Financial Controller

About us We are a long-established UK research institution with charitable status and accounting operations in both the UK and East Africa. With an annual turnover of over £1 million, our finances span two entities and a range of restricted and unrestricted funds, consolidated for reporting. We are looking for a qualified accountant to join us as a contractor in a part-time, ongoing capacity to strengthen the running of our finance function. The role Our accountant in the East Africa office handles the day-to-day transactions — raising invoices, recording expenses and paying supplier bills. You will work alongside them, providing the qualified oversight, payment control and monthly discipline that keep the finance function running well, and supporting their development along the way. It is a varied role that combines hands-on accuracy with oversight and coaching. In practice, you will: • Support, guide and coach our accountant so that accounting entries are made correctly and consistently, building their skills over time. • Run payment preparation and approval process in the UK entity, approving payment runs for release by local signatories. • Financial management of project funds: accounting, expense management, funds transfers and accurate financial reporting. • Review monthly results and report , examining the Statement of Financial Activities and underlying entries, and tracking performance against budget. • Own the budgeting process , maintaining and updating the existing annual budget and monitoring it each month, and reporting quarterly to funders. • Run a reliable monthly close and provide cover for our accountant during leave or absence to keep the accounting running. • Lead on risk , taking an active interest in risk assessment, management and internal financial controls, working with compliance officer for local regulatory compliance. • Attend and co-ordinate the finance and development meeting, support Companies House and Charity Commissions returns and updates. • Administrative support for grant applications and management of these. Key requirements • Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or CIPFA), or a finalist with strong relevant experience. • Right to work in the UK. • Proficient in Xero, and either proficient in Joiin or a similar consolidation system such as Hyperion and able to learn it quickly. Familiarity with payment platforms (desirable). • Sound understanding of payment controls, dual authorisation and segregation of duties. • Experience of maintaining a budget and reviewing monthly performance against it. • Detail-focused and hands-on, with the judgement to review, oversee and coach a colleague. • Charity or non-profit experience is useful but not essential, including experience of managing project funds, expenses and reporting to funders. What does success look like In this role, success means: • Accounting is accurate and correctly recorded across both entities. • Monthly review and reporting is completed reliably and on time. • The budget process is mastered and embedded in monthly reporting, with performance tracked against budget categories. • Dual authorisation of key processes is operating successfully. • Key processes in both entities are learnt , so you can cover for the East Africa accountant in the event of absence. • The payment process is smooth , reviewed, and presented to the Director for second approval. • Risk assessment is formalised and internal financial controls are maintained. Who it suits This role would suit an accountant who wants to broaden their range of experience, or an experienced accountant from the commercial or non-profit sector who now wishes to work part-time and contribute to the smooth running of a respected institution. Our systems We use Xero for our accounting and Joiin for consolidated reporting. Both are already implemented and stable. Proficiency in Joiin is ideal; otherwise, experience of a similar system and a readiness to learn this software quickly is an advantage. How to apply Please send your CV with a short covering note explaining your interest and how your experience fits the key requirements above. We will review applications on a rolling basis and may close early if we find the right candidate.