Assistant Financial Controller

Royal Hospital Chelsea Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Enhanced pension scheme

Wellbeing support including EAP

Birthday day off

Free onsite parking

Free onsite gym

Season ticket loan (post probation)

Cycle to work scheme (post probation)

Discounts at onsite cafes

Prestigious historic environment

Job summary

Royal Hospital Chelsea is seeking an experienced Assistant Financial Controller to join our Finance team on a 6‑month fixed term contract. You will work closely with the Chief Accountant to ensure financial operations run smoothly.

The role combines hands‑on accounting with line management of a small five‑person team, involvement in month‑end, budgets and audits, and the delivery of timely management information from a charity environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA or ACCA credentials.
• Experience with statutory accounts and audits.
• Experience in a charity environment is highly beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and support budgets and forecasts.
• Oversee payroll, VAT returns and reconciliations.
• Participate in year‑end reporting and auditor liaison.
• Line manage a small finance team of five and develop staff.
• Improve financial processes and collaborate with non‑finance colleagues.

Education

ACA or ACCA

Job description

Assistant Financial Controller - 6-month fixed-term contract

Closing Date: 31 October 2026

The RHC Way

The RHC Way is at the heart of everything we do. Developed by colleagues from across the Hospital, it brings our values to life through the behaviours that shape our culture and strengthen our community. Guided by Compassionate Approach, Community Spirit, and Courageous Engagement, we foster an inclusive environment where people are treated with dignity and respect, work collaboratively, and are empowered to make a positive difference every day.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Financial Controller to join our Finance team on a 6-month fixed term contract.

This is a role for someone who can quickly get up to speed and make an immediate impact, working closely with the Chief Accountant to ensure our financial operations continue to run smoothly.

Key Responsibilities

The position offers a broad and hands‑on remit, from preparing monthly management accounts and supporting budgets and forecasts, to overseeing payroll, VAT returns and reconciliations. There will also be involvement in year‑end reporting and working with auditors.

This role is not just about numbers. You will also have line management responsibility for a small Finance team of five, providing guidance, support, and development to ensure the team performs effectively. You will help strengthen financial processes and work with colleagues across the organisation to improve how we operate. A proactive, hands‑on approach and the confidence to engage with both finance and non‑finance colleagues will be key.

About You

You must be qualified accountant (ACA or ACCA) with strong technical skills and experience of statutory accounts and audit, ideally within a charity environment. Experience of working within an organisation of a similar size (circa 260 employees), such as the Royal Hospital Chelsea, would be highly beneficial. Just as importantly, you will be organised, adaptable, and ready to step in and deliver from day one.

This is an office‑based role, and you will be required to work on site in Chelsea, Monday to Friday, so must be willing and able to commute daily.

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Pension scheme – Enhanced and competitive pension scheme
• Access to wellbeing support – Access to EAP including confidential counselling and wellbeing support
• Enhanced sick leave
• Several social events throughout the year
• Birthday day off
• Discounts at onsite cafes
• Cycle to work scheme (post probation)
• Season Loan Ticket (post probation)
• Free onsite Parking
• Free onsite gym
• Opportunity to work for a prestigious organisation in a unique and historic environment

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

At the Royal Hospital Chelsea, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives and believe that a diverse workforce strengthens our community and enhances the service we provide.

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and are committed to ensuring all applicants are treated fairly, with dignity and respect throughout the recruitment process.

Reasonable Adjustments

If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, including support with completing your application or attending an interview, please let us know. We will work with you to ensure appropriate arrangements are made and that any barriers to participation are removed wherever possible.

Recruitment Process

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is committed to safer recruitment practices. Offers of employment are subject to references, right to work checks, DBS clearance, and any other relevant pre‑employment checks required for the role.

The ethos of the Royal Hospital is one that puts a premium on selflessness and companionship. Our values of nurturing belonging, respect individuals, encourage pride and enjoy life underpin that ethos. We are united in a shared purpose, living and working together and ensuring everyone has a place in our diverse social and military community.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is dedicated to equality, diversity, and inclusion, where all backgrounds and abilities can reach their full potential. We pride ourselves on attracting a wide range of talent, removing potential barriers, and promoting equal opportunities. We know, the more varied and inclusive our teams are, the better our organisation will be for our community.

We are a Disability Confident employer dedicated to hiring diverse talent and ensuring you are treated with respect throughout the recruitment process and upon joining our community.

The RHC Way shapes how we care and work together: with a compassionate approach, strong community spirit and courageous engagement. We listen with kindness, look out for one another, act when it matters and continually seek better ways to serve Chelsea Pensioners, colleagues and the Hospital.

Our selection process

Should your application be successful you will be invited to a formal interview, where you will be asked questions relating to your experiences and key requirements of the role. If you are successful after the interviews we will:

• Ask for references from those you have listed on your application form
• Check your right to live and work in the UK
• Check any declarations you have made on your application form
• Ask you to complete a medical form
• Carry out an Enhanced DBS application.

This is more than a clinical leadership role. It is a chance to be part of a remarkable community, uphold a proud heritage and help shape care that is personal, dignified and deeply valued.

If you are ready to lead with compassion, stay hands‑on and make a meaningful difference every day, we would love to hear from you.