Financial Controller

location: South East London, London

practice area: Charity and Public Sector

job type: permanent

salary: £62,000.00 - £65,000.00 per annum

сonsultant: Leanne McCullough

date posted: 25/07/2026

We're partnering with a globally recognised performing arts organisation with a charitable purpose. Renowned for artistic excellence, it is dedicated to inspiring audiences, developing talent and widening access to the arts through performance, education and community engagement. Alongside its artistic mission, the organisation operates a complex and commercially minded finance function, supporting a diverse range of income streams and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

As the organisation continues to invest in its finance function and operational excellence, an opportunity has arisen for a technically strong Financial Controller to join the senior finance team.

Reporting to the Head of Finance, you'll;

Lead and develop the financial accounting team
Own the month-end close process and balance sheet integrity
Manage treasury, cashflow, banking and payment processes
Prepare statutory accounts and coordinate the external audit
Oversee charity tax compliance, including VAT, Gift Aid and regulatory reporting
Maintain and enhance financial controls, systems and governance
Support finance systems optimisation and continuous improvement
Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the organisation
Deputise for the Head of Finance when required

About you

You'll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical accounting expertise and experience leading or significantly contributing to a financial accounting function.

You'll ideally also bring:

Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing external audits
Strong knowledge of financial controls, balance sheet management and compliance
Experience of VAT, payroll oversight and regulatory reporting
Previous experience managing or developing finance staff
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
A proactive mindset with a passion for improving processes and systems

Experience within the charity, arts or wider not-for-profit sector would be advantageous, although applications are welcomed from candidates with strong technical accounting experience gained in other complex organisations.

Why apply?

This is an opportunity to join an organisation where finance plays a key role in supporting artistic excellence and ensuring long-term sustainability. Working closely with an experienced leadership team, you'll have the opportunity to shape financial processes, strengthen controls and contribute to the success of a globally respected organisation with a meaningful cultural and educational impact.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and lived experiences. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported to succeed. We particularly encourage applications from people from Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled people, LGBTQ people, those returning to work after a career break, and candidates from other underrepresented communities.