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 26th-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.
Our mission is: To repair, restore and maintain the park and palace for the recreation and enjoyment of the public forever.
We are looking for a passionate and creative Head of Brand, Communications & Marketing to lead the next stage of our journey.
This is an exciting, strategic and hands‑on leadership role for someone who can confidently amplify our brand in the public sphere, drive meaningful engagement, and increase both supporter and beneficiary acquisition.
What You’ll Do
Reporting to the Director of Income Generation & Marketing and leading a small, high‑performing team, you will:
Brand, Communications & PR
- Lead and evolve Life’s brand strategy, ensuring clarity and consistency across all channels.
- Raise Life’s visibility with powerful campaigns that engage beneficiaries, supporters, volunteers and the public.
- Oversee media relations, PR activity, reputation management and crisis communications.
- Support and strengthen internal communications across the organisation.
Marketing Leadership
- Develop innovative marketing strategies that grow reach, impact and sustainability.
- Drive supporter and beneficiary acquisition through targeted, insight‑led campaigns.
- Use data, analytics and performance metrics to continuously improve marketing effectiveness.
- Provide inspiring leadership and development to the Marketing & Comms Team.
Digital Strategy
- Lead Life’s digital marketing approach, including SEO, paid social, PPC, email, content and inbound marketing.
- Create effective user journeys and optimise conversion rates through testing and analytics.
- Oversee engaging social media content and paid advertising campaigns.
- Ensure high‑quality digital design, content, and brand guardianship.
Website & Content
- Support the development of Life’s website, focusing on optimisation, content quality and user experience.
- Oversee high‑quality storytelling that reflects Life’s values and mission.
About You
You’ll be a confident, creative and strategic leader who brings:
- At least 5 years’ experience in digital marketing, communications or brand roles (charity sector experience desirable).
- Proven experience developing and delivering brand, digital and communications strategies.
- Strong understanding of digital marketing trends, analytics and audience insight.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience managing budgets and leading a team.
- A warm, values‑driven approach aligned with Life’s mission of humanity, solidarity, community and compassion.
About Life:
Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.
Our services include:
- Supported housing and community support
- Counselling and skilled listening
- Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies
Our values :
All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:
- Humanity – All people are special and equal
- Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
- Community – We’re better together
- Charity – Doing good for one another
- Common good – Building a better world
Information about the role:
For further information, please see the attached job description.
Salary: £40,000 – £44,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week (part time considered)
Location: Remote
Benefits:
At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:
- Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
- Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
- Additional annual leave for long term service
- Company Pension Scheme
- Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge
Safeguarding and Equality:
Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.