At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a global finance team and enhance financial governance across international operations.
- Company: Join Sightsavers, a mission-driven organisation dedicated to protecting sight and promoting rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and a collaborative office environment near Brighton.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a role that combines finance with social good.
- Qualifications: Professionally qualified accountant with senior financial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 90000 £ per year.
Sightsavers is looking for an experienced Financial Controller to lead our global financial management, strengthen financial governance and controls, and help shape a modern, effective and service‑focused finance function across our international operations.
Salary: c. £90,000 plus benefits
Location: UK remote/hybrid – with monthly travel to our offices in Haywards Heath, West Sussex when required (perhaps more during induction phase).
Contract: Permanent
Hours: This is a full‑time role with some flexibility around hours worked and mostly home working.
Responsibilities:
- Leading and developing the Global Finance Team, creating a collaborative, accountable and high‑performing culture.
- Overseeing finance control, treasury, payroll, tax, accounting, reconciliation and compliance processes.
- Managing the preparation of statutory accounts and the external audit process in line with charity reporting requirements.
- Strengthening finance systems, processes, reporting and controls to support an efficient and scalable global finance function.
- Providing trusted advice, insight and challenge to senior leaders, committees and colleagues across the organisation.
- Driving transformation, continuous improvement and better ways of working across finance operations.
About you:
You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ideally ICEAW or equivalent) with senior financial management experience, including statutory accounts, audit, internal controls, finance systems and leading customer‑facing finance teams. You will bring strong communication and influencing skills, the ability to explain complex financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues, and the confidence to challenge constructively at senior level. Experience of working in a complex international environment would be highly valuable, as would experience in the charity, INGO or donor‑funded sector. Most importantly, you will bring a strong commitment to inclusive leadership, continuous improvement and Sightsavers’ mission to protect sight and promote the rights of people with disabilities.
Benefits:
Sightsavers offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous annual leave allowance, pension, season ticket loan, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounted gym memberships and wellness discounts. If you choose to work in or are visiting our collaborative, modern office space, you will find it an easy 20‑minute train journey from Brighton or 45 minutes from London. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls. Due to the seniority and nature of this role, the successful candidate will be expected to undertake the relevant background checks, which may include a DBS check, in line with organisational policy and the requirements of the role. Our company has zero tolerance for harassment and sexual exploitation and abuse. We actively promote inclusive work practices and support safeguarding across all operations.
Financial Controller in Haywards Heath employer: Sightsavers, Inc
Sightsavers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and collaboration. With a comprehensive benefits package and the flexibility of remote working, employees can thrive while contributing to meaningful global initiatives aimed at protecting sight and promoting rights for people with disabilities. The opportunity to work in a modern office just a short train ride from Brighton or London further enhances the appeal of joining our dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Haywards Heath
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Sightsavers, Inc. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Sightsavers, Inc.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Sightsavers, Inc. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Sightsavers, Inc and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Sightsavers, Inc how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sightsavers, Inc
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Sightsavers, Inc.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Sightsavers, Inc's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
