At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global finance management and develop a high-performing finance team.
- Company: Join Sightsavers, a mission-driven organisation focused on protecting sight and promoting rights.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote/hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Embrace inclusive leadership and continuous improvement in a dynamic finance role.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a complex international environment while supporting meaningful change.
- Qualifications: Professional accountancy qualification and senior financial management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting a Financial Controller to lead Sightsavers’ global financial management and help shape a strong, modern and service-focused finance function.
Location: Remote/ Hybrid - Haywards Heath, West Sussex, UK.
Contract: Permanent, full-time
Reports to: Chief Operating Officer
Right to work: Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK, as Sightsavers is unable to provide employer sponsorship for this role. This role must be worked from the UK and occasional attendance in the office will be required.
This is a senior role reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, with responsibility for leading the Global Finance Team across business finance, subsidiaries finance, treasury, and finance systems and projects.
We’re looking for a professionally qualified accountant with strong financial control, statutory accounting, audit, systems and transformation experience. Just as importantly, we need someone with excellent people skills who can lead experienced teams, build trust, support change, challenge constructively and make sound decisions in a values-led way.
Responsibilities
- Leading and developing the Global Finance Team, creating a collaborative, accountable and high-performing culture.
- Overseeing financial 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
The role will suit someone who enjoys working across a complex international organisation, influencing senior stakeholders and helping finance teams provide clear, practical and high-quality support to colleagues globally.
You will be a professionally qualified accountant (ideally ICAEW or equivalent) with senior financial management experience, including experience of 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.
Qualifications
Professional accountancy qualification (ideally ICAEW or equivalent) with senior financial management experience, including statutory accounts, audit, internal controls, finance systems and leading customer-facing finance teams.
Note: The description above reflects the core responsibilities and requirements for the role. It is not an exhaustive list of duties and may be subject to change in line with the needs of Sightsavers.
Financial Controller employer: Sightsavers
Sightsavers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises collaboration and accountability within its Global Finance Team. With a commitment to employee growth and development, this remote/hybrid role in Haywards Heath provides opportunities to lead transformative financial initiatives while making a meaningful impact on global health and disability rights. Join us to be part of a values-driven organisation that empowers its employees to thrive and contribute to a vital mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller
✨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. 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.
✨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. 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
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 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 how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sightsavers
✨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.
✨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'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!
