Finance controller jobs in Central london, greater london

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.

It is essential that you have a strong working knowledge of Charity SORP and have led financial control teams within a similar sized organisation. 

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. 

Nearest train station is Chingford Rail Station (25 minutes from Liverpool Street). A regular shuttle bus service operates from Chingford station to the Scouts Office (Gilwell Park). 5 minute journey time.

Ample on-site parking also available.

Applications will be reviewed as and when they are received with interviews set up on a rolling basis. Please apply ASAP to ensure you are considered. 

Financial Controller  

Location: Central London (West End)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £50,000 -£55,000 per annum

· Play a key role in the finance function for a global membership organisation with 160+ years of industry expertise

· Hybrid working with 27 days holiday and 7% employer pension contribution

· Hands-on role managing month-end close, management accounts, supporting year-end, accounts payable/receivable and credit control

· Opportunity to develop junior finance staff and shape financial processes in an evolving organisation

· Work within a collaborative environment that values flexibility and proactive problem-solving

Our client is a well-established global membership body serving the maritime industry, seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead their finance function. If you're a qualified accountant with strong hands-on experience in transactional accounting, month-end close, management accounts and team management, this permanent role offers the chance to take ownership of the finance operation within a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation based in central London.

Company Overview

Our client is a professional membership organisation founded over 160 years ago, bringing together naval architects, maritime engineers and associated professionals across 140 countries. The organisation drives innovation in the maritime sector through technical excellence, publications, events and learning programmes. With a mission to advance the art and science of their industry, they foster interdisciplinary conversation around emerging topics including artificial intelligence, decarbonisation and autonomous systems. The organisation operates in an evolving environment that values collaboration, flexibility and proactive approaches to change.

Position Overview

As Financial Controller, you will report to the Director of Finance & Resources and will lead the day-to-day finance operation, taking ownership of transactional accounting and the month-end close process. You'll maintain the general ledger, ensure data integrity across systems, and manage accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit control functions. The role involves coordinating payroll, preparing management accounts and VAT returns, supporting budget preparation and assisting with year-end accounts and audits. You'll also supervise junior finance staff and contribute to office management and health and safety responsibilities, playing a key part in the organisation's financial stability and operational success. Ambition to take on more responsibility and transition into a Finance Director role in the future is also a possibility in this role.

Responsibilities 

· Lead and oversee the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting

· Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including credit control activities (with support from Finance Assistants)

· Maintain the general ledger and ensure data integrity between accounting systems

· Coordinate payroll administration and liaise with external payroll providers

· Prepare management accounts and financial reports for internal stakeholders

· Prepare and submit VAT returns in line with regulatory requirements

· Support budget preparation and variance analysis throughout the financial year

· Assist with external audit processes and year-end financial statement preparation

· Supervise and develop junior finance team members, providing guidance and support

· Contribute to office management and health and safety responsibilities

· Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and systems efficiency

Requirements

 · Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification)

· Minimum 5 years' experience in a hands-on finance role with transactional accounting responsibilities

· Proven experience managing month-end close and preparing management accounts

· High-level Excel proficiency and ability to work with financial data confidently

· Experience with accounting software (Sage experience is advantageous)

· Proactive self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy

· Right to work in the United Kingdom

· Experience in the not-for-profit or membership sector is advantageous

· Familiarity with CRM systems is advantageous

Benefits 

· Salary: £50-55k

· 27 days annual holiday plus long service leave

· 7% employer pension contribution

· Hybrid working arrangement (office and home-based)

· Standard working hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm

· Opportunity to develop and mentor junior finance staff

· Exposure to a global membership organisation operating across multiple countries

Alongside this competitive benefits package, you'll join a collaborative organisation that values flexibility, proactive problem-solving and cross-functional teamwork. Our client operates in an exciting strategic phase, welcoming individuals who thrive in evolving environments and enjoy variety in their work.

How to Apply 

If you're a qualified accountant with strong hands-on finance experience and the skills to succeed in this role, we'd like to hear from you.

Please send your CV by the closing date of Wednesday 21st January at 12 noon.

Interviews will be held in late January and early February.

About MSF UK

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) provides life-saving medical care to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters and exclusion from healthcare. MSF UK exists to maximise the support we provide to this work — by raising funds, advocating for patients, and ensuring our organisation is strong, accountable and sustainable.

MSF UK has grown significantly over the past 5 years, almost doubling our income to just under £100m. As MSF UK enters a new strategic period to 2031, with ambitious plans to grow income further and increase our impact for patients, the strength, resilience and integrity of our financial foundations have never been more important.

The Role

The Financial Controller plays a critical role in safeguarding MSF UK’s resources so they can be used where they are needed most.

You will lead the financial accounting function, ensuring MSF UK’s finances are accurate, compliant and well-controlled, while also driving continuous improvement in systems and processes. Building on strong existing foundations, you will help modernise and streamline financial operations so they remain fit for a growing and increasingly complex organisation.

Working closely with the Director of Finance & Services, the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis and colleagues across MSF UK and the wider MSF movement, you will ensure that financial stewardship actively supports humanitarian impact.

