Financial Controller

Allen Lane Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Allen Lane Limited is seeking a senior finance leader to head a high‑performing finance function within a charitable and not‑for‑profit environment. You will own financial control, statutory reporting, audit management and continuous improvement across a diverse operational footprint.

The role demands a qualified accountant, extensive experience in financial accounting and governance, and a proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and lead change.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent.
• Experience leading financial accounting or financial control functions.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and audit management experience.
• Excellent VAT, compliance and financial governance understanding.
• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strong communication to influence senior stakeholders.
• Proactive in process improvement and change management.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate a financial accounting and transactional finance team.
• Ensure robust financial controls, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and year-end reporting processes.
• Manage external audit relationships and coordinate the annual audit cycle.
• Maintain strong balance sheet control, treasury oversight and cash management.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Lead process improvement, automation and finance systems enhancements.
• Support major projects and investment activity through sound financial stewardship.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Financial controls

Audit management

VAT & regulatory

Stakeholder communication

Process improvement

Team development

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Lead a high-performing finance function within a complex and purpose-driven organization in the charity & not-for-profit sector. This is an opportunity for an experienced finance professional to take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, audit management and continuous improvement across a diverse operational environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate a financial accounting and transactional finance team.
• Ensure robust financial controls, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Oversee statutory accounts preparation and year-end reporting processes.
• Manage external audit relationships and coordinate the annual audit cycle.
• Maintain strong balance sheet control, treasury oversight and cash management.
• Provide technical accounting guidance to stakeholders across the organisation.
• Lead process improvement, automation and finance systems enhancements.
• Support major projects and investment activity through sound financial stewardship.

About You

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Significant experience leading financial accounting or financial control functions.
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and audit management experience.
• Excellent understanding of VAT, compliance and financial governance.
• Proven people leadership and team development skills.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to process improvement and organisational change.