Financial Controller

Public Sector; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an Interim Financial Controller for a 12-month contract with a prominent UK charity. The role involves overseeing accounting operations, managing audits, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Candidates should have a professional accounting qualification and 5-10 years of experience in a similar position. The salary is up to £68,000 with excellent benefits.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ PQE in a senior financial accounting or audit position.
• Experience in statutory accounts production and managing audits.
• Strong knowledge of charity SORP and relevant regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all day-to-day accounting operations and drive efficiency.
• Lead the production of annual statutory accounts and year-end audit.
• Design and maintain a robust internal control framework.

Skills

Financial Accounting

Audit Management

Team Leadership

Internal Controls

Process Improvement

Education

Professional Accounting Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Job description

Goodman Masson are delighted to be partnered with The Scouts to recruit for an Interim Financial Controller on a 12 month Fixed Term Contract (MAT cover).

The Scouts actively engages and supports young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

As their Financial Controller, you will lead the Financial Accounting and Payroll team. This hands‑on, strategic role requires a leader capable of driving operational efficiency in transactional accounting while managing the complexity of statutory reporting, audit, and internal control frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all day‑to‑day accounting operations (AP, AR, GL, Banking) and drive efficiency. Ensure the integrity, controls, and continuous improvement of all finance systems.

• Be the primary lead for the production of annual statutory accounts and the management of the year‑end audit. Ensure full compliance with tax obligations (VAT, Corporation Tax) and external regulations.

• Design, implement, and maintain a robust and effective internal control framework, ensuring processes are documented and controls are strictly followed.

• Lead cash flow management, debt collection, liaise with investment managers, and report on compliance with the financial reserves policy.

• Manage and motivate the Financial Accounting Team and oversee the Payroll Operations Manager, ensuring an accurate, timely, and compliant payroll and pensions service.

• Act as a key advisor to employees and trustees, specifically managing the fixed asset register and partnering on capital expenditure budgets.

Essentials

• A recognised, full Professional Accounting Qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA).

• 5-10 years’ Post‑Qualification Experience (PQE) in a senior financial accounting or audit position with a demonstrable track record of success in managing complex financial operations.

• Experience working within a charity environment and strong knowledge of charity SORP.

• Proven experience in statutory accounts production, managing audits, implementing strong internal controls, and overseeing transactional teams.

• Strong change management skills and a passion for driving continuous process and system improvements.

Salary is up to £68,000 + Excellent Benefits.

The Scouts are based in Gilwell Park, Chingford, London. Hybrid working with 2 days per week in the office.

Advert closes on Friday 12th December. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.