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Financial Controller

Location: Central London (West End)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £50,000 -£55,000 per annum

• Play a key role in the finance function for a global membership organisation with 160+ years of industry expertise

• Hybrid working with 27 days holiday and 7% employer pension contribution

• Hands-on role managing month-end close, management accounts, supporting year-end, accounts payable/receivable and credit control

• Opportunity to develop junior finance staff and shape financial processes in an evolving organisation

• Work within a collaborative environment that values flexibility and proactive problem-solving

Our client is a well-established global membership body serving the maritime industry, seeking an experienced Financial Controller to lead their finance function. If you're a qualified accountant with strong hands-on experience in transactional accounting, month-end close, management accounts and team management, this permanent role offers the chance to take ownership of the finance operation within a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation based in central London.

Company Overview

Our client is a professional membership organisation founded over 160 years ago, bringing together naval architects, maritime engineers and associated professionals across 140 countries. The organisation drives innovation in the maritime sector through technical excellence, publications, events and learning programmes. With a mission to advance the art and science of their industry, they foster interdisciplinary conversation around emerging topics including artificial intelligence, decarbonisation and autonomous systems. The organisation operates in an evolving environment that values collaboration, flexibility and proactive approaches to change.

Position Overview

As Financial Controller, you will report to the Director of Finance & Resources and will lead the day-to-day finance operation, taking ownership of transactional accounting and the month-end close process. You'll maintain the general ledger, ensure data integrity across systems, and manage accounts payable, accounts receivable and credit control functions. The role involves coordinating payroll, preparing management accounts and VAT returns, supporting budget preparation and assisting with year-end accounts and audits. You'll also supervise junior finance staff and contribute to office management and health and safety responsibilities, playing a key part in the organisation's financial stability and operational success. Ambition to take on more responsibility and transition into a Finance Director role in the future is also a possibility in this role.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the month-end close process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting

• Manage accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, including credit control activities (with support from Finance Assistants)

• Maintain the general ledger and ensure data integrity between accounting systems

• Coordinate payroll administration and liaise with external payroll providers

• Prepare management accounts and financial reports for internal stakeholders

• Prepare and submit VAT returns in line with regulatory requirements

• Support budget preparation and variance analysis throughout the financial year

• Assist with external audit processes and year-end financial statement preparation

• Supervise and develop junior finance team members, providing guidance and support

• Contribute to office management and health and safety responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to improve financial processes and systems efficiency

Requirements

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification)

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a hands-on finance role with transactional accounting responsibilities

• Proven experience managing month-end close and preparing management accounts

• High-level Excel proficiency and ability to work with financial data confidently

• Experience with accounting software (Sage experience is advantageous)

• Proactive self-starter with strong attention to detail and accuracy

• Right to work in the United Kingdom

• Experience in the not-for-profit or membership sector is advantageous

• Familiarity with CRM systems is advantageous

Benefits

• Salary: £50-55k

• 27 days annual holiday plus long service leave

• 7% employer pension contribution

• Hybrid working arrangement (office and home-based)

• Standard working hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm

• Opportunity to develop and mentor junior finance staff

• Exposure to a global membership organisation operating across multiple countries

Alongside this competitive benefits package, you'll join a collaborative organisation that values flexibility, proactive problem-solving and cross-functional teamwork. Our client operates in an exciting strategic phase, welcoming individuals who thrive in evolving environments and enjoy variety in their work.

How to Apply

If you're a qualified accountant with strong hands-on finance experience and the skills to succeed in this role, we'd like to hear from you.

Please send your CV by the closing date of Wednesday 21st January at 12 noon.

Interviews will be held in late January and early February.

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