Cornwall VSF: Financial Controller

Cornwall Voluntary Sector Forum; England; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 46,000; Part time

Job summary

Cornwall VSF is seeking a qualified Financial Controller to lead day-to-day financial management, oversee accounts, payroll, cashflow and reporting, and contribute to strategy with the Senior Leadership Team.

The role is hybrid and 21 or 28 hours per week, with travel across Cornwall and a DBS check. Applicants should have ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent and strong charity-sector finance knowledge.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with finance management experience.
• Experience in bookkeeping, management accounting, budgeting and cash management.
• Knowledge of charity/voluntary-sector finance and statutory reporting.
• Advanced Excel and experience with Xero and Dext.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial strategy, planning, reserves, treasury management and investment strategy.
• Manage core finance operations including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, cash flow, records and controls.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, forecasts, budgets and analysis for the Senior Leadership Team and Board.
• Lead annual accounts, external audit and statutory reporting, including Charity Commission and tax requirements.
• Oversee restricted funds and grant income, supporting applications, claims and funder reporting.
• Strengthen financial governance, systems, policies, data quality and risk management across the organisation.
• Provide robust financial appraisal, scenario modelling and advice to support services, funding bids, investment and income diversification.

Skills

Charity sector finance

Management accounting

Financial forecasting

Cash flow management

Payroll

Leadership

Communication

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Dext

Excel

Job description

Hours: 28 or 35 hours per week (0.8 or 1.0 FTE to be discussed with appointed applicant)
Salary: £42,208 - £46,208 pro rata per annum
Location: Hybrid, with time split between home working and working in communities across Cornwall

About the role

Reporting to the Director of Operations and working as part of the Senior Leadership Team,
you will take responsibility for effective day-to-day financial management while developing
medium- and long-term plans that support Cornwall VSF’s resilience, growth and impact. You will work closely with the CEO, Trustees, colleagues, auditors, funders and external providers.

What you’ll do

• Lead financial strategy, planning, reserves, treasury management and investment strategy.
• Manage core finance operations, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable, reconciliations, cash flow, records and controls.
• Prepare monthly management accounts, forecasts, budgets and clear analysis for the
  Senior Leadership Team and Board.
• Lead annual accounts, external audit and statutory reporting, including Charity
  Commission and tax requirements.
• Oversee restricted funds and grant income, supporting applications, claims and funder reporting.
• Strengthen financial governance, systems, policies, data quality and risk management
  across the organisation.
• Provide robust financial appraisal, scenario modelling and advice to support services, funding bids, investment and income diversification.

About you

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with current finance management and leadership experience. You will bring:

• Extensive experience of bookkeeping, management accounting, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and cash management.
• A strong understanding of charity or voluntary-sector finance and statutory reporting requirements.
• Excellent analytical judgement and the ability to explain complex financial information clearly.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence using finance systems; experience of Xero and
  Dext would be beneficial.
• Strong planning, organisation, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• A collaborative, adaptable leadership style and a commitment to accuracy, inclusion
  and continuous professional development.
  This is an opportunity to combine hands‑on financial management with strategic influence in a small, committed team. You will help ensure Cornwall VSF remains financially sustainable, accountable and equipped to champion the VCSE sector.

Working with us

Cornwall VSF connects, supports and promotes the voluntary, community and social
enterprise sector across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We are looking for a qualified,
experienced Financial Controller to lead our financial strategy and day-to-day finance
operations, strengthen governance and provide the insight that enables confident, evidence-
based decisions.

We are a small, close‑knit team working with partners across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
The role is offered at 21 or 28 hours per week, with the final arrangement agreed with the
successful applicant. Regular or occasional travel will be required, and appointment is subject
to a satisfactory DBS check.

Further information

Please read the Financial Controller Role Profile and Person Specification below for
full details of the responsibilities and requirements.

The closing date for applications is 11:59pm, Friday 4 September. It is planned for interviews to be held the week commencing 14th September.