Part time Financial Controller (Charity)

Trial Balance; Truro; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible schedule

Job summary

Trial Balance is recruiting an experienced Financial Controller for a part‑time, 1 day per week role in Cornwall. You will report to the Chief Executive and work with the Board of Trustees to provide strategic financial guidance, ensure robust controls and timely reporting, and support growth and impact.

The post requires a hands‑on, technically strong finance professional with strong commercial instinct. An accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA) is preferred, with QBE considered.

Qualifications

• Hands-on and technically strong finance professional.
• Experience in charity or not-for-profit sector is helpful but not required.

Responsibilities

• Advice and support to Chief Executive, Trustees and senior team on all financial matters.
• Oversee day-to-day accounting operations, with a remote bookkeeper
• Produce accurate management accounts with insightful commentary
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections
• Manage statutory accounts, audit preparation and compliance
• Support funding and grant applications with clear financial data
• Oversee payroll, VAT returns and fixed asset register
• Serve as financial contact for funders, auditors and partners
• Maintain and develop the accounting system (Xero)

Skills

Financial management

Accounting

Xero

Payroll

Education

ACCA/CA/CIMA/CIPFA or equivalent

Tools

Xero

Job description

Trial Balance Consulting have been engaged by a highly respected Cornish charity delivering vital energy efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing projects across the region. The organisation now seeks to recruit an experienced Financial Controller to take ownership of all aspects of financial management. This is a permanent part-time position, offering one day per week with complete flexibility over which day is worked.

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees, this is a key role within a values-driven and community-focused organisation. The successful candidate will provide strategic financial guidance, ensure sound controls and reporting and support the charity’s continued growth and impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Advising and supporting the Chief Executive, Trustees and senior team on all financial matters
• Overseeing the charity’s day-to-day accounting operations, supported by a remote bookkeeper
• Producing accurate and timely management accounts with insightful commentary
• Preparing annual budgets, forecasts and cash flow projections
• Managing statutory accounts, audit preparation and compliance requirements
• Supporting funding and grant applications with clear financial data
• Overseeing payroll, VAT returns and the fixed asset register
• Acting as the main financial contact for funders, auditors and partner organisations
• Maintaining and developing the charity’s accounting system (Xero)

We’re looking for a hands‑on, technically strong finance professional who enjoys working collaboratively in a purpose‑led environment. Experience within the charity or not-for-profit sector would be ideal, though not essential, with strong financial acumen, integrity and a proactive approach are what really matters.

You’ll likely hold a recognised accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA/CIPFA), though experienced QBE candidates will also be considered. You’ll be comfortable working independently, managing a remote bookkeeper and communicating financial information clearly to colleagues across the organisation. This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior finance professional seeking a meaningful, flexible role where their expertise can make a tangible difference in local communities.