Financial Controller

CIPFA

Financial Controller

Salary: £60,000 – £65,000

Permanent, Full-time (32 hours across 4 days – compressed hours)

Hybrid working – typically 2 days a week in the office

Office based in Moorgate, London

About CIPFA

The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) is the world’s only professional accountancy body dedicated to public finance. For over a century, we have supported governments, public services and organisations across the UK and internationally to ensure public money is managed effectively and transparently.

Our work sits at the heart of public trust. From setting professional standards and providing training to delivering advisory services and research, CIPFA plays a critical role in strengthening financial management across the public sector. Our members work in central and local government, health, housing, and international development, helping ensure that public resources deliver the greatest possible impact.

As CIPFA continues to develop its global reach and commercial activities, we are seeking a Financial Controller to help ensure the organisation maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance and reporting.

About the Role

• We’re seeking a senior member of the CIPFA Finance management team. Alongside the core deliverables, you’ll work with the CFO and Head of Finance to shape our financial strategy and transform operations.
• The Financial Controller will lead CIPFA’s technical accounting, treasury, tax and financial reporting activities across the organisation and its trading subsidiary.
• This is a broad and hands-on role with responsibility for statutory reporting, year-end and audit management, treasury oversight and the charity’s tax environment. You will ensure CIPFA maintains robust financial controls and compliance with charity accounting standards while shaping wider finance initiatives and organisational projects.
• Working closely with colleagues across the finance team and the wider organisation, you will also provide expertise on complex accounting matters including revenue recognition, grants and fund accounting, and foreign currency activity.
• CIPFA has successfully implemented a suite of Microsoft systems providing a platform for further operational transformation. The role offers the opportunity to substantially improve reporting and processes to deliver strategic change and enhanced financial governance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts for the charity, subsidiary and consolidated group.
• Manage the year-end close process and act as the key point of contact for external auditors.
• Oversee CIPFA’s tax and VAT environment, including compliance, quarterly returns and partial exemption calculations.
• Manage treasury activities including cash management, investments and foreign currency exposure.
• Maintain strong financial controls and support improvements to the organisation’s control environment.
• Oversee complex accounting areas including property accounting, grants and revenue recognition.
• Ensure compliance with SORP FRS102 and other relevant accounting standards.
• Support the budgeting process and quarterly reforecasts in collaboration with the Finance Business Partner.
• Work with colleagues to improve financial systems, reporting capability and the chart of accounts structure.
• Manage internal audits and contribute to wider governance, risk and compliance initiatives.
• Provide financial training, guidance and documentation across areas of responsibility.

What We’re Looking For

• A fully qualified accountant (CIPFA, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong experience preparing charity and group statutory accounts.
• Experience managing charity tax and VAT matters, including partial exemption and international sales.
• Excellent knowledge of accounting standards, particularly SORP FRS102.
• Experience managing year-end processes and working with external auditors.
• Strong Excel and analytical skills, with experience improving systems and financial processes.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively with both finance and non-finance colleagues.
• A proactive and improvement-focused approach to finance operations.

Why Join CIPFA?

CIPFA offers the opportunity to work in an organisation with a unique and meaningful mission: supporting better financial management across public services worldwide.

We pride ourselves on being collaborative, people-focused and forward-looking. Our hybrid working model and compressed four-day week provide flexibility while enabling our teams to deliver impactful work in a supportive environment.

You will join a finance team that plays a central role in ensuring CIPFA continues to deliver high-quality services to members, governments and public organisations around the world.

How to Apply

CIPFA are partnering with Allen Lane on this appointment. To find out more about the role or to discuss your suitability, please contact Iain Slinn at Allen Lane to arrange an informal conversation.

Closing deadline: Monday 23rd March

1st stage interview: w/c 30th March

2nd stage interview: w/c 6th April