Steamship Shieldhall is seeking to appoint an experienced freelance Commercial Manager to build new income streams to support the ongoing operation, conservation and sustainability of one of the country's most significant historic ships.
Shieldhall is berthed year-round in Southampton and welcomes passengers and visitors on board from 110 Berth in the Western Docks. She is capable of carrying up to 220 passengers and from spring to autumn each year operates a programme of public sailings ranging from two hour trips to full day cruises. She is also open for alongside events, and is available for private charters. In addition, she can be hired for use alongside such as for training activities, meetings, functions and filming.
The Commercial Manager will be responsible for identifying and realising new opportunities for revenue generation for Steamship Shieldhall, as well as supporting Shieldhall’s experienced volunteers with maximising income from existing activities.
This commission is an important element of the “Steamship Shieldhall: towards 2055, the next 10 years” project which is supported by a Development Phase grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The appointment is intended to cover both the Development Phase and the first two years of the Delivery Phase of our project but will include a break-clause between the two phases. The Delivery Phase contract is contingent on a successful Delivery Phase grant application to the Heritage Fund
The successful candidate will have the right to set their own hours of work and will determine in agreement with the Shieldhall charity how best to undertake the work. This commision could be provided through self-employed individual, partnership or limited company.
Registered Charity 
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The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Financial Controller
£60,000 - £65,000 | Permanent | 4 day working week (Full Time) | London Hybrid
Take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, and technical accounting while helping shape the future of CIPFA's finance function whilst they are undergoing transformation!
CIPFA is exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a Financial Controller to join their finance team in a newly created role. This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of financial control, statutory reporting, treasury, tax and compliance, while helping drive the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.
As the professional body for people in public finance, CIPFA is committed to supporting better public services through excellence in financial management and governance. This role will play a key part in ensuring the organisation continues to operate with strong financial stewardship while supporting future growth and organisational priorities.
Why this Financial Controller role stands out:
- A genuine four-day working week – work Monday to Thursday, enjoy Fridays off, and take the full salary home (it is not pro rata!).
- Newly created position with the opportunity to shape the role and influence the future direction of the finance function.
- Strategic exposure – partner with senior leaders on commercial opportunities, international activity, and organisational initiatives.
- Drive improvement and transformation across systems, controls, reporting, and finance processes.
- Clear progression potential – gain exposure well beyond traditional financial control responsibilities, with the potential to develop into a broader finance leadership role over time.
What you'll do – and what you'll gain:
- Play a leading role in statutory reporting, year-end processes, audits, treasury management, and tax compliance.
- Act as the organisation's technical accounting expert, ensuring compliance with charity accounting standards and evolving regulations.
- Support strategic projects by providing insight into financial, tax, treasury, and compliance implications.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen controls, improve reporting, and maximise the value of finance systems.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of a modern, high-performing finance function.
What you'll need:
- Experience preparing charity statutory accounts and managing year-end audits, either in industry or practice.
- Strong knowledge of charity accounting, VAT and SORP FRS102.
- A proactive approach to process improvement and problem-solving.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills and the confidence to challenge constructively.
- A recognised accounting qualification is desirable, although exceptional relevant experience will also be considered.
Location & Working Pattern:
The organisation operates a 32-hour full-time working week, with employees typically working 9:00am - 5:30pm Monday to Thursday (including a 30-minute lunch break) and enjoying Fridays off.
Hybrid working is in place, with 1-2 days per week in the London office.
Ready to make your mark?
This is an excellent opportunity to join an organisation investing in its finance function and creating an environment where technical expertise, innovation, and continuous improvement are genuinely valued.
The deadline for applications is on Sunday 5th July, but CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are encouraged to ensure you don’t miss out!
