Howett Thorpe are delighted to be partnering with a respected and purpose-driven organisation seeking a Financial Controller to support an important period of change and development. Reporting directly to the CEO, this is a hands-on contract for an experienced finance professional who can quickly take ownership of the finance function, strengthen financial controls and help embed best practice following a recent migration to Xero. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring the organisation is left with robust processes, improved reporting capabilities and a strong financial control environment.
Job Title:: Financial Controller
Job Type:: fixed term contract 6 months
Location:: Cranleigh, Surrey
Salary:: £60,000 - £70,000
Interim Financial Controller – Benefits
- 37.5 hour working week
- 25 days holiday
- Pension scheme
- EAP programme
- Discounted on hundreds of retailers, restaurants and coffee establishments
- Performance related bonus scheme
Interim Financial Controller - About The Role
This is a highly visible interim appointment requiring an experienced and practical finance professional who can quickly establish credibility and provide the financial leadership needed to support day-to-day operations.
The organisation has recently implemented Xero and is seeking an individual who can complete the implementation, optimise reporting capabilities and ensure appropriate financial controls are embedded throughout the finance function. Alongside overseeing the day-to-day finance operation, you will be responsible for strengthening processes, documenting procedures and creating a sustainable control framework that supports the organisation long after the assignment concludes.
Working closely with the CEO, operational managers and external auditors, you will take ownership of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, cashflow management and compliance whilst providing meaningful financial insight to support decision making across the organisation. Key responsibilities will include:
- Reviewing and completing the recent Xero implementation
- Developing management reporting and dashboard capabilities
- Strengthening financial controls, governance and risk management processes
- Producing monthly management accounts and variance analysis
- Leading budgeting, forecasting and cashflow planning
- Overseeing payroll, VAT, banking and treasury activities
- Supporting year-end audit and statutory reporting requirements
- Providing financial support and guidance to operational managers
- Documenting finance procedures and delivering a comprehensive handover at the end of the assignment
- Driving continuous improvement across systems, processes and reporting capabilities
The Successful Interim Financial Controller Will Have:
Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or be Qualified by Experience
Proven hands-on experience implementing, optimising or reconfiguring Xero
Strong management accounting and financial reporting expertise
Experience strengthening financial controls and governance frameworks
Budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management experience
Strong understanding of month-end processes and balance sheet reconciliations
Experience overseeing payroll, VAT and treasury activities
Advanced Excel skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities
The ability to quickly assess issues, implement solutions and deliver results
Previous experience within a charity, education, social care or wider not-for-profit environment would be highly advantageous, particularly knowledge of restricted and unrestricted funds and Charity SORP requirements.
Why Join?
This assignment offers the opportunity to make a genuine difference within an organisation that delivers meaningful outcomes within the community. The successful candidate will inherit a broad and varied remit, combining operational finance leadership with the opportunity to leave a legacy through improved controls, reporting and financial processes. For an Interim Financial Controller who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and driving positive change, this represents a rewarding and impactful opportunity.