Financial Controller

The Gambling Commission; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Civil Service Pension

Holiday entitlement 26 days (29 after

Holiday purchase scheme

Flexible working

Ergonomic office near Birmingham NewSt

Open culture

Award recognition by Sunday Times 2026

Job summary

The Gambling Commission in Birmingham is seeking a Financial Controller on a fixed-term 12-month basis to manage financial control, reporting and treasury functions. The role is hybrid with 1 day per week in the Birmingham office and a 37-hour week, offering a competitive salary and pension arrangements.

Key duties include preparing final accounts for external audit, managing cashflow, and leading the Financial Accounting team.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in the public sector and familiarity with Managing Public Money.
• Proven track record delivering year-end accounts and managing external auditors.
• Ability to review financial processes end-to-end and drive improvements.
• Experience coaching and developing staff to build a high-performing team.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the Gambling Commission’s final accounts for 9 and 12 months for external audit and liaise with auditors.
• Oversee day-to-day treasury management and returns to HM Treasury, HMRC and others.
• Ensure robust system controls for accurate year-round financial reporting and support future system developments.
• Act as Counter Fraud Lead, implement controls, training and reporting as required.
• Line manage the Financial Accounting team (5 staff) and support wider Finance leadership.

Skills

Public sector accounting

External audit liaison

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Qualified Accountant

Job description

Job title: Financial Controller

Location: Hybrid working – Birmingham office 1 day per week

Contract: Fixed-term contract for 12 months to provide cover for a secondment

Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week)

Salary: £65,000 per annum

Grade: 14

Job Req: FIN8

The role:

The Financial Controller role is critical within the Finance Team for financial control and reporting, to ensure the organisation is compliant with Managing Public Money and overseeing the preparation and laying of the Annual Report and Accounts each year. They are responsible on a day-to-day basis for the smooth running of all financial transactions and operations, ensuring sufficient cashflow, prompt payment of suppliers and receipt of income.

The Financial Controller plays a key role in ensuring the Gambling Commission has strong financial controls and robust financial accounting and reporting to ensure qualified accounts. Without robust financial and management accounting, the GC would make sub-optimal decisions, as well as potentially having qualified accounts with immense reputational damage.

Our offer to you:

• Civil Service Pension, with 28.97% employer contribution
• 26 days’ holiday, rising to 29 days after two years’ service (pro rata)
• Holiday purchase scheme (option to buy up to five extra days’ annual leave)
• Flexible working & family-friendly policies
• Ergonomic, fully accessible office, very close to Birmingham New Street Station
• Open, collaborative and people-focused culture
• Recognised by the Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards 2026

Your responsibilities:

• Responsible for preparing the Gambling Commission’s final accounts at 9 and 12 months for the external audit and being the key liaison with the external auditors throughout the process. They will also be responsible for Main and Supplementary Estimate submissions.
• Responsible for the day-to-day treasury management of the Gambling Commission, including returns to HMT, HMRC and other key stakeholders as required.
• Responsible for ensuring the systems controls are sufficient and functioning correctly to support accurate financial reporting throughout the year, this also includes supporting the development and implementation of future financial systems for the organisation.
• Acting as the Counter Fraud Lead for the Gambling Commission, ensuring processes are in place, training is provided, and reporting is carried out as required.
• Line management of the Financial Accounting team - 5 staff, but also wider leadership across the Finance team.
• Reports directly to the Head of Finance and will deputise for the Head of Finance when required.

What we’re looking for:

• Essential criteria:

• Qualified accountant, with experience of working within the public sector and sound knowledge of Government Accounting and Managing Public Money
• Evidence of successful delivery of year-end accounts, including management of the relationship with external auditors, and a strong understanding of accounting principles and their application in year-end accounts
• Ability to undertake end-to-end reviews of financial business processes and, in conjunction with key stakeholders, identify improvements that achieve better service levels and efficiencies
• Experience of management, including the ability to support, coach and develop staff, including qualified, training and non-qualified individuals to build a high-performing team and meet business requirements
• Strong stakeholder management skills

• Desirable criteria:

• Working with/within a Government Department or Arm’s Length Body

Your application:

We value diversity in our workplace and are committed to a culture where each individual is engaged and feels that their contribution is valued and respected. We welcome all applications from candidates who meet the minimum requirements for the role.

The closing date for this role is midnight on 5th October 2026.

Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 12th October 2026.

Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying, as we are unable to provide visa sponsorship.

Incomplete applications will be discounted from shortlisting. Please ensure your application is fully completed and submitted before logging out of your account.

About us:

The Gambling Commission is the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing and regulating gambling activities in the United Kingdom. Our primary role is to ensure that gambling is conducted fairly, openly, and free from crime, while also protecting vulnerable individuals from harm.

We regulate various forms of gambling, including casinos, bingo, sports betting, and lotteries, and issue licenses to operators. We are committed to ensuring a safe and responsible gambling environment, promoting transparency, and enforcing compliance with legal standards to maintain public trust in the industry.

We’re proud to have notable industry recognition, including the Regulatory Excellence Award from the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR). This prestigious award recognised the Commission's international leadership in enhancing consumer protection through industry collaboration.

If you want to contribute to work that makes a meaningful difference and join an organisation that is a force for good, we would be delighted to receive your application