Financial Controller at FIRST
Location: Gateshead, North East, UK
Job Type: 21 hours
Salary – £40,000 - £45,000
About FIRST:
FIRST is a pioneering learning and development agency, empowering enterprise skills and entrepreneurship in collaboration with government, employers, education and community organisations. Our accredited courses, workshops, consultancy, and events inspire courage, self-belief and motivation, giving learners equitable opportunities to progress into meaningful education, decent work or resilient self-employment.
Specifically working with underrepresented groups, our work facilitates inclusive economic growth by challenging the status quo and improving the quality of entry-level teaching and learning within enterprise skills and entrepreneurship.
Based on Gateshead Quayside, UK, the team is made up of 14 employees with a non-executive director board to support and maintain quality during this exciting period of growth.
Our Culture:
The FIRST team takes pride in our fun, supportive and innovative approach to project design, delivery and evaluation. As team players, we are positive and professional creative thinkers with the shared desire to do the right thing and produce meaningful project outcomes for learners, clients and our wider society.
Job Overview:
As FIRST's first Financial Controller, you will lead all the finances in this standalone role. Initially, you'll manage all daily financial tasks and report to the Managing Director. As the business expands, your role will include building a finance team, aligned with our ethos of empowerment and inclusive growth. As the team forms, you will shift to a strategic role, overseeing the department and delegating daily financial operations to your team.
Is it right for you?
* Desires a meaningful shift from traditional corporate settings to make a positive societal impact.
* Is passionate about helping people and impacting society positively through their work.
* Is looking for a senior role within the SMT.
* Values working in a smaller organisation where decisions are made quickly, and impact is immediate.
* Wants to be involved in the entire project lifecycle, witnessing direct outcomes.
* Is eager to explore leadership and shape the finance department.
* Is excited to work closely with an award-winning team of innovators.
Key Responsibilities
This role requires a high level of financial acumen, attention to detail, strategic thinking, and leadership qualities to manage the complex financial needs of FIRST effectively. You will be supported by a senior team with duties to include:
Financial Management and Accounting
* Maintain accurate financial records, including general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, and bank reconciliations.
* Issue invoices to customers, record sales internally, and monitor supplier invoices to ensure charges are correct and payments are timely.
* Manage employee expenses, ensuring accurate recording and payment.
* Prepare and file quarterly VAT returns, ensuring compliance with partial exemption VAT rules.
* Prepare and file statutory accounts with Companies House and HMRC.
Budgeting and Forecasting
* Maintain and update the company’s cash flow forecast weekly.
* Prepare, monitor, and revise annual budgets in collaboration with department heads.
* Monitor project costs, ensuring they align with budget and company targets.
Financial Reporting
* Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports for internal stakeholders.
* Develop financial presentations for board meetings and participate in discussions to provide insights and advice.
Risk Management and Compliance
* Develop and enforce internal financial policies and procedures to ensure accountability and compliance with regulations.
* Conduct periodic internal audits and liaise with external accountants to meet reporting needs.
* Identify financial risks and implement strategies to mitigate them while ensuring adequate insurance coverage.
Client and Contract Management
* Prepare and send quotes to customers to secure purchase orders.
* Monitor costs attached to various contracts and track performance against budgets.
Cash Flow and Liquidity Management
* Monitor and manage cash flow to ensure sufficient funds for operational needs.
* Maximise returns on bank balances and implement effective liquidity strategies.
Strategic and Operational Support
* Provide financial advice to non-financial managers, helping them optimise performance.
* Participate in management and company-wide meetings to provide encouragement, motivation, and financial insights.
Continuous Improvement
* Assess and improve financial systems and processes to ensure efficiency and accuracy.
* Stay updated on the latest trends and best practices in financial management.
Leadership and Team Management
* Build the finance department, ensuring it is well-equipped to meet the company’s needs.
* Line manage finance team members, delegating operational tasks and fostering professional development.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related field, professional accounting qualification (ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) are desirable. However, if you can demonstrate in your cover letter and during the interview, substantial practical experience, and a history of creating value in a small business environment, we welcome your application even without these qualifications.
Experience:
* Sector specific experience working within an education or training setting.
* Experience of working with public sector contracts.
* Experience in managing an organisation's finances, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
* Experience with financial compliance, auditing, and risk management.
* Proven track record of effectively working with internal and external stakeholders.
Benefits:
* Flexible working hours - Monday 7 hours and Wednesday 7 hours are essential, further 7 hours are flexible.
* Working from home options (based on business need).
* Support into a trusteeship/governance role with paid time off to carry out these extra-curricular community duties.
* 28 days holiday, including bank holidays (pro rata) with a day off for your birthday and after 2 years of employment, additional paid time off during the festive break.
* Canteen on site.
* Parking on site.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter explaining their interest and suitability for the role. Applications should be sent to LUCY@YOUAREFIRST.CO.UK
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £40,000.00-£45,000.00 per year
Expected hours: No less than 21 per week
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 31/01/2025
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