Financial Controller - Bembridge Sailing Club

Bembridge Sailing Club; Bembridge; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A vibrant members' club in the UK is seeking a Financial Controller to manage its full financial operations. This key role includes oversight of financial reporting, payroll management, and compliance with financial regulations. The ideal candidate is highly numerate, AAT Level 3 qualified, and experienced in Sage software, ready to contribute to a welcoming club environment.

Qualifications

• Must be highly numerate and meticulous when managing complex data.
• Qualified to a minimum of AAT Level 3.
• Experienced in financial control and accounting software.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily banking, supplier payments, and payroll.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and year-end accounts.
• Manage VAT compliance and membership income reconciliation.

Skills

Numerical skills

Attention to detail

Proficient in Sage Accounting

Experience with payroll

Adaptability

Education

AAT Level 3

Tools

Sage Accounts

Sage Payroll

ESP system

Job description

Background

The Bembridge Sailing Club offers sailing of all types in keelboats, dinghies and motorboating, as well as training for cadets. The Club has many social events in its clubhouse offering top quality food. Its committed staff offer a warm welcome to its 1,200 members, visitors and colleagues.

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Financial Controller to manage the full financial operations of this busy and vibrant members’ club. This is a key role at the heart of the organisation, ensuring strong financial governance, timely reporting and the smooth-running of membership and payroll systems.

About the Role

The Financial Controller will oversee all day-to-day and strategic financial functions of the Club, including:

Financial Management & Reporting

• Daily banking oversight and supplier payments
• Full responsibility for Sage Accounts, Sage Payroll and Smart Pay
• Producing monthly management accounts, commentary and control reconciliations
• Leading year-end accounts preparation and liaising with auditors
• Managing VAT (including partial exemption), PAYE and corporation tax compliance

Payroll & HR Administration

• Running monthly payroll for permanent and seasonal staff
• Managing pensions, HMRC submissions, new starters, leavers and statutory payments

Operational Income Streams

• Overseeing stock control, F&B sales analysis, petrol sales, cadet course billing, and boat parking/insurance charging
• Ensuring accurate ESP system setup, pricing, and reporting

Budgeting & Governance

• Preparing annual budgets in collaboration with department managers
• Supporting the General Manager and Management Committee with financial insights

Membership & Subscriptions

• Overseeing subscription renewals, banding changes, direct debits, and member billing
• Ensuring accurate and timely reconciliation of membership income
• Maintaining and updating the ESP system (experience with ESP is highly beneficial)

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• Highly numerate, meticulous, and confident managing complex data
• Qualified to a minimum of AAT Level 3
• Experienced in financial control, payroll and accounting software (Sage essential)
• Ideally experienced with ESP or similar club management systems (highly beneficial)
• Proactive, adaptable, and keen to contribute to a friendly and active Club environment
• Friendly, positive attitude

Details

• Hours: Full time, possibility of a part time a job share. Primarily weekdays, with occasional requirement for month-end or year-end work on weekends
• Salary: Dependant on experience
• Start Date: Flexible by agreement

If you are an experienced finance professional looking for a varied and rewarding role in a unique Club environment, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply

Please send your CV and cover letter to Gemma Paxton, General Manager, [e-mail]