As a senior member of the Finance team, the Financial Controller will lead the day-to-day finance function, manage a small team and contribute to the continuous improvement of financial systems, processes and controls.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
- Finance Director
- Finance Team
- Executive Management Committee
- Budget Holders and Department Managers
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA)
- Auditors
- Bankers
- HMRC
- Suppliers and other stakeholders
Financial Control & Compliance
- Lead the financial control environment across all legal entities, ensuring accurate accounting records, appropriate controls and compliance with statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements
- Oversee the preparation of statutory accounts, audit schedules, VAT compliance, ONS reporting and other external reporting obligations
- Maintain and improve finance policies, procedures, delegated authority controls and financial governance frameworks
Statutory Accounts & Audit
- Lead the year-end close process and preparation of statutory accounts for all entities under the direction of Finance Director
- Coordinate the external audit process, acting as a key point of contact for auditors and ensuring timely delivery of audit information
- Ensure audit findings and control recommendations are addressed effectively
Treasury, Banking & Cash Flow
- Oversee cash flow management, treasury operations, banking relationships and working capital controls
- Ensure appropriate oversight of liquidity, bank reconciliations, payment approvals and foreign currency exposure
- Maintain strong controls over bank mandates, payment processes and cash handling arrangements
Balance Sheet & Accounting Control
- Ensure regular review and reconciliation of balance sheet accounts, control accounts, intercompany balances, accruals, prepayments and fixed assets
- Oversee month-end and year-end accounting processes to ensure completeness, accuracy and appropriate accounting treatment
- Review journals, reconciliations and supporting schedules prepared by the Finance team
- Support with information requirements on Board and Committee matters
- Ensuring all aspects of MoFA funding requirements are adhered to in a timely manner
VAT, Tax & Regulatory Reporting
- Oversee VAT compliance across all entities, including review of returns and supporting documentation
- Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements and other relevant statutory obligations
- Oversee ONS submissions and other compliance reporting requirements
Procurement & Governance
- Ensure effective financial oversight of procurement, purchase order controls, and delegated authority arrangements
- Support compliance with procurement policies and value-for-money requirements
- Strengthen financial governance, documentation and approval processes across the organisation
Team Management
- Manage the delivery of accounts payable, accounts receivable, credit control, reconciliations, supplier payments and finance administration
- Lead, develop and support the Finance Accountant, Accounts Executive and Accounts Assistant
- Ensure clear responsibilities, appropriate segregation of duties and resilience within the Finance team
Other Duties
- Provide support and cover for the Financial Planning & Analysis Manager and other members of the Finance team as required
- Contribute to cross-functional projects and organisational initiatives to support effective financial management and organisational objectives
- Contribute to finance system transformation and continuous improvement initiatives
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the level and responsibilities of the role