Financial Controller

Depaul UK is exclusively partnering with Robertson Bell in their search for a new Financial Controller to join their team on a permanent basis. Depaul UK is a national charity that delivers a wide range of support and housing services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness.

Reporting into the Executive Director of Finance & IT, this Financial Controller role at Depaul UK is a rare opportunity to take a pivotal leadership position in a fast-moving, high-impact charity. You will lead a busy finance team, embed a new finance system, and ensure robust financial controls, while gaining exposure to both the charity’s consolidated operations and its rapidly expanding housing subsidiary. This role offers exceptional potential for growth and a clear pathway into broader finance leadership.

The organisation:

Depaul UK has worked for 30 years to support people facing homelessness. Depaul UK delivers a wide range of support and housing services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. We specialise in the provision of services that prevent homelessness, increase the resilience of those we work with, and energise opportunities for employment, education, training and volunteering in the communities in which we work. Our service provision reaches from Newcastle to Greater Manchester to London - with plans to grow our business in response to increasing need. 

Homelessness is a complex and constantly evolving challenge. There is no ‘one-size fits all’ solution and Depaul UK believe no one should have to sleep in an unsafe place or be held back from achieving their potential. Each year, they support and empower thousands of young people to find a safe place to call home, a chance to thrive and a brighter future.

The key duties of the Financial Controller will be as follows:

• Lead on the preparation of year-end financial reporting across the group
• Support the preparation of Depaul UK Trustees report and lead on the annual statutory audit process
• Develop and maintain a full set of financial policies and procedures which support the charity to deliver its aims
• Review and streamline controls and processes, including greater automation/ integration with other business systems
• Act as a finance subject matter expert, providing accounting advice to the team and wider organisation
• Prepare monthly management accounts for Depaul Housing Services
• Ensure the interests of the function are represented at internal committees
• Supervise the processing of all financial transactions and payroll, ensuring adequate documentary support, correct coding and appropriate authorisation
• Ensure month end timetable is adhered to, making sure that all bank and control account reconciliations have been carried out
• Ensure all income and expenditure is appropriately analysed and restricted and designated funds are correctly accounted for

The successful candidate will have:

• A full, recognised accounting qualification, or be in the final stages
• Ideally, a background working in the charity or social housing sectors, but this is by no means essential
• Demonstrable experience working in a strong internal control environment and driving effective month and/or year-end routines
• The ability to lead and develop a high performing team
• Excellent relationship management skills, and the ability to work within a cross-functional Leadership Team to continuously improve the service

Candidates who are looking to make their first move from practice into industry are also strongly encouraged to apply!

This role can be based in either London, Manchester or Whitley Bay, with hybrid working policies in place, requiring only two days per week to be worked from the office, with the rest from home. Please note that salary differs by location:

• London: £64,282
• Manchester: £63,782
• Regional: £60,782

Applications are open until Sunday 18^th January, with first stage interviews due to take place the week commencing 26^th January. CVs will be under continuous review in advance of this date so please submit your application today to make sure you don’t miss out!