At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance in all financial records.
- Company: Dynamic organisation based in Brixton with a hybrid work model.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- 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.
Employment Type: Temporary
Location: Hybrid · Brixton, UK, 4 days/week | Hybrid (1 day a week in office in Brixton) | London-based
Salary: Starting from £400 (GBP), Per Day
Team: Finance
Seniority: Senior
Closing: This role has no specific closing date.
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
- 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).
- 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 employer: Chefs in Schools
As an Interim Financial Controller at our Brixton-based organisation, you will join a dynamic and supportive team that values precision and integrity in financial management. We offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth and development within a collaborative environment. Our commitment to employee well-being and continuous improvement makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Financial Controller
✨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 friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your financial knowledge and recent trends in the industry. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with the role of Financial Controller confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your technical skills during interviews! Be ready to talk about your experience with QuickBooks or similar software, as well as your approach to maintaining financial integrity.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Interim Financial Controller role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description, especially your expertise in financial operations and reporting.
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 specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage financial operations and provide strategic insights.
Showcase Your Qualifications:Since this role requires a fully qualified CCAB accountant, be sure to prominently display your qualifications. Include any relevant certifications and highlight your post-qualification experience in financial management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
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 operations. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed financial records and ensured compliance with accounting standards in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Familiarity with financial software like QuickBooks is crucial. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've used these tools to streamline processes or improve accuracy in financial reporting. Highlight any experience you have with expense management platforms like Pleo.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of technical accounting treatments and financial controls. Review common scenarios related to restricted funds and VAT returns, and be ready to explain how you would handle them in practice.
✨Communicate Clearly
You’ll need to translate complex financial data into actionable insights for non-finance staff. Practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms, and think of examples where you've successfully communicated financial information to diverse audiences.
