Interim Financial Controller job at Brixton Full Time

Closing: This role has no specific closing date.

Job Description

The Financial Controller is a management-level role responsible for the overall financial control and management of the organisation. This is a hands-on role where you will execute and own the financial operations, while ensuring the precision and integrity of all financial records, including verifying the work of outsourced bookkeepers. As a fully qualified accounting professional, you will verify the accuracy of the organisation’s financial operations and ensure strict adherence to UK accounting standards and financial controls. You will provide the Head of Finance and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with strategic, high-quality reports for decision-making, budgeting, and the annual audit.

Core Responsibilities

Financial Operations & Bookkeeping

• Verify the accuracy of all ledger entries and day-to-day financial transactions.
• Perform bank reconciliations and review the work of outsourced bookkeepers to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Own and manage the Pleo expense management platform, personally verifying that data exports to QuickBooks are correct and reconciled monthly.
• Personally maintain detailed financial documentation and audit trails to meet all statutory requirements.
• Review technical accounting treatments for restricted funds within QuickBooks to ensure compliance with donor requirements and charity law.
• Monitor and review accounts receivable and payable ledgers, taking a lead role in reporting on debtor and creditor ageing.
• Arrange and process all outgoing payments, including approved staff expenses and supplier invoices, while strictly enforcing the organisation’s Expenses Policy.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns and Gift Aid claims, ensuring total compliance with HMRC regulations.
• Act as the senior technical lead for financial queries, designing and upholding robust internal controls across the organisation.
• Liaise with and manage the relationship with the outsourced payroll provider, reviewing monthly pay runs for accuracy.

Financial Reporting & Budgeting

• Prepare month-end management accounts, ensuring all accruals, prepayments, and adjustments are accurately posted.
• Prepare and distribute budget templates to budget holders, offering technical guidance throughout the annual budget cycle.
• Consolidate sub-budgets into a master draft for review by the Head of Finance.
• Provide analytical support to budget holders to enable effective variance analysis and ongoing budget monitoring.
• Create bespoke financial reports and granular project budgets to facilitate scenario planning, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making.

Audit & Process Maintenance

• Coordinate the annual audit process, acting as the primary technical point of contact for external auditors.
• Manage the audit testing process, ensuring all evidence and documentation are provided accurately and on time.
• Contribute to the preparation of the Trustees’ Report, audit schedules, and draft accounts. Provide technical feedback on draft financial statements to auditors.
• Oversee the production timeline and data requirements for the Annual Report.
• Maintain and update financial policies and record-keeping systems to ensure they remain fit for purpose. Develop clear process documentation where necessary.
• Identify and implement practical optimisations to financial systems and procedures to increase organisational efficiency and automation.

Essential Skills and Qualifications

• Professional Qualification: Fully qualified CCAB accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). This role requires a professional capable of advanced financial management and strategic oversight.
• Technical Experience: At least 5 years of significant post-qualification experience in a senior financial management or control role.
• Software Proficiency: Proven experience using financial software such as QuickBooks, Xero, or Sage.
• Financial Knowledge: A deep understanding of chart of accounts structures, cash/accrual-based accounting, and the distinction between restricted and unrestricted fund accounting.
• Communication: Ability to translate financial data into clear, actionable information for non-finance staff.

REF-228 944