At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance in all financial records.
- Company: Dynamic organisation based in Brixton with a focus on financial excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and efficiency in financial processes.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on financial strategy and operations in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified CCAB accountant with 5+ years in senior financial management.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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). 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.
Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in London employer: Chefs in Schools
As a Senior Controller at our Brixton-based organisation, you will thrive in a dynamic hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative culture where your expertise will directly influence strategic decision-making, while also offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the finance team. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking company that values integrity, precision, and innovation in financial management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Chefs in Schools.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Chefs in Schools might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Chefs in Schools will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Chefs in Schools. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Chefs in Schools confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chefs in Schools
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Chefs in Schools.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Chefs in Schools that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
