Group Financial Controller

Contract terms: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hrs p/w) or part-time, office-based. Salary: £50,000 - £60,000 p/a FTE dependant on experience (pro rata for part time).

Role Overview

This is a pivotal role at the heart of JNF CT’s Finance team. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, the Group Financial Controller takes ownership of the full financial reporting cycle, from monthly management accounts and Group consolidation through to year-end statutory accounts and budget setting. It is a role that demands technical rigour, commercial awareness and the confidence to work across the organisation at every level. The role spans the JNF CT Group's full corporate structure, including UK and Israeli subsidiaries, and requires someone who is comfortable navigating different accounting methods and systems, reconciling data from multiple sources and translating complex financial information into clear, actionable insight for senior stakeholders. Previous experience working within the charity sector is essential; familiarity with restricted funds, Charity Commission reporting and the regulatory environment that comes with it will be critical from day one. You will lead and develop the Finance Officer, serve as the day-to-day contact for auditors, banks and regulators, and play an active part in shaping the financial controls and culture of the organisation. If you are passionate about making a difference and want to use your financial expertise to support Israel during a critical time, this is a genuinely rewarding opportunity to do so.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for the JNF CT Group, together with the Finance Officer.
• Analyse variances between actual results, budgets and cash flows on a monthly basis.
• Review and reconcile the monthly balance sheet, including intercompany balances, restricted funds, social impact project commitments and other key accounts.
• Oversee quarterly VAT returns and other financial submissions.
• Review reported results against budgets with department heads on a regular basis, with activity tracking.
• Ensure that proper and appropriate financial controls and procedures are in place, in line with financial regulation and charity best practice.
• Prepare the annual departmental budget for all subsidiaries and the Group, in collaboration with managers and the Israel finance team.
• Prepare the annual statutory accounts for the Group and its subsidiaries, supported by the Finance Director.
• Manage the Finance Officer and provide support to this role as required.
• Undertake day-to-day ad hoc tasks across the Group’s Finance function, covering JNF Charitable Trust, four subsidiaries and six dormant companies.

Strategic Input

• Provide sound advice on all statutory and regulatory requirements for the Group.
• Deliver financial analysis as requested by the Finance Director or CEO.
• Serve as the day-to-day contact with banks, auditors, regulators, payroll providers, pension scheme providers and other consultants.
• Provide regular financial information and advice to the Finance Director and Senior Management Team to support sound decision-making in the interests of the JNF CT Group.
• Monitor and provide information regarding the Group’s resource allocation and performance.
• Ensure appropriate risk management techniques and financial controls are implemented throughout the Group at an operational level.
• Maintain awareness of the external environment and charity sector best practice.
• Ensure the Group understands and manages its accountability to its stakeholders across all relationships.
• Develop systems and staff capability across JNF CT for the effective use and interpretation of financial information.

Financial Systems, Controls and Compliance

• Work with the Finance Director to advise the Board on appropriate policies, including reserves policy, income and cost trends and overall exposure to financial risk.
• Ensure that financial systems across the organisation are fit for purpose, providing accurate and timely information both internally and externally.
• Support payroll processing in conjunction with the outsourced payroll bureau and maintain employee records on payroll software.
• Prepare audit schedules and support with Group consolidation.
• Ensure financial policies and best practice procedures are maintained, documented and communicated to all staff.
• Produce monthly management accounts by the tenth working day of the following month.
• Ensure provision of statutory accounts with a clean audit report annually and maintain the relationship with JNF CT’s auditors.
• Ensure strong systems and processes are in place across JNF CT so that external stakeholders, including donors, receive high-quality reporting where appropriate.
• Provide or co-ordinate all accounting and taxation services and advise the Group accordingly.
• Ensure JNF CT meets its regulatory requirements as set by Companies House, the Charity Commission, the Information Commissioner’s Office, the Fundraising Regulator and HMRC.
• Maintain oversight and approval of purchasing and payments.

Treasury Management

• Support and maintain appropriate Group foreign exchange and investment policies for the JNF CT Group.
• Ensure high-quality Group cash flow forecasting.

Financial Accounting and Management Services

• Manage the Xero accounting system to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Oversee reconciliations with the Raiser’s Edge fundraising database and other internal IT systems.
• Provide ad-hoc reports to departmental managers and Trustees, including management accounts, trend and variance analysis.

KKL Charity Accounts (SmartGiving)

• Provide regular assistance and advice to the KKL Charity Accounts team on streamlining day-to-day procedures and operations.
• Prepare and provide financial reports to the KKL Charity Accounts manager on a monthly basis.

General

• Undertake ad-hoc projects as requested by the CEO, Finance Director and Board of Trustees.

Qualifications & Skills

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACMA or ACCA).
• Previous experience working within the charity sector is essential.
• Experience of preparing Group Management Accounts and budgeting is essential.
• Experience of preparing annual Group Statutory Accounts and managing the year-end process is essential.
• Good working knowledge of reporting requirements and regulations for charity and company accounts.
• Experienced in the Xero accounting package.
• Strong attention to detail with an enquiring mind and the ability to question and improve processes where necessary.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills with experience of staff management.
• Excellent organisational and prioritising skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing deadlines.

Other Information

• Office-based Monday to Thursday, 09:00–17:30; Friday hours vary by season (13:00, 14:30 or 16:00 finish).
• 20 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, plus Jewish festivals when the office is closed.
• Subject to a Basic Disclosure Application (DBS).
• The role may involve assisting at occasional evening or weekend events.

This job description indicates the main duties and responsibilities of the post and is not intended as an exhaustive list. JNF CT reserves the right to amend this job description from time to time in line with business needs; any changes will be confirmed in writing.