At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage and report on charity finances, leading a team of finance professionals.
- Company: Join Teach First, a charity dedicated to building a fair education for all.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, London weighting, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that transforms lives through education.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in finance management and team leadership.
The predicted salary is between 58690 - 58690 £ 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.
Financial Controller 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
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Teach First. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Teach First.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Teach First's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Teach First
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Teach First.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Teach First will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Teach First employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
