Financial Controller (Fixed Term)

Financial Controller (Fixed Term)

As part of the Leadership Team, the Financial Controller will lead the finance function during the period of the Head of Finance’s maternity leave. The group of companies comprises a charity and a subsidiary trading company. 

The Financial Controller reports to the Interim Director of Finance and is responsible for the Finance & Payroll Officer.

This contract will be for a fixed term of two (2) years. The role will allow for hybrid working, with a minimum of three days being office based.

The Financial Controller will be working closely with the Interim Director of Finance, the role of Financial Controller assumes responsibility for the day-to-day financial management of the organisation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

 Finance 

· To continue the work already underway to implement an extensive programme of change in financial processes and reporting, in order to do the following: 

1. Build resilience and robustness into the processing and accuracy of financial data. 

2. Build efficiencies into internal processes, creating additional capacity within existing (human) resource that can be deployed on other priority tasks. 

3. Implement effective, timely and dynamic reporting mechanisms for Management and Board to allow for good governance, and agile working, at all times. 

4. Provide all administrative and reporting support required for the Finance, Audit and Risk Committee.

· Implement improvements of financial systems, particularly the accounting package (and associated apps) operated in order to: 

1. Ensure DRSDTL operates on the most effective, efficient and affordable package available. 

2. Improve the accuracy of the accounting records 

3. Support and implement the implementation/migration plan for any change of accounting (and other management) software when agreed. 

4. Ensure the accuracy of the accounting transactions for VAT and to support the annual TTR calculation.  

· Timeously prepare management accounts and annual budget for review by senior management and onward presentation to the Board

· Prepare and distribute departmental financial information. Review and discuss with department heads to facilitate a greater understanding of their contribution to whole organisation. 

· Oversee and review the processing of weekly and monthly payroll and expense claims and ensuring reporting to HMRC is completed in a timely manner.

· Contributing and assisting with the end of year Audit process.

· Contributing and assisting with the compilation of financial information for external funders.   

SUPPORTING TASKS 

· Supporting and mentoring the other members of the finance team 

· Liaising with the Interim HR Manager as and when required to support efficient on boarding of new staff to payroll and Sage HR  

Any Other Duties

The duties and responsibilities set out should not be regarded as exhaustive. The post-holder may be required to undertake other duties and responsibilities which are appropriate with the level of the role.

The post-holder may also be required, from time to time, to carry out duties that would not normally be associated with the post on a temporary basis where there is a strong organisational requirement. The post-holder would be given appropriate training and equipment to perform any duties of this kind.

Person Specification

Financial Controller (Fixed Term)

Essential

If you do not demonstrate that you meet all the below criteria in your application, you may not be shortlisted.

1. Chartered account qualified or equivalent level through professional experience. 

2. Robust understanding of VAT with experience of partial exemption preferable 

3. Significant Preparation of management accounts, annual budgets and cashflows 

4. Managing a finance team 

Desirable

If we need to choose between candidates who meet the essential criteria, we may take the below factors into account.

5. Knowledge of accounting for charities and restricted funds 

6. Experience of working in the UK cultural sector

7. Knowledge of Xero & Sage accounting software