Financial controller

SENSE, THE NATIONAL DEAFBLIND AND RUBELLA ASSOCIATION

Birmingham

Hybrid

GBP 60,000 - 90,000

Full time

6 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Sense seeks a Financial Controller to lead our finance team in Birmingham. The role involves robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and statutory compliance, with a focus on systems development and automation.

It is a full-time, hybrid position based at our Selly Oak office, requiring 2–3 days in the office. You will map processes, implement new technologies, and drive continuous improvement while supporting inclusion and the charity’s mission.

Qualifications

Fully qualified accountant with charity sector experience.
Strong knowledge of Charity SORP, FRS 102 and statutory accounts.
Experience leading large finance teams and driving process improvements.
Experience in financial systems development and automation initiatives.

Responsibilities

Oversee monthly management accounts, capex and balance sheet reconciliations.
Ensure charity accounting standards compliance and regulatory reporting.
Lead enhancement of financial systems, processes and internal controls.
Oversee VAT and corporation tax returns.
Manage audits and liaise with external auditors.
Provide financial guidance to budget holders and non-financial colleagues.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Charity/not-for-profit finance

Charity SORP/FRS 102 knowledge

Financial systems development

Leadership of large finance teams

Advanced Excel & financial systems

Professional development & inclusion

Automation/AI awareness

Education

Chartered Accountant qualification

Tools

SUN Accounts or similar ERP

Job description

Job Description & Person Specification

Sense are recruiting for a Financial Controller to join our finance team in Birmingham. The Financial Controller will be pivotal in managing Sense's financial operations, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and compliance with statutory requirements. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead a team within the Finance department, fostering high performance, continuous improvement, and professional development.

You will also drive innovation by enhancing financial systems, mapping and improving processes, implementing new technologies, and exploring automation and AI solutions to improve efficiency and insight.

This is a full time, hybrid role working 2-3 days per week from our office in Selly Oak.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts, capex reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, statutory accounts, and returns.
Ensure compliance with charity accounting standards and legislation.
Maintain and improve financial systems, processes, and internal controls.
Responsible for VAT and corporation tax returns.
Provide finance services to external or semi-autonomous entities.

Systems Development & Process Improvement

Map financial processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
Lead initiatives to enhance existing systems and implement new technologies.
Explore automation and AI to streamline operations and reporting.
Adapt the chart of accounts to meet changing business needs.

Cash Flow Management

Oversee cash flow forecasting with business partners to ensure effective liquidity management.

Line Management

Lead and develop a team of finance professionals.
Set objectives, monitor performance, and provide coaching and development.
Foster a collaborative and inclusive team culture.

Audit & Compliance

Manage audits, liaise with external auditors, and ensure timely completion.
Ensure compliance with charity regulations, tax requirements, and internal policies.

Stakeholder Engagement

Work with budget holders to provide financial guidance and support.
Communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.

Person Specification

Essential

Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
Proven experience in financial management within a charity or not-for-profit.
Thorough knowledge of Charity SORP, FRS 102, and statutory accounts preparation.
Strong technical understanding of accounting standards and regulatory requirements.
Demonstrated success leading and motivating large finance teams with commitment to inclusion and diversity.
Experience in financial systems development, process mapping, and improvement.
Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
Commitment to ongoing professional development and Sense's values, including supporting people with complex communication needs.

Desirable

Knowledge of automation tools and emerging technologies such as AI.
Experience with SUN Accounts or similar ERP systems.
Experience supporting finance system implementations or upgrades.

About Sense

Sense is here to break down barriers alongside disabled people with complex needs. That's why we're committed to increasing the number of disabled people working across our organisation and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

We actively encourage disabled people to apply for our vacancies and believe that a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and talents makes us stronger.

We know there's always more we can do to become a truly inclusive employer, and we're working together to achieve that. Join us and help create the change thousands of disabled people with complex needs and families told us they want to see: a world without limits.

If you need us to adjust our recruitment process to help you access our vacancies, then please get in touch with a member of the talent acquisition team. We are a Disability Confident Leader and commit to interviewing disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for a role. More information on this can be found here Our commitment as an employer | Sense Careers

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/about-us/equality-and-diversity/

Our Values