JOB DESCRIPTION and PERSON PROFILE
JOB TITLE: Finance Controller
Reporting to Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Direct reports Finance Assistant
Role Purpose The Finance Controller will ensure the provision of consistent, robust and expert financial advice and reporting to the COO. This role will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of finance and financial operations, ensuring these are compliant with statutory requirements and that financial controls are appropriate and effective. You will also maintain a financial planning framework that will facilitate the delivery of the Charity’s financial strategy.
What you need to succeed
You will be a qualified accountant and will be able to provide excellent financial management and reporting for the Charity. You will be confident working with different internal stakeholders and external professional advisors and will be capable of considering their different requirements and priorities. You will be committed to continual improvement of systems and enhancing the overall service provided by the finance team.
Duties and Responsibilities
Manage and oversee the Finance team, currently comprised of 1 direct report.
Manage the preparation of all financial reporting and tax compliance.
Prepare the Charity’s year end accounts for approval and sign off by the Trustees.
Prepare and manage the annual financial audit process.
Prepare the annual budget and ensure the appropriateness of the key assumptions by working with and providing advice to the SLT on these matters. Keep the budget under review and ensure SLT is fully appraised of significant variances.
Review and sign off all grant payments and test grant processes. Collaborate with the Grants Team to develop and introduce internal audit of grants and monitor grant procedures.
Support the Grants Team by reviewing financial statements of organisations under consideration for funding as due diligence to inform funding decisions.
Ensure the provision of accurate and timely quarterly management information to the SLT to include budget variance and prior year comparative. Work with the SLT to ensure funding targets are met and develop strategies to increase funding where necessary.
Plan and manage cash flow.
Maintain accurate accounting records to meet external legal, tax and audit requirements.
Submit all statutory reporting to meet required deadlines e.g., Charity Commission return, HMRC Corporation tax return CT600 and CT600E and make repayment claims where necessary.
Manage any required outsourced services for e.g., payroll and audit.
Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns, ensuring accurate application of VAT rules for
exemptions.
Manage relationships with banks, investment managers, property advisors and auditors as necessary.
Monitor the reports from the Charity’s property managing agents to ensure correct reporting of income and expenditure and review of aged debt.
Extract financial grant data from the Charity’s systems and produce financial analysis and forecasting models and reports on past and current funding, coupled with forward projections to improve visibility of and planning for future financial commitments.
Manage the Finance Assistant to ensure accurate and timely processing and bookkeeping of all supplier invoices and payments.
Essential Skills and Qualifications
Fully qualified chartered accountancy qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPFA).
2:1 degree from a good university.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
Excellent written communication skills.
Excellent planning and organisation skills.
Excellent IT skills, including finance systems software (experience in using SAGE is essential) and Microsoft Office software.
Essential Experience
Proven experience in financial management within a charity or non-profit organization.
Extensive knowledge and experience of UK Charity Accounting Standards i.e. SORP, compliance with the Charity Commission’s requirements, charity financial & reporting requirements and VAT.
Strategic Financial Planning: experience in developing and implementing financial strategies.
Financial Reporting and Analysis: Proficiency in preparing and analysing financial statements, budgets, and forecasts.
A substantial experience of managing income and cashflow from property and investments is essential Personal Attributes
Strong leadership skills to manage the finance team and work collaboratively with other departments.
Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders, including the board of trustees.
Reliable, punctual, accurate, thorough, flexible, resourceful.
A strong team player.
Accountable and responsible.
Desire to take responsibility for own work and priorities.