Finance controller jobs

About Ataxia UK 

Ataxia’ is an umbrella term for a group of progressive, neurological conditions which involve problems with co-ordination, balance and speech caused by disruption of the messages sent from our brains to our muscles. 

Ataxia UK funds research into cures and treatments for ataxia, including stem cell and gene therapy. By collaborating with ataxia researchers across the globe, and pharmaceutical and research organisations, we’re confident that cures can one day be found. Until then, we work towards getting better treatments for people with ataxia and providing information and  support to everyone affected. Improving their quality of life and helping to slow the progression of the disease.   

About the Role   

As our Financial Controller, you'll lead the day-to-day financial operations of the charity, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting and efficient processes that support our mission. You'll oversee month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis, providing clear insights to inform decision-making across the organisation. Working closely with colleagues throughout the charity, you'll manage grant and restricted fund reporting, support annual planning, drive continuous improvement in financial systems and processes, and lead a small finance team. You'll also play a key role in ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards, governance requirements and best practice.

About you 

We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA ,CIPFA or similar) with at least five years' post-qualification experience and a proven track record in senior finance or audit roles. You'll be confident leading finance operations, managing staff, and turning complex financial information into clear, actionable insights.

You'll bring experience of charity finance, including grant management, restricted and unrestricted funds, and Charity SORP, alongside strong skills in Xero and Excel. Experience with Fathom and Raiser's Edge (or similar CRM/database systems) would be an advantage.

Just as importantly, you'll be passionate about making a difference for people affected by ataxia. You'll understand the barriers faced by disabled people, approach our members with empathy and respect, and share our commitment to equality, inclusion and ethical medical research.

This is an opportunity for a skilled finance professional to use their expertise to help drive our mission and make a meaningful impact.

Benefits of working for us. 

• 25 days annual leave pro rata (rising to 30 with a length of service)
• Extra holiday day for your birthday
• Access to a free Health Plan, Employee Assistance Programme & Employee Hotline
• Flexible hybrid working
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity and co-parental leave
• Cycle to work scheme
• Training and development opportunities
• Accredited Living Wage Employer

Please see full Job Description for further details including Person Specifications. Your covering letter will be used to assess you against the person specification for this role.

Sightsavers is seeking a Financial Controller to provide senior leadership across our global finance function, ensuring robust financial governance, effective controls and high-quality financial management across a complex international organisation.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead the Global Finance Team and oversee key areas including business finance, subsidiaries finance, treasury, statutory accounting, audit, finance systems and continuous improvement. You will play an important role in ensuring that our finance function is well controlled, responsive, efficient and able to support colleagues across our global programmes and operations.

This is an opportunity for an experienced finance leader who can combine technical expertise with inclusive and confident people leadership. You will be able to develop high-performing teams, review and improve ways of working, support change and make balanced decisions that strengthen finance capability and service delivery.

You will bring a recognised professional accounting qualification, senior financial management experience, strong knowledge of financial controls and statutory accounting, and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to senior stakeholders and non-finance colleagues. Experience of working in a charity, INGO, donor-funded or complex international environment would be an advantage.

Please read the full job description for further requirements.

Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK, as Sightsavers is unable to provide employer sponsorship for this role.

Sightsavers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone we work with. Due to the seniority and nature of this role, the successful candidate will be expected to undertake relevant background checks, which may include a DBS check, in line with organisational policy and the requirements of the role.

We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and from candidates with diverse backgrounds. We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and will provide reasonable adjustments where needed.

To apply for this exciting opportunity, please complete an application via our recruitment portal by uploading an up to date CV and answering the job-specific questions. We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying.

We anticipate that there will be a two -stage interview process starting in early September. This will include a role-specific presentation task and the final stage interview will be held in-person at our offices in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. Ideally we would like the successful candidate to be in post by Q4 of 2026 and attendance at the annual planning meeting in mid-November would be very helpful.

Financial Controller - Multi Academy Trust 

Location: Thrapston, Northamptonshire
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £51,000 -£58,000 per annum

· Lead and develop a Finance Operations team within education

· Partner directly with the CFO on strategic financial planning

· Hands-on financial accounting role managing a team

· Develop your career within a Trust committed to professional growth

Our client, a well-established Multi-Academy Trust with schools across Corby, Kettering and Wisbech, is seeking an experienced Financial Controller to join their central finance team – in the Thrapston Head Office. This is an excellent opportunity for a finance professional looking to make a meaningful impact within the education sector while advancing their career in a supportive and values-driven organisation.

