Financial Controller - Birkenhead, Merseyside

circa £55,000 + Bens

We are working with a local charity in hiring for a new financial controller for the organisation reporting into the CEO and managing a small team.

The Financial Controller will be responsible for leading the financial management and strategic financial planning for the charity. This role ensures that the charity’s financial resources are effectively managed to achieve its mission and goals. You will oversee all financial operations, compliance, audit processes, and provide leadership to the finance team. The role also involves supporting the executive leadership with financial insights and advising on financial strategy.

Working on charity finances, as Financial Controller you will be a resourceful and entrepreneurial problem solver with a strong attention detail and able to build positive and productive working relationships with a variety of different stakeholders.

Some of the responsibilities are outlined:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Manage the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, including payroll, pension, banking, purchase and sales ledgers across the organisations departments
• Lead on good practice, implementing effective working methods, checks and controls to improve efficiency of processing across all finance activities
• Adapt and progress working methods to cover all aspects of the Charitable activity - Housing, Commissioned services, considering the varied nature of clients, suppliers and staff.
• Prepare timely and accurate financial statements, management accounts, cash flow and performance reports for the CEO, Board of Trustees, and external stakeholders
• Lead on the preparation of annual operating budgets, and expense allocation. Advise the senior leadership team on budgetary management and resource allocation.

Audit & Compliance

• Act as the main point of contact for the external auditors, payroll, pension and insurance contacts.
• Manage the annual audit process, ensuring any audit recommendations are implemented
• Ensure the charity adheres to legal financial obligations, including tax compliance, gift aid, and statutory reporting requirements

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Provide strategic financial advice to the CEO, Board of Trustees, and senior management, contributing to long-term financial planning
• Develop financial models and forecasts to support improved management reporting of operational activities, fundraising events, project proposals, and grant applications
• Implement effective processing and controls to monitor and control revenue, expenditure and cashflow timings
• Monitor the financial performance of projects and programs, ensuring funds are matched to contracted and donor requirements

Team Leadership & Development

• Manage a small team of office-based finance staff, ensuring they are supported, trained, and aligned with the charity's financial goals.
• Oversee the recruitment, development, and performance management of the finance team, fostering a collaborative and efficient working environment he preparation of financial reports for grant funders and support grant management.?
• Lead the charity's investment and reserves policy, working with the Board of Trustees to ensure sustainability.

Requirements:

• Professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience in financial management, ideally within the charity, SME, Education or not-for-profit sector.
• Strong understanding of charity accounting standards (SORP) and regulatory frameworks relevant to the charity sector. ?
• Proven experience in budget management, forecasting, and financial reporting at a strategic level.

You'll be ACA/ACCA/CIMA Qualified with strong knowledge of UK financial regulations, accounting principles and financial reporting standards. You'll possess great people skills and experienced in leading a high performing finance team.

On offer is 25 days holiday, 10% non-contributory pension and possible 1 day working from home and flexi hours.