience working in flexible environments and how you manage your time effectively between home and the office.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller in Brixton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Interim Financial Controller. Highlight your relevant experience in financial management and any specific software you've used, like QuickBooks or Xero. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your qualifications and how your experience aligns with our needs. Remember, we love a bit of personality, so let your enthusiasm show!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Did you streamline a process or improve accuracy? We want to hear about it! Numbers and specific examples can really make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chefs in Schools
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Interim Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved financial operations in previous roles. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to verify accuracy and maintain integrity in financial records.
✨Master the Software
Familiarity with financial software like QuickBooks is crucial for this role. Before the interview, ensure you can confidently discuss your experience with these tools. Be prepared to explain how you've used them to manage financial operations and improve reporting processes.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This position requires a strategic mindset. Think about how you can contribute to decision-making and budgeting processes. Prepare to share specific instances where your financial insights led to significant organisational improvements or cost savings.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex financial data into understandable information for non-finance staff. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. During the interview, focus on your communication skills and how you’ve successfully collaborated with other departments in the past.
