Financial Controller

We are looking for an experienced and solutions-focused Financial Controller to join our team at a pivotal time. This is an exciting opportunity to play a major role in ensuring robust financial management across both organisations, supporting our mission to improve road safety and reduce harm on the UK’s roads.

Position: Financial Controller

Location: Manchester, Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week at Head Office

Salary: Circa £70,000 (dependent on experience)

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Sunday 11th January 2026 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications.)

Interviews: 4th February 2026, in person, Manchester

The Role

As second-in-command to the Chief Finance Officer, the Financial Controller will oversee the collection, consolidation and analysis of financial data across both the organisation and trust. This is a broad and hands-on leadership role, central to maintaining strong financial governance, ensuring statutory and regulatory compliance, and safeguarding organisational assets. You will lead the financial control environment, oversee key financial processes including payroll, procurement, budgeting and reporting, and drive continuous improvement in how financial information is produced, interpreted and used. As a trusted partner to senior leaders and trustees, you will support informed decision-making by providing accurate, timely and high-quality financial insights.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee financial operations, controls and compliance across both organisations
• Produce management accounts, financial reports and statutory returns
• Lead payroll, pensions, procurement and the purchase-to-pay cycle
• Manage assets, liabilities and financial risk registers
• Support budgeting, forecasting and financial strategy delivery
• Liaise with auditors, bankers, insurers and advisers
• Oversee related billing and financial processes
• Provide leadership and guidance to the Finance Manager

About You

We are seeking a highly capable finance professional with strong technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail and a proactive approach to improving financial governance. You will bring the confidence to work with senior stakeholders, the experience to manage complex financial operations, and the integrity to uphold the highest standards of financial stewardship.

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• At least 5 years’ experience managing financial operations.
• Hold a ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent qualification.
• Degree in accounting, finance, business, economics or related field.
• Demonstrable experience as a Financial Controller.
• Strong understanding of management accounting principles.
• In-depth knowledge of budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis.
• Strong understanding of tax codes, laws and statutory reporting.
• Experience working with senior stakeholders and writing high-quality reports.
• Proficiency in accounting systems and advanced spreadsheet skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Highly organised, accurate and detail-oriented.
• Willingness to undertake NPPV Level 3 vetting.

Desirable:

• Experience in policing, local authority or charity sector finance.
• Experience using Xero or similar accounting systems.

To Apply

Please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role.

About the Organisation

We are the UK’s largest independent grant funder of road safety initiatives. Through innovation, partnership, and evidence-based practice, we fund projects that save lives and reduce harm on UK roads. Our new 2025–2028 strategy positions us as a visible, vocal and connected leader in the sector working with grantees, government, police and the public to achieve our vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on UK roads.

You may have experience in roles such as: Finance Manager, Financial Controller, Senior Finance Business Partner, Senior Financial Accountant, Head of Financial Accounts, Finance and Operations Manager, Head of Finance, Finance Director, etc.