What You’ll Do

You will lead MSF UK’s financial accounting function, balancing rigour, efficiency and service. This includes:

• Ensuring strong financial stewardship: leading statutory accounts, audit, tax compliance and regulatory reporting, including to MSF International.
• Maintaining robust controls: safeguarding MSF UK’s assets through effective internal controls, risk management and reserves oversight.
• Overseeing core financial operations: ensuring accurate, timely processing of transactions, payments and financial records.
• Managing funds and grants: overseeing restricted and unrestricted funds and MSF grant flows, ensuring donor and organisational requirements are met.
• Leading systems and process improvement: driving automation, system enhancements and improvement projects to improve efficiency and user experience.
• Leading and developing the team: managing and supporting a high-performing financial accounting team and fostering a collaborative, improvement-focused culture.
• Trusted technical advisor: providing clear assurance and expert accounting and tax advice to senior leaders, trustees and colleagues.

About You

You are a fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with significant experience leading a financial accounting function in a complex organisation. You bring strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a commitment to integrity and transparency.

You are:

• Confident leading statutory reporting, audit and tax compliance.
• Experienced in improving systems and processes, including through technology and automation.
• A collaborative leader who values developing people and building strong relationships.
• Motivated by purpose, with a desire to use your skills to support a mission that matters.

Experience in the charity sector, managing complex VAT environments or working within international organisations is desirable.

Why Join MSF UK?

You’ll join a values-driven organisation where strong financial control is seen as fundamental to humanitarian impact. You’ll be trusted to lead, improve and innovate — ensuring MSF UK remains accountable, resilient and able to respond to the needs of patients around the world.

If you are motivated by MSF’s mission and want your financial leadership to make a meaningful difference, we would love to hear from you.

Recruitment timetable

Application deadline: Sunday 25th January

Shortlisting:week of 26th January

First stage interviews: week of 2nd February

Second stage interviews:        week of 9th February

How to apply:

Please send your CV and letter of motivation via the link by Sunday 25th January. For an informal conversation about the role, please contact our exclusive partner, Bryony Thomas via the Allen Lane agency website.

MSF UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from all sections of our diverse community.

Depaul UK is exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a new Financial Controller to join their team on a permanent basis. Depaul UK is a national charity that delivers a wide range of support and housing services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness.

Reporting into the Executive Director of Finance & IT, this Financial Controller role at Depaul UK is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal leadership position in a fast-moving, high-impact charity. You will lead a busy finance team, embed a new finance system, and ensure robust financial controls, while gaining exposure to both the charity’s consolidated operations and its rapidly expanding housing subsidiary. This role offers exceptional potential for growth and a clear pathway into broader finance leadership.

The organisation:

Depaul UK has worked for 30 years to support people facing homelessness. Depaul UK delivers a wide range of support and housing services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. We specialise in the provision of services that prevent homelessness, increase the resilience of those we work with, and energise opportunities for employment, education, training and volunteering in the communities in which we work. Our service provision reaches from Newcastle to Greater Manchester to London - with plans to grow our business in response to increasing need. 

Homelessness is a complex and constantly evolving challenge. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution and Depaul UK believe no one should have to sleep in an unsafe place or be held back from achieving their potential. Each year, they support and empower thousands of young people to find a safe place to call home, a chance to thrive and a brighter future.

The key duties of the Financial Controller will be as follows:

• Lead on the preparation of year-end financial reporting across the group
• Support the preparation of Depaul UK Trustees report and lead on the annual statutory audit process
• Develop and maintain a full set of financial policies and procedures which support the charity to deliver its aims
• Review and streamline controls and processes, including greater automation/ integration with other business systems
• Act as a finance subject matter expert, providing accounting advice to the team and wider organisation
• Prepare monthly management accounts for Depaul Housing Services
• Ensure the interests of the function are represented at internal committees
• Supervise the processing of all financial transactions and payroll, ensuring adequate documentary support, correct coding and appropriate authorisation
• Ensure month end timetable is adhered to, making sure that all bank and control account reconciliations have been carried out
• Ensure all income and expenditure is appropriately analysed and restricted and designated funds are correctly accounted for

The successful candidate will have:

• A full, recognised accounting qualification, or be in the final stages
• Ideally, a background working in the charity or social housing sectors, but this is by no means essential
• Demonstrable experience working in a strong internal control environment and driving effective month and/or year-end routines
• The ability to lead and develop a high performing team
• Excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to work within a cross-functional Leadership Team to continuously improve the service

Candidates who are looking to make their first move from practice into industry are also strongly encouraged to apply!

This role can be based in either London, Manchester or Whitley Bay, with hybrid working policies in place, requiring only two days per week to be worked from the office, with the rest from home. Please note that salary differs by location:

• London: £64,282
• Manchester: £63,782
• Regional: £60,782

Applications are open until Sunday 18^th January, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 26^th January. CVs will be under continuous review in advance of this date so please submit your application today to make sure you don’t miss out!