Financial Controller

Sadler’s Wells

Financial Controller

Salary: £55,000 – £65,000 per annum

Permanent, Full-time

Hybrid working, 3 days a week in the office

Office based in EC1R, closest stations Angel & Farringdon

About Sadler’s Wells

Sadler’s Wells is a world-leading creative organisation, dedicated to presenting, producing and touring dance made today in all its forms. We commission, present and produce more dance than any other theatre in the world—spanning tango to hip hop, flamenco to ballet, Bollywood to cutting-edge contemporary.

Our vision is simple yet profound: to create, through dance, a depth of connection that transcends borders, cultures and languages. We believe dance can move us, open our minds, and help us reflect on what it means to be human.

With a year-round programme of performances and learning activities, and with four theatres across London—including our brand-new venue at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—Sadler’s Wells is where artists and communities come together to create, experience and be inspired by dance.

Our values guide us every day:

• Collaboration: listening, empowering and working together to amplify creativity.
• Excellence: making and sharing meaningful, ambitious and impactful work.
• Inclusion: celebrating difference, removing barriers and reflecting diverse communities.
• Innovation: being curious, bold and unafraid to find new ways forward.

About the Role

As Financial Controller, you will lead on the integrity and efficiency of Sadler’s Wells’ finance operations, ensuring strong financial stewardship across our group of charities and companies. This is a senior and visible position within the finance team, with responsibility for overseeing financial records, controls, compliance, systems and reporting.

You will provide leadership to the transactional finance team and act as a key partner to departments including Catering & Events. Working closely with the Head of Finance Business Partnering, you will play a critical role in delivering reliable management information, supporting insightful analysis, and enabling informed decision-making across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage financial transaction processing, ensuring accuracy across purchase and sales ledgers, payroll, banking and supporting systems.
• Oversee month-end and year-end processes, producing timely and reliable management information and statutory accounts.
• Ensure robust internal controls and compliance with audit, tax, payroll and statutory requirements.
• Act as Systems Accountant, driving adoption and optimisation of financial systems to improve efficiency.
• Provide clear and supportive line management to the transactional finance team, motivating and developing colleagues.
• Partner with colleagues across the organisation, particularly Catering & Events, to ensure effective financial support and insight.
• Manage banking relationships, mitigate fraud risk, and support treasury and compliance frameworks.

What We’re Looking For

• A qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong technical expertise in financial accounting, UK GAAP and charity SORP.
• Proven experience in payroll, budgets, financial analysis and strengthening internal controls.
• Systems-oriented with experience of implementing and optimising financial systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A solutions-focused mindset with strong analytical ability and attention to detail.
• Experience of managing and motivating a team of finance professionals.
• An affinity with the arts and culture sector is desirable, alongside knowledge of VAT, Theatre Tax Relief and charity-specific compliance.
• Sadler’s Wells welcomes applications from all backgrounds. We want our workforce to reflect the rich diversity of our stages, audiences and communities.

How to Apply:

Sadler’s Wells are proud to partner with Allen Lane and Iain Slinn for this recruitment. To apply please reach out to Iain to book in a meeting to discuss the role further.

Timeline:

Closing deadline: 21st September

1st stage Interviews: w/c 29th September