Financial Controller

Are you an experienced Financial Controller with a passion for systems and processes? Are you a confident team leader with the flexibility to work across departments to meet organisational goals? Are you seeking a new challenge in an organisation dedicated to help children make memories to last a lifetime? If so, then we invite you to read on and consider joining the Make-A-Wish team as Financial Controller.

Whether it's starring in their own films, walking with dinosaurs, going on an amazing holiday, meeting a celebrity hero, or having a bedroom makeover; our wishes are varied, personal and life changing. We go above and beyond to grant amazing wishes to very amazing children; their unique wish made a reality at a time when they need it most. Because a child's life shouldn't be about illness, hospitals and diagnosis - it should be about wonder, joy and hope.

The role of the Finance and Business Support Team where the Financial Controller role sits is crucial in providing the underlying business structure that enables our wishgranters and fundraisers to work efficiently and effectively for the benefit of all of our stakeholders.

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The Role

The Financial Controller will be responsible for managing the finance team’s strategy, systems, people and control environment, and for ensuring that all of them support the ability of the team to contribute to the delivery of the organisation’s strategy. The successful candidate will join just as MAW is selecting and implementing new accounting software, and will take the lead on this specific aspect within our larger organisation-wide IT project which will also deliver new budgeting and reporting systems to integrate with Salesforce.

Reporting to the Director of Finance and Business Support, the Financial Controller will work collaboratively with counterparts in the Income and Engagement and Wishgranting teams and provide financial leadership across the organisation. Crucially the role will also line manage the other members of the finance team and ensure high standards of service are provided by the team.

The Successful Candidate

You will be a fully qualified accountant with experience managing the configuration and implementation of a new accounting software package, with proven experience to lead others through this process of change. You will have at least three complete financial years leading a finance team and the financial control environment, as well as the statutory audit of accounts. You must be able to act as a business partner and explain technical issues to non-technical colleagues.

You will be a highly organised team player who is able to provide financial leadership across the organisation. You will have the ability to manage several priorities and be proactive in the execution of your responsibilities. You will have a professional approach to work and be comfortable being actively involved operationally as needs require.

The Offer

This part-time position is being offered at 3 – 4 days per week, or if additional flexibility is desired this can be worked as 13 – 17 days per month.

Other benefits include 26 days of leave, pro-rata for part-time, and 4% employer pension contribution.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted on the application form provided and applicants are requested not to submit a CV. The form should be attached to an email addressed to jobs@makeawish.org.uk with ‘Application for Financial Controller’ in the subject line. Please note that applications not provided in this format will not be considered. If you have any questions, please email them to the above email address. Please read the full job description provided before completing the application form. 

Deadline for applications is 26th January at 12pm. 

Applications are welcomed from those who wish to work remotely, however regular attendance at the office next to Reading train station will be required. Since the current COVID health pandemic began the office has been open whenever permitted by government guidelines for staff who wish to attend on a voluntary basis. This situation will continue to change in line with government guidelines.

Make-A-Wish UK is a rewarding place to work, every day you will be helping to make a difference granting life-changing wishes to seriously ill children.

The organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be requested where required.

Make-A-Wish is committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as it’s important that our trustees, employees, ambassadors and volunteers reflect the communities we serve at every level within the organisation.

If you require the application form in another format, please get in touch with us.