Financial Controller

Ivy Rock Partners is pleased to be working exclusively with a leading London-based arts and cultural organisation to appoint a Financial Controller to join its finance team.

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified finance professional to take ownership of the organisation’s financial control environment, statutory reporting, cash flow management and finance systems, while playing a key role within a small and collaborative finance function.

Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Financial Controller will lead a team across transactions, payroll and finance administration, working closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

The Opportunity

The Financial Controller will be responsible for ensuring a robust financial control environment and the accurate, timely delivery of financial and statutory reporting.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the external audit process and preparation of statutory financial statements.
• Managing statutory and regulatory submissions, including VAT, corporation tax, PAYE and pension reporting.
• Leading monthly financial accounting and group consolidation.
• Taking ownership of the balance sheet and ensuring robust monthly reconciliations.
• Overseeing accounting for restricted funds.
• Owning the organisation’s financial and cash controls, including purchase orders, payroll and expenses.
• Supporting the preparation of budgets, forecasts and longer-term financial plans.
• Leading balance sheet and cash flow planning, reporting and analysis.
• Producing detailed weekly and monthly cash flow forecasts.
• Managing borrowings, investments and cash deposits, ensuring appropriate controls and compliance.
• Overseeing payroll operations and associated reporting and compliance.
• Taking ownership of the finance system and chart of accounts.
• Acting as a finance systems superuser and supporting the training of new users.
• Driving continuous improvement across finance systems, processes and controls.
• Providing financial guidance and support to colleagues across the wider organisation.
• Leading, developing and coaching members of the Finance team.

About You

We are looking for a technically strong and experienced finance professional who is comfortable operating across financial control, statutory reporting, audit, systems and team management.

You will ideally have:

• A recognised CCAB accountancy qualification.
• Strong technical accounting experience.
• Proven experience managing external audits, either within an audit firm or on the client side.
• Experience improving financial processes and systems.
• Previous line management and/or coaching experience.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Strong analytical and data skills.
• Excellent organisational, written and verbal communication skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to build strong relationships across different departments.
• Experience within the arts, charity, cultural or wider not-for-profit sector would be particularly relevant, although candidates with transferable experience from other complex organisations will also be considered.

The Organisation

Our client is an established and highly regarded arts and cultural organisation based in London, with a strong public profile and a broad programme of work.

The Finance team plays an important role in supporting the organisation’s continued delivery and ensuring strong financial governance across its operations.

This role would suit a qualified accountant looking for a broad Financial Controller position with significant ownership across financial control, statutory reporting, cash management, systems and team leadership.

Salary & Benefits

• £55,000–£60,000 salary
• Permanent, full-time position
• Hybrid working, with a minimum of three days per week in the London office
• 25 days’ annual leave, increasing with service, plus bank holidays
• Enhanced pension contributions
• Enhanced sick pay
• Family-friendly and enhanced parental leave policies
• Professional learning and development opportunities
• Wellbeing and mental health support
• Volunteer day
• Staff events and employee benefits

How to Apply

If you are a qualified accountant with strong financial control experience and are interested in exploring this opportunity, please apply with your CV or contact Ivy Rock Partners for a confidential conversation.

Ivy Rock Partners is managing this recruitment process on behalf of the organisation.