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- Tasks: Lead financial operations and ensure compliance for a charity making a difference.
- Company: Join Teach First, a charity dedicated to building a fair education for all.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, London weighting, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while managing finances for a meaningful cause.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance leadership and process improvements.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on team development and financial integrity.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 62000 £ per year.
Salary package: £58,690 per annum, plus £3,000 London Weighting (if applicable)
Contract type: FTC until February 2027
Job location: Nationwide, any regional office
To build a fair education for all, we need to unlock the potential in all children – not just some. Together, we’re making it happen. Every day, our work takes us closer to a better future. But we need to do more. It’s a big challenge – and we need your help to take it on.
Role Overview
As Teach First’s Financial Controller, you’ll play a key role in managing, controlling and reporting on the charity’s finances. You’ll lead the team that runs the charity’s financial operations and accounting processes, and you’ll provide professional leadership and advice on all technical accounting, regulatory and statutory financial reporting matters.
You’ll be responsible for the operation and development of internal financial control policies and procedures. You’ll work with the Executive Director of Finance & Performance and Head of Finance Business Partnering to ensure that financial risks are understood and appropriately managed, and provide our Trustees and senior leaders with compliant, reliable and timely financial information to enable effective running of the Charity.
Please note: this role is being offered on an FTC basis to cover a temporary internal move.
Key Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (e.g., ACMA, CIPFA, ACCA or ACA) with up-to‑date knowledge of accounting regulations and reporting standards, and awareness of the Charity SORP
- Experience leading and developing a team of finance professionals through coaching and management
- Experience of implementing finance process improvements, and of operating common finance processes (e.g., accounts receivable, accounts payable, record to report)
- Demonstrable experience of leading an efficient and reliable finance period close process
- Strong understanding of finance risk management and the development and operation of finance controls and policies
Yes to the above? Then we want to hear from you. You might be our next Financial Controller!
Take a look at the job description and then complete an application on our careers website. Make sure you’ve got your CV ready to upload, along with a tailored cover letter that demonstrates how you meet our essential criteria. If you’re applying from an external job board, you’ll be redirected to our careers website. (Please note, we only accept applications through our careers website).
We expect first‑stage interviews to be held on Thursday 29 January 2026 and second‑stage on Thursday 5 February.
Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Education and Finance, Non‑profit Organizations and Education
Financial Controller in England employer: TEACH FIRST
Contact Detail:
TEACH FIRST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in charities or non-profits. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of financial regulations and charity accounting standards. We want you to shine, so practice answering common interview questions related to finance risk management and internal controls.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or implemented process improvements. We love hearing about real-life experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage and develop finance professionals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our careers website! It’s the only way we accept applications, and it ensures your CV gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to build a fair education for all.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Financial Controller role. Highlight your qualifications and experience that align with the job description, especially your knowledge of accounting regulations and finance processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria and show your passion for making a difference in education.
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep your language clear and concise. We want to see your skills and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff. Make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, we only accept applications through our careers website. So, make sure to submit your application there to ensure it gets seen by the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at TEACH FIRST
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in financial regulations and reporting standards. Brush up on the latest accounting regulations and be ready to discuss how they apply to the charity sector, especially the Charity SORP.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
You’ll be leading a team of finance professionals, so it’s crucial to highlight your experience in coaching and managing teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed your team members and improved their performance in previous roles.
✨Discuss Process Improvements
Be ready to talk about specific finance process improvements you've implemented in the past. Think about how these changes enhanced efficiency or accuracy in financial operations, and be prepared to share measurable outcomes.
✨Understand Financial Risks
Since you'll be responsible for managing financial risks, make sure you can articulate your understanding of risk management strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've identified and mitigated financial risks in previous positions.
