Financial Controller

UK Sport; Southend-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional sports organization is seeking a Finance Controller to oversee financial management and reporting. This role involves developing financial strategies, ensuring compliance, and leading the finance team. The ideal candidate has a proven record in financial management within sports or SMEs, strong budgeting skills, and the ability to produce insights from data. The position is full-time with some remote working options.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of financial management in an SME or sporting organisation.
• Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the development of the club's financial strategy.
• Lead the preparation of annual budgets and monthly management accounts.
• Maintain robust financial controls.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Forecasting

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Xero or similar accounting systems

Tools

Financial analysis tools

Job description

Overview

The Finance Controller will play a key management role in the strategic and day-to-day financial management of Southend United Football Club and related companies. This individual will be responsible for ensuring the club operates within its budgets, complies with relevant regulations, and has robust financial controls in place. The role requires a balance between hands-on financial management and providing analytical insights to the CEO and other departments, with an appreciation of the unique financial landscape of football.

Responsibilities

• Financial Strategy & Planning
  Support the development of the club's financial strategy aligned with its sporting and community objectives. Preparation of long-term financial forecasts / plans to support sustainable growth both on and off the pitch.
• Budgeting & Forecasting
  Lead the preparation of annual budgets and monthly management accounts. Monitor performance against budget, providing clear reports to the board. Prepare forecasts in respect of Capital Projects and be responsible for tracking spend against budget.
• Financial Control & Compliance
  Maintain robust financial controls, ensuring proper recording of income and expenditure. Ensure compliance with HMRC, FA, league, and other relevant bodies. Oversee payroll, VAT, and tax obligations.
• Revenue & Cost Management
  Work closely with Commercial, Operations, and Football Departments to provide the insights that lead to maximising revenues (ticketing, sponsorship, hospitality, merchandising, community activities). Monitor and control expenditure to ensure efficiency without compromising operational effectiveness. Manage vendor contracts and ensure timely payments and reconciliation of contra's.
• Reporting
  Produce accurate and timely management accounts and financial statements. Support the annual audit process and liaise with external accountants/auditors.
• Leadership & Collaboration
  Provide financial insight to guide decision-making at senior management level. Support, oversee and be the people leader for the finance team. Foster a culture of accountability and transparency across all departments of the club.

Person Specification

• Essential
  • Proven track record of financial management in an SME or sporting organisation.
  • Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting skills.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Hands-on approach, comfortable working in a lean organisation with limited resources.
  • Ability to produce insights from financial data.
  • Proficiency with Xero or similar accounting systems
  • Alignment with the club's community values.
• Desirable
  • Experience in football or wider sports industry.
  • Understanding of governance and regulatory requirements in sport or charity/community sectors.
  • Knowledge of Football Association / league financial regulations including FQRs and SCMP.
  • Proficient with technology and experience working with finance analysis tools and software

Safeguarding

Southend United Football club are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Terms & Benefits

• Salary/Package: Competitive
• Hours: Full-time (Standard Monday to Friday, other hours only by exception)
• Location: Primarily club offices, with flexibility for some remote/home working

Please send your CV to [e-mail] - applications for the role will close on Friday 26 September, 2025.