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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial operations, enhance systems, and drive innovation in a dynamic charity environment.
- Company: Join Sense, a leading charity dedicated to supporting disabled individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your finance career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in charity financial management.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a rewarding workplace.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
The Financial Controller will be pivotal in managing Sense's financial operations, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with statutory requirements. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead a team within the Finance department, fostering high performance, continuous improvement, and professional development. You will also drive innovation by enhancing financial systems, mapping and improving processes, implementing new technologies, and exploring automation and AI solutions to improve efficiency and insight. This is a full time, hybrid role working 2-3 days per week from our office in Selly Oak.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Management & Reporting: Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts, capex reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, statutory accounts, and returns. Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards and legislation. Maintain and improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls. Responsible for VAT and corporation tax returns. Provide finance services to external or semi‑autonomous entities.
- Systems Development & Process Improvement: Map financial processes and identify opportunities for improvement. Lead initiatives to enhance existing systems and implement new technologies. Explore automation and AI to streamline operations and reporting. Adapt the chart of accounts to meet changing business needs.
- Cash Flow Management: Oversee cash flow forecasting with business partners to ensure effective liquidity management.
- Line Management: Lead and develop a team of finance professionals. Set objectives, monitor performance, and provide coaching and development. Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.
- Audit & Compliance: Manage audits, liaise with external auditors, and ensure timely completion. Ensure compliance with charity regulations, tax requirements, and internal policies.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Work with budget holders to provide financial guidance and support. Communicate complex financial information clearly to non‑financial colleagues.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Proven experience in financial management within a charity or not‑for‑profit.
- Thorough knowledge of Charity SORP, FRS 102, and statutory accounts preparation.
- Strong technical understanding of accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
- Demonstrated success leading and motivating large finance teams with a commitment to inclusion and diversity.
- Experience in financial systems development, process mapping, and improvement.
- Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and Sense's values, including supporting people with complex communication needs.
Desirable:
- Knowledge of automation tools and emerging technologies such as AI.
- Experience with SUN Accounts or similar ERP systems.
- Experience supporting finance system implementations or upgrades.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role. For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential.
Financial controller in Birmingham employer: SENSE, THE NATIONAL DEAFBLIND AND RUBELLA ASSOCIATION
Contact Detail:
SENSE, THE NATIONAL DEAFBLIND AND RUBELLA ASSOCIATION Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial controller in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in charities or not-for-profits. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of charity accounting standards and financial regulations. We want you to be able to showcase your expertise confidently when discussing how you can enhance financial systems and processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams in the past and fostered an inclusive culture. We love candidates who can inspire others while driving performance and continuous improvement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our mission at Sense.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial controller in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what we're looking for in a Financial Controller and how your experience aligns with our needs.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Highlight your relevant experience in financial management, compliance, and team leadership. Show us how you can bring value to our team at Sense.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We want to see your skills and experience without having to sift through unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via our website. This helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at SENSE, THE NATIONAL DEAFBLIND AND RUBELLA ASSOCIATION
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial management. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets, forecasts, and reports in previous roles. This will show that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, prepare examples of how you've motivated and developed finance professionals in the past. Think about specific situations where you fostered a collaborative culture or improved team performance, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Embrace Technology
With a focus on enhancing financial systems and exploring automation, be prepared to discuss your experience with financial software and any innovative technologies you've implemented. Highlight your familiarity with tools like SUN Accounts or AI solutions to demonstrate your forward-thinking approach.
✨Communicate Clearly
You'll need to convey complex financial information to non-financial colleagues, so practice explaining financial concepts in simple terms. Prepare to share examples of how you've successfully communicated financial insights to stakeholders, ensuring they understand the implications for their areas.