Financial Controller (12 month FTC)

Bayman Atkinson Smythe are delighted to be partnering with a well-respected housing organisation to recruit an experienced Financial Controller on a 12-month fixed-term contract.  Reporting directly to the Finance Director, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for safeguarding the financial integrity of the organisation while leading and developing an established finance team. The successful candidate will combine strong technical financial expertise with outstanding people management skills, ensuring robust governance, effective financial controls and the delivery of a first-class finance service.

This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant who enjoys leading people, improving processes and partnering with senior stakeholders within a purpose-driven organisation that makes a genuine difference to local communities.

As Financial Controller you will take ownership of the organisation's financial control environment, ensuring accurate reporting, strong governance and effective operational finance processes across the business.

You will also play a key role in developing and motivating the finance team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Lead, coach and develop the finance team, creating a high-performing, engaged and customer-focused finance function.
• Provide clear leadership across both the financial reporting and transactional finance teams, ensuring the consistent delivery of high-quality finance services.
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and professional development, ensuring individuals are supported to achieve their full potential.
• Oversee the production of monthly and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy, integrity and timely delivery.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process, providing meaningful financial insight to support strategic decision-making.
• Maintain a robust financial control framework, ensuring effective governance and compliance with statutory, regulatory and accounting requirements.
• Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations, financial controls and internal processes are operating effectively to safeguard organisational assets.
• Oversee the smooth running of all core finance operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll and cash management, ensuring strong financial controls and excellent service delivery.
• Lead the year-end close and manage relationships with external auditors and other professional advisers.
• Monitor cash flow and working capital, ensuring financial resources are managed effectively.
• Partner with senior leadership to provide commercial and financial guidance that supports organisational objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve systems, streamline processes and strengthen financial governance across the organisation.

We're looking for an experienced Financial Controller who is equally comfortable leading people as they are leading financial reporting.

You will bring:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Proven Financial Controller or senior finance leadership experience, ideally within housing, construction or another regulated environment.
• A strong track record of developing, motivating and managing finance teams, including transactional finance functions.
• Excellent knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial control.
• A thorough understanding of governance, internal controls, statutory compliance and accounting standards.
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders while maintaining the highest standards of financial integrity.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive relationships across the organisation.
• A proactive approach to process improvement, systems development and driving operational excellence.

This is far more than a traditional Financial Controller position. It offers the opportunity to lead an established finance function, influence organisational decision-making and strengthen the financial governance of a highly respected housing organisation.

In return, you'll enjoy a supportive leadership team, a competitive salary of £70,000-£80,000, excellent benefits and the opportunity to make a genuine contribution to an organisation that positively impacts local communities every day.