At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial control, manage audits, and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Company: Join a prestigious membership organisation dedicated to canine health and welfare.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and the chance to shape financial strategy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a historic organisation while driving financial excellence.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with significant financial control and audit experience.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Interim Financial Controller
Full-time, temporary contract – 3 months (PAYE)
Hybrid (London office, minimum 2 days per week)
Our client is one of the UK's most recognised membership organisations, dedicated to protecting and promoting the health, welfare and future of dogs. With a rich history spanning over 150 years, the organisation plays a leading role in canine health, education and responsible dog ownership, while delivering world-renowned events, supporting breeders and owners, and investing in initiatives that improve the lives of dogs across the UK.
This is a complex organisation with a diverse range of income streams, combining membership, events, registrations, commercial activities and charitable initiatives. As the organisation continues an exciting programme of transformation, investment and operational improvement, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Financial Controller to join the finance leadership team.
Reporting to the CFO, you'll lead the financial control function, ensuring robust governance, accurate reporting and strong financial stewardship across a complex, multi-site organisation. You'll also play a pivotal role in developing the finance function, improving processes and supporting strategic decision-making.
This role comes at a critical time for our client and a key priority will be leading on the external audit. The expectation is for the successful candidate to hit the ground running, quickly establish credibility and ensure the organisation is well positioned to deliver a high-quality, clean audit.
- Lead all aspects of financial control, statutory reporting and month-end/year-end close.
- Take immediate ownership of the external audit, acting as the principal contact for external auditors and leading the organisation through a timely, efficient and high-quality audit process with the objective of delivering a clean audit opinion.
- Ensure strong internal controls, governance and compliance across the finance function.
- Lead treasury, cashflow management and financial risk activities.
- Partner with colleagues across the organisation to provide insightful financial analysis and constructive challenge.
- Lead the business-wide adoption and optimisation of the newly implemented D365 enterprise finance system, embedding improved processes, automation, reporting and user engagement to maximise value and consistency across the organisation.
- Develop high-quality financial reporting, dashboards and management information to support business performance.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing finance team, fostering a collaborative, accountable and commercially focused culture.
We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, CMA, CA or equivalent) with significant financial control experience gained within a complex organisation. Proven experience leading audits from planning through to completion, managing external auditors and delivering clean audit outcomes, alongside financial control and statutory reporting.
- Proven experience leading financial control, management accounts, statutory reporting and annual audits.
- Experience implementing or leading finance workstreams for ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics, NetSuite or similar.
- Strong knowledge of financial controls, governance, compliance and risk management.
- Excellent cashflow management and financial planning experience.
- Experience leading and developing finance teams.
- Confidence presenting financial information to senior stakeholders and non-finance audiences.
- Advanced Excel and strong analytical capability.
- Experience within a commercial, membership or multi-revenue stream organisation. Experience across both commercial and not-for-profit environments would be advantageous.
In return, you'll join an organisation with an outstanding heritage and a clear vision for the future. This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping the finance function, influencing strategic decision-making and supporting the continued success of one of the UK's most iconic membership organisations.
We encourage applications from all sections of the community.
Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Slough employer: F.J. WILSON
As a leading membership organisation dedicated to canine health and welfare, our client offers an exceptional work environment that values collaboration, innovation, and professional growth. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that fosters accountability and teamwork, this role as Interim Financial Controller provides a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a hybrid setting in London. Join a passionate team where your expertise will contribute to the future of dog welfare across the UK, all while enjoying competitive pay and the chance to lead transformative financial initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Slough
✨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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Controller / Financial Controller (m/w/d) in Slough
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 F.J. WILSON 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 F.J. WILSON. 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 F.J. WILSON confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at F.J. WILSON
✨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 F.J. WILSON.
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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.
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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 F.J. WILSON 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.
