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Job description

Financial Controller

Job Title:

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Department:

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Reports to (job title):

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Benefits:

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Financial Controller​

 

Finance

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Full time, 37.5 hours a week

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Permanent

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London - Hybrid, 2 days per week London office (to include Wednesdays)​

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Director of Finance and Services

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Internal salary grade: 18

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28 days' annual holiday entitlement (pro rata for part time staff) plus Public/ Bank Holidays.

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MSF UK currently provides an employer pension contribution of 10% of salary after 3 months continuous employment.

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Access to independent, free and confidential 24/7 advice on a range of issues, including personal relationships, mental health, bereavement, finances, childcare or work-related issues.

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Cycle Scheme or Bike Loans available

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Group Life insurance currently set at a minimum of 4x basic salary.

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Overview of Department

The Finance and Services Directorate consists of a number of key enabling function departments:

  • Finance (including Financial Accounting sub-team and Financial Planning & Analysis sub-team)

  • Procurement

  • IT

  • Workplace Services

 

Each department and sub-team bring their own technical expertise and functional specialism. Together we share a focus on adding value for our internal stakeholders.

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Job Purpose

The Financial Controller is the lead for the financial accounting function and team at MSF UK, responsible for:

  • Accurate and efficient processing of financial transactions and payments

  • High quality service to internal and external stakeholders

  • Preparation of annual statutory accounts and managing audit

  • Compliance with tax and other financial regulations

  • Ensuring a robust internal financial control environment

  • Continuous improvement of processes and systems to ensure efficient and effective operations for the future

 

The Financial Accounting function is well established with strong core foundations. The Financial Controller will be responsible for building on these foundations, with a particular focus on identifying and implementing opportunities for improvements. In many cases, these opportunities will involve harnessing technology and automation. The objective will be to:

  • Make processes more efficient for the finance team and for non-finance users

  • To improve the user / stakeholder experience

 

This will enable the financial accounting function to continue to service MSF UK in the most efficient way in the coming years as the organisation grows.


The Financial Controller is responsible for oversight of the portfolio of improvement projects that also serve the Financial Planning & Analysis Function and for line managing the Financial Accountant - Process and System Improvement, who will manage and support delivery of these projects.


The function is a small but dynamic team with exciting ambitions on how we will meet both the current and future needs of MSF UK and MSF Ireland.

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Dimensions

Financial data: Responsible for the financial accounting function which serves the whole of MSF UK: Annual income and expenses are £100million+, of which UK office expenditure is £35million+.


People data: This role directly manages the financial accounting team of 4 reports (2 direct, 2 indirect).
 

MSF UK’s finances are complex, including:

  • Part of international movement – significant transactions with and reporting to other entities in the movement

  • Over 30 cost centres.

  • Oversight / support for financial accounting function of MSF Ireland

  • Role includes responsibility for MSF UK’s financial accounting systems

  • Operates within a complex tax environment, in particular UK VAT as applied to charities.

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Organisational Structure

Context

The Financial Controller and their team will work very closely with the newly created Financial Planning & Analysis team (led by Head of Financial Planning and Analysis).


The Financial Controller will be part of the Finance & Services Directorate Leadership Team, who are collectively responsible for creating an effective team culture within the directorate.


As required, the Financial Controller will attend CoDir meetings and Finance, Audit & Risk Committee meetings to present papers and provide assurance.


The Financial Controller will establish strong relationships with colleagues across MSF UK, in particular managers and budget holders. In particular, providing advice in relation to tax compliance and other financial accounting matters.


The Financial Controller will establish effective relationships with members of the MSF International Finance Team in order to ensure that MSF UK meets its financial accounting reporting obligations to MSF International.

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Accountabilities

Accountabilities:
  1.  Financial Management & Reporting

  • Statutory Accounts: Lead preparation of year-end statutory accounts in line with Charities SORP (FRS 102), ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory requirements.

  • Financial Accounting submissions to MSF International: Lead on preparation of relevant submissions to MSF International, including for annual International Combined Accounts.

  • Restricted & Unrestricted Funds: Manage the allocation and reporting of restricted and unrestricted funds, working with Fundraising Team to ensure compliance with donor requirements.

  • Reserves Policy: Monitor and manage reserves in line with the charity’s reserves policy, ensuring financial sustainability.

  • MSF Grant Management: Ensure grants to other MSF sections are managed effectively in accordance with controls and delegated authorities. Ensure that country and project restrictions are managed correctly and review reporting from other MSF sections to ensure grants have been spent as intended.

 

  2.  Compliance & Control

  • Regulatory Compliance: Accountable for ensuring compliance with all relevant financial regulations, including Charity Commission, HMRC, and Companies House requirements.

  • Audit Process: Lead on the annual external audit, liaising with auditors to provide necessary documