Financial Controller

The Football Foundation is seeking a Financial Controller to join their team. With a salary range of £54,000 – £60,000 per annum, plus benefits, the successful candidate will play a crucial role in helping the Foundation transform lives and strengthen communities through grassroots football.

Based in London, the role will involve a hybrid working arrangement, splitting time between the Foundation’s office and remote work. The Football Foundation is a charity supported by the Premier League, The FA, and the government, working to improve local football facilities through grants. By doing so, they aim to enhance the quality of games and increase participation, ultimately making a positive impact on communities with the greatest demand.

The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the day-to-day financial accounting function, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and timeliness of financial matters. This includes overseeing financial controls, preparing management accounts, and annual statutory accounts. The Financial Controller will also lead the audit process and be responsible for financial reporting, budget control, and maintaining accounting systems and policies.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant with at least two years of post-qualification experience in a relevant finance role. They should have knowledge of VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and Charities SORP. Strong organisational, planning, and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail, are essential. The candidate should also possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to provide excellent customer service to colleagues.

In terms of values, the Football Foundation seeks individuals who exhibit fairness, trustworthiness, collaboration, and flexibility. They are committed to diversity, equality, and inclusion and encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups, including diverse ethnic communities, individuals with disabilities, and the LGBTQI community.

Benefits of the role include a generous pension scheme, annual leave, bank holidays, additional time off for volunteering, free healthcare provision, a monthly gym subsidy, death in service benefit, and access to selected match tickets. The Foundation also promotes a healthy work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements.

To apply for the role, candidates should submit their CV, a cover letter outlining their suitability for the position, and complete an anonymous Equal Opportunities form. The closing date for applications is 9:00 am on Monday 20 November 2023, with interviews scheduled for the week commencing 27 November 2023. Eligibility to work in the UK is a requirement for application.

1. Can you tell us about your experience managing financial accounting functions? 2. How have you ensured timely and accurate management of finance matters in your previous role? 3. Have you had experience preparing monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts? Can you describe your role in the audit process? 4. How have you managed cash flow and fixed assets in previous roles? 5. Can you explain your knowledge of VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and Charities SORP? 6. How do you ensure strong financial controls and safeguarding of assets in your work? 7. Have you been involved in the development and maintenance of accounting systems, policies, and procedures? Can you provide an example? 8. How do you approach budget control and financial reporting? 9. How do you prioritize and manage your work to ensure deadlines are met? 10. Can you tell us about a time when you provided excellent customer service to your colleagues in a finance role?

• What are the key priorities and objectives for the Financial Controller role?
• Can you provide more information about the hybrid working arrangement and the split between the office and home?
• What is the size and scope of the financial accounting function that the Financial Controller will be responsible for managing?
• What are the main challenges and opportunities that the Financial Controller will face in this role?
• Can you provide more information about the benefits package and any additional perks or incentives for the role?