At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on team development and financial integrity.
- 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.
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
Teach First is an exceptional employer that champions meaningful change in education, offering a collaborative work culture in the heart of London. Employees benefit from professional development opportunities and a strong support network, empowering them to make a significant impact in schools and communities. With a focus on innovation and partnership, working here means being part of a mission-driven team dedicated to transforming lives through education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in England
✨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 Teach First. 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 Teach First.
✨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 Teach First. 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 England
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 Teach First 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 Teach First how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teach First
✨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 Teach First.
✨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 Teach First'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!