Company Overview 

This Multi-Academy Trust of 12 primary & secondary schools is committed to enhancing strategic financial insight across its schools and leadership teams. They focus on the efficient allocation of resources, integrating finance with curriculum planning, and ensuring compliance with ESFA and academy handbook requirements. The Trust values continuous improvement and invests in the ongoing professional and personal development of every employee. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, high standards, and courteous service, they create an environment where finance professionals can grow while making a real difference to students and staff across their schools.

Position Overview

As Financial Controller, you'll play a key role in ensuring financial sustainability across the Trust. Working closely with the CFO, you'll manage capital and revenue budgets, produce financial reports and statements, and lead the Finance Operations team of 4 staff. This position is central to maintaining robust financial controls, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with financial and legal obligations. You'll also build strong relationships with external stakeholders including banks, the DfE, and auditors, while identifying opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiency across the Trust.

Responsibilities 

· Manage and monitor capital and revenue budgets effectively

· Support the CFO in producing regular finance reports and budget packs

· Prepare financial statements including cash flow, income and balance sheets

· Perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations and fixed asset reporting

· Maintain the Key Financial Controls Framework across the Trust

· Conduct fixed asset verifications and stock takes

· Manage financial risk and ensure compliance with regulations

· Build and maintain relationships with banks, DfE, auditors and stakeholders

· Organise and follow up on internal and external audits

· Lead, develop and manage the Finance Operations team (4 staff)

· Monitor cost-effectiveness of services and identify savings opportunities

· Oversee transactional processes including banking, purchase ledger and sales ledger

· Manage working capital and cash flow forecasting

· Partner with the CEO, Regional Executive Principals and School Business Managers

Requirements 

· Proven experience managing budgets and financial controls in a similar role

· Ideally fully-qualified ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPA accountant

· Strong technical accounting skills including balance sheet reconciliations and financial statements

· Experience leading and developing finance teams

· Knowledge of compliance requirements, ideally within education or public sector

· Ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders

· Experience managing audits and working with external bodies

· Strong analytical skills to identify cost savings and efficiency improvements

· Understanding of working capital management and cash flow forecasting

· Commitment to continuous improvement and professional development

Benefits

· Competitive salary of £51-58k

· Leading public sector pension contributions

· The role is office based but there is flexibility to work from home during quieter periods

· Commitment to ongoing professional and personal development

· Supportive leadership and clear career progression opportunities

You'll join a Trust that genuinely values its people and invests in their growth. Working alongside committed professionals, you'll be part of an organisation focused on continuous improvement, high standards, and making a positive impact on education.

How to Apply 

If you have the skills and experience to succeed in this Financial Controller role and are looking to advance your career within the education sector, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience. We look forward to hearing from you.

Closing date: Ongoing/ASAP

Your new company
A growing, mid-sized London charity.

Your new role
Reporting to the CFO, you will manage a small team and take responsibility for leading and overseeing the charity's financial accounting function and ensuring the integrity of financial systems, processes and controls. Duties and responsibilities include leading and managing the month-end close; ensuring accurate reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds and maintaining and strengthening internal financial controls. Anticipated duration is 6 months+. To start ASAP. Hybrid working: 1 day per week in the office.

What you'll need to succeed
You will be an experienced Financial Controller within the charity sector.

What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Financial Controller
Reference: 367
Responsible to: Senior Finance Manager
Working hours: Up to 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £32,000 - £34,000 per annum
Based: Watford (some flexibility for hybrid work from home)

This is a position offering someone with the appropriate values and experience, the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Finance Team, coordinating the Finance Department, ensuring that financial & payroll information is processed in accordance with HMN procedures & timescales.

As a Financial Controller you will work closely with the Senior Finance Manager to drive quality financial processes through the core of the organisation, leading on the management of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Production of monthly management accounts to Senior Management budget holders
• Line Management of the Finance Administrators & Finance Officer
• Support with quarterly reconciliations & reports for Board
• Assisting with setting yearly budgets & projections in liaison with Senior Leadership Team & Finance Manager
• Assist budget holders in appropriate activity analysis
• Coordinating payroll processes are robust and efficient with HR
• Investigation of queries from suppliers & staff providing advice & assistance as required
• Produce ad-hoc financial/management information as required by the CEO or Senior Leaders
• To ensure financial systems guarantee clarity of requirement for grant and contract monitoring and compliance.
• Oversee all financial transactions, and sales and purchase invoices are accurately entered by the finance team into QuickBooks & ensure financial information is processed in accordance with procedure
• Awareness of UK accounting requirements and Charity SORP changes that may affect the organisation.
• The post holder will support SMT with budgets for service implementations and service development to facilitate continuous improvement and safe practice.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for applications will be 20th July 2026.
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
This advert may close early if a suitable applicant is found. Please submit your application as soon as possible.

N.B. Please quote reference number 367 when completing your application for this role.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.