Financial Controller

These funds are then distributed across a diverse array of international programmes, with an underlying focus on supporting endangered species and ecosystems, along with the local communities trying to protect them.

The role of Financial Controller has been newly created to support the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, with responsibilty for all financial processes, controls and risk management across the organisation. In addition, the Financial Controller will have overall responsibility for internal and external financial reporting, including crucial oversight of the programme funding pipeline. This is a pivotal role, supporting the leadership team and trustees with their strategic decision-making and financial planning by placing data analytics at the heart of the organisation’s success.

Responsibilities

Leading the finance function, the Financial Controller will ensure the provision of high-quality financial accounting support to the organisation, implementing best practices to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of financial processes.

The role will support the Executive Director with strategic financial planning, annual budgeting and periodic forecasting, as well as providing financial analysis, cash flow management, and foreign exchange monitoring. The FC will need to use data analytics to provide critical insights into the organisation’s processes, working with the Information Systems Manager to utilise Tableau to its full potential. Working with other members of the Finance & Operations team, the FC will lead the drive to streamline business processes and link systems to automate reporting.

The position is also responsible for all aspects of financial compliance and risk management, maintaining a strong internal control environment and working with the Operations Team to establish controls for data management. The FC will lead on the preparation of statutory annual accounts and the external audit, taking responsibility for compliance with all finance-related regulations and tax obligations.

Outside of finance, the Financial Controller will oversee the funding pipeline and the organisational due diligence process for partners, liaising with the programme team to ensure timely and accurate delivery of programme funding streams. Managing the link between Finance and the operational teams, the role will also oversee the integrity of funding data, providing information to key stakeholders for decision-making in what is an integral role in the deployment of funds in a timely and efficient manner.

Qualifications

We are looking for a qualified accountant with proven experience of leading a finance function, along with a track record of supporting and influencing leadership teams. Expertise in UK GAAP is essential and experience managing relationships with external partners such as auditors, banks and investments houses is highly relevant, as is experience managing cash holdings, investments and foreign exchange.

The successful candidate for this Financial Controller role must be highly adept with systems, possessing advanced data skills and experience with SQL databases and systems interfaces, along with the ability to make innovative improvements to technology that drive efficiencies and enhance the provision of management information. Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills are essential, both to influence and support others across the organisation and to successfully lead and develop the finance team. Experience overseeing a funding pipeline would be highly relevant, and while a prior track record in the charity sector is not required, a strong interest in conservation is essential.

Apply

To apply for this Financial Controller role, please press the apply button.

Please note that due to the expected volume of applications, we will only be able to respond to those candidates whose experience matches the requirements of our client. We are sorry, but if you have not heard from us within the next ten days, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Walker Hamill has been a specialist finance and strategy recruiter for over 30 years. We have an extensive client group, including major multinational listed organisations, private equity backed businesses and privately-owned companies. We recruit across all sectors and have particularly strong client relationships in media, retail, pharma/biotech, technology, property/real estate, leisure, and business services. Headquartered in London, we have additional offices in continental Europe.