Finance Controller

Full Time | 35 hours per week
Location: Central London - 2 days in the office required

We are partnering with a UK charity dedicated to improving the lives of the marginalised to seek a Finance Controller to lead their financial operations, ensure statutory compliance, and drive excellence across reporting, audit readiness, and financial controls.

The Finance Controller is responsible for the smooth running of core financial operations - the "engine room" of finance. You will oversee statutory reporting, technical accounting, month-end close, reconciliations, payroll assurance, and audit delivery.

Working closely with the Head of Finance, Executive Leadership, Trustees, budget holders, auditors, and donors, you will ensure the organisation meets all statutory, regulatory, and funder requirements. This is an exciting opportunity to lead meaningful change, provide strategic insight, strengthen governance, and directly support the organisation's impact and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reporting, including statutory accounts and regulatory filings.

• Ensure full compliance with Charity SORP, fund accounting, and other reporting standards.

• Oversee annual budget development, financial planning, forecasting, and scenario modelling.

• Manage restricted and unrestricted fund tracking, ensuring strong donor and grant compliance.

• Lead core finance operations including AP, AR, payroll, banking, and cash flow management.

• Maintain strong internal controls, risk management, policies, and balance sheet integrity.

• Line manage and develop Finance Business Partners and Finance Officers.

• Partner with budget holders, programme teams, and fundraising to strengthen financial insight.

• Oversee the finance system and drive improvements in reporting, processes, and automation.

• Lead external audit delivery and ensure implementation of recommendations.

About You

We're looking for someone who brings technical excellence, strategic thinking, and collaborative leadership. You'll thrive if you enjoy problem-solving, improving processes, developing people, and working in a fast-paced environment with purpose.

You will have:

• Professional accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA).

• Significant senior finance leadership experience, ideally in the charity or not-for-profit sector.

• Strong knowledge of charity accounting standards (SORP, FRS 102) and fund accounting.

• Proven experience in statutory reporting, audit management, and financial operations.

• Deep understanding of month-end close, reconciliations, payroll assurance, and balance sheet control.

• Experience developing internal controls and compliance frameworks.

• Strong financial systems skills (e.g., Business Central, Excel), with a continuous improvement mindset.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills.

• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams.

If you're available on short notice, please reach out today for more information.