Finance controller jobs in City of london, england

Harris Hill is recruiting for a Financial Controller for this Community-Based, Charity based in Central London (Hybrid)

• Position: Full Time, Flexible Working
• Hybrid: A minimum of 2 days a week is required at their offices in Central London, plus Board Meetings.
• Salary: £55.000pa
• Report to: Director of Finance
• Management: 2 Staff
• Qualifications: A Qualified Accountant, or a finalist.
• Essential: Qualified Accountant and Charity SORP experience

The Role

• Lead the budgeting process, ensuring that all budget holders set realistic budgets, and work with the Director of Finance to ensure that organisational priorities are reflected in proposed budgets.
• Oversee the processing of income and expenditure, and the production of monthly and quarterly management accounts.
• Production of monthly/quarterly management account summaries as required by the Group CEO and any other budget holders.
• Hold budget holders to account for monthly variances, identify and manage financial risk and work with the Director of Finance to minimise the impact on the organisation.
• Work with the Group CEO to ensure that funds are only used in line with the objects/charitable purposes of the organisation, and that checks are in place to ensure income is spent in line with any restrictions.
• Manage cash flow, ensuring organisations remain solvent and reporting on whether organisations are living within their means.
• Ensure financial returns are completed to HMRC, charity commission and companies house and other such bodies in a timely manner.
• Manage the year end finance processes, leading to the production of accurate statutory accounts.
• Oversee the management of any investments.
• Set, communicate and monitor the adherence to appropriate financial policies and procedures, contributing to financial accountability at all levels of the organisation.
• Lead and manage the development of finance systems that are fit for purpose across the group.
• Lead the consolidation of accounts across the group, the production of statutory accounts and work with our external auditors to ensure accounts are signed off in a timely fashion.
• Ensure operates in line with current GAAP and SORP and follows and guidance from the Charity Commission on matters relating to finance.
• Provide reports and commentary to boards and senior management, including the Group finance committee, as appropriate.
• Communicate with our bankers, building a strong working relationship and undertaking investigative work as required.
• Liaise directly with auditors to prove that information within the accounts is correct.

Financial Controller sought for thriving youth charity

28 hrs per week, flexible

Salary £33k-£36k (£47k-£51k FTE) dependant on experience  

London W10

Job Description

This is a responsible position managing the accounts and payroll of a medium-sized West London youth charity. The role is central to maintaining the charity’s financial wellbeing and thereby enhancing opportunities for young people.

It is a part-time role, with plenty of flexibility. Working from home and coming into our office at least once a week, you can spread the weekly hours across 3, 4 or 5 days – whatever works for you. You’ll be working closely with the Treasurer, Chief Executive, Fundraiser and Programme Director as well as our HR Manager and Operations Manager, with whom you will share some admin support.

About us

As a leading London youth club, our work is challenging but very rewarding.

For over 40 years The Avenues Youth Project has provided a safe space for young people aged 8 to 18 to play, socialise, acquire and develop skills and receive advice and motivation.

In an area of north Westminster with plenty of social challenges, The Avenues is seen as a beacon organisation, hugely valued by our community and widely respected in the youth sector.

Our standards are high; we are recognised by Westminster City Council as one of three key youth hubs in the borough and, in 2024, were re-awarded London Youth’s prestigious three-year Gold Level Quality Mark, one of only nine youth organisations to hold this badge of excellence.

Our team is professional, hard-working and great fun to work with.

Each one of us is passionate about giving every child and young person the opportunity and support to make the most of their future, regardless of their background, and we apply the same principle to those who work at Avenues.

Role Requirements

· Manage day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable/grants claims, bank reconciliations, general accounting functions.

· Perform monthly journals and reconciliation of balance sheet/control accounts, including accruals, prepayments, deferred income and fixed assets.

· Claim monthly the Gift Aid that has not already been collected through donation platforms.

· Produce timely and accurate monthly reports for budget holders to help them effectively manage their budgets, ensuring that spend is being properly tracked and allocated against programmes and grants/donations.

· Hold regular meetings with budget holders following the production of the monthly reports.

· Work with the CEO, Treasurer, Fundraiser and programme/operational budget holders where necessary to:

o Provide the Finance Committee with a monthly dashboard

o Co-ordinate the annual budget process, and produce quarterly financial forecasts.

o Manage cashflow projection

· Support the Monitoring and Evaluation manager with donor reports

· Liaise with the auditors throughout the audit process, providing supporting schedules and  grant documentation in support of the TB figures provided.

· Prepare the statutory annual accounts for review by the auditors.

· Manage payroll (30+staff), pensions and the allocation of project personnel costs. This includes liaison with the HR and programme managers to ensure the Employment Hero payroll system is processing HR information and timesheets correctly.

· Process improvement – work with key stakeholders to ensure that finance processes are fit for purpose and implementing change where improvements can/should be made.

· Ensure the Avenues has appropriate internal controls in place and is meeting all tax and audit obligations.

· Preparation and maintenance of a finance manual.

· Deal with general finance queries, both externally and from members of the team

· Co-supervise the finance and operations administrator

Person Requirements

· Accountancy qualification eg- ACA/CIMA/ACCA/AAT Professional Level or QBE

· Demonstrable experience of working in a similar role.

· Previous experience in the charity sector would be highly desirable although not essential.

· Good knowledge of QuickBooks system and proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel.

· Experience of process improvement and system implementation an advantage.

· Strong communication skills well versed in speaking finance with non-finance colleagues.

· Ability to adhere to deadlines

· Confident in holding self and others to account

· Ability to work to high standards, without needing detailed supervision

Avenues is an Equal Opportunities employer welcoming people from all backgrounds.

Avenues puts the safety of our members first. Candidates are subject to an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check. 

Alexandra Palace is partnering exclusively with Robertson Bell in their search for a permanent Financial Controller. Alexandra Palace is one of London’s most iconic destinations. For over 150 years, it has stood as a beacon of creativity, community and culture - home to world-first innovations, unforgettable entertainment and open access to green space across 196 acres of parkland in North London.

The Financial Controller is a key role within the Finance team, supporting the Finance Director to deliver a high-quality, efficient and forward-thinking finance function across a uniquely diverse, highly commercial and operationally complex organisation.

The role:

• Support the Finance Director in delivering a robust and effective finance function, providing technical expertise and operational leadership across the organisation.
• Lead the preparation of statutory financial statements and play a central role in managing the annual audit process, liaising with external auditors and stakeholders.
• Drive the implementation of a new accounting system, improving processes, reporting capability and financial insight across the organisation.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and process improvements to ensure accuracy, transparency and strong governance.
• Lead on payroll financial control and reporting, ensuring data integrity and robust processes.
• Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts across multiple entities, identifying risks and supporting decision-making.
• Provide financial leadership on capital projects, supporting accounting and financial oversight of major developments on site.
• Ensure timely and accurate completion of VAT and other statutory returns.
• Support the development of the finance team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and strong financial awareness across the organisation.

The organisation:

Today, Alexandra Park and Palace Charitable Trust is the custodian of this extraordinary site. As a charity, they are committed to safeguarding its heritage while continually evolving their offer to meet the needs of today’s audiences and communities. More than 4 million people visit each year to enjoy a dynamic mix of live events, festivals, exhibitions, learning and engagement programmes and community initiatives.

Operating with a blended income model - combining commercial income, public funding and philanthropic support the organisation offers a complex, engaging environment where finance plays a crucial role in enabling sustainable growth and delivering public value.

Essential criteria:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with significant relevant experience
• Demonstrable experience in a Financial Controller or similar role within a complex organisation
• Experience preparing statutory accounts within the charity / not-for-profit sector
• Experience managing external audits and working closely with auditors
• Strong financial control and balance sheet management experience
• Experience leading or supporting finance system implementation or process improvement
• Proven line management experience and ability to develop teams
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders

This role will be based at Alexandra Palace with regular on-site presence required to support collaboration across the organisation.

The closing date for applications is 12th March, with first stage interviews scheduled for 19th–20th March and second stage interviews 26^th-27th March.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis ahead of the closing date, so please submit your CV to Robertson Bell, the exclusive recruitment partner, to be considered.