Financial Controller

Role: Financial Controller

Reports into: Finance Director

You will lead the Finance team to enable the Organisation and Board to make sound financial decisions to meet its strategic objectives and operate within a strong financial control environment.

You will be responsible for preparing and analysing financial information for budget holders to ensure they have all the information they require, and budgets are well managed.

You will also be responsible for ensuring adequate financial processes and controls are in place to ensure the finances are safeguarded and proper review and sign-off of expenditure is in place.  This includes submitting compliance or other statutory returns on time and accurately.

You will bridge the gap between the Finance and Commercial teams to drive a strong income stream, lead forecasting and advise the senior leadership team on pricing and any potential income growth.

Although based in the offices at Hill Street, you will visit our visitor attraction sites and other office locations to meet and collaborate with all levels of colleagues and stakeholders.  You will provide a high-quality support service to colleagues, trustees and stakeholders according to developed policies and guidelines and wherever possible and add value within this.

What you will deliver

Monthly, Quarterly and Annual Management Information

You will provide strong financial reporting to the Finance & Audit Committee and the Board to ensure any variances are explained and regular reforecasting produced.

Cash flow forecasting

You will be responsible for the monthly cash flow forecasting by fund.

Annual Budget

You will lead the annual budget consolidation, working closely with the senior leadership team and the budget holders to identify budgetary requirements challenging these as appropriate. You will understand the commercial models within the relevant areas of the organisation and provide value and insight into pricing proposals and financial models.

Financial Statements

You will oversee the preparation of the annual financial statements and supporting working papers, liaising with auditors and stakeholders to strict deadlines.

Membership

You will manage the membership team and oversee the monthly direct debit procedures. You will provide membership KPIs to management.

Fundraising and sponsorship

You will chair the fundraising committee and have an active role to raise funds for the charity. You will be the main contact for the sponsorship program.

Commercial 

You will work closely with the Head of Commercial to advise the SMT on new ideas to increase the income of the Charity.

Internal controls and compliance

You will establish and enforce internal controls for the finance department.

Quality Assurance

You will devise, establish and document quality procedures, standards and specifications for the collection and production of financial and non-financial data for inclusion in reports to stakeholders.

Special Projects

You will be involved in producing business cases for capital or large programmes providing challenge and strong financial modelling. This would include long-term business planning, providing financial advice and guidance to support development of future site investment and product development.

Governance

You will develop and maintain your knowledge of financial reporting standards and charity accounting requirements and well as operating a strong control environment.  You will have responsibility for managing and effectively implementing corporate governance procedures, risk management and internal controls, ensuring that they are appropriately sized and enable operations to be as efficient as possible. You will lead reporting to Government ensuring we are providing them accurate with information on time.

Teamwork

You will lead and develop a high performing team helping to create a great place for you and your colleagues to work.  You will lead and manage a team of three finance officers, coaching them to enhance team performance and skills development and be accountable for their personal development, objective setting and performance reviews.

Our Values:

Guardianship:

Use it or lose it.  Help heritage have a use and value in people’s lives and in the life of the community so that everyone can help pass it on for future generations to enjoy.

Communication:

Recognise that there are many perspectives on our work.  Listen carefully both inside and outside the organisation, striving to improve mutual understanding.

Understand:

Think about the evidence first. Seek to improve knowledge so that we can act on what we know about our users, the heritage in our care and about what the Island is trying to achieve.

Inspire:

Be compelling, ‘bring imagination’ and enthusiasm to our work to motivate others to help care for heritage.

Collaborate:

Be generous in the way we work.  Help make sure the whole process of guardianship and enjoyment of heritage is open ‘for everyone’

Impact:

Look for ways our work can make a positive difference to people’s lives.  Strive for outcomes which in some way really do ‘create a better Island for everyone’.

Scope of the Role

Reports to:  Finance Director

Location: Hill Street

Working hours/Pattern: Full Time  [1950 hours per annum]

Line management:  Finance Officers (4) and Membership team (2)

Operating budget: Finance discretionary spend c £5k

Knowledge, Skills and experience needed

• A recognised accounting qualification and experience of working in a similar role within another organisation.
• Knowledge of charity accounting/reporting requirements under SORP is desirable.
• Advanced information technology (IT) skills for preparation of financial models and support of our integrated Enterprise Reporting Program (ERP).
• Commercial awareness with an understanding of the conflicting demands of a third sector organisation.
• An ability to challenge and enquire about current processes or ways of working and adopt a culture of continuous improvement.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong planning and organising skills with an ability to prioritise team workloads.
• Experience in line management and providing appropriate personal development for the team.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills enabling effective working relationships with the finance team, departmental managers and the wider organisation.
• An ability to handle unpredictable workloads, work under pressure and continue to deliver to agreed performance indicators.
• Experienced in project and programme management to support the organisations change agenda.

Interviews to be held week commencing 27 July, 2026.

For an informal chat, interested applicants can contact Bethany Brock  01534 633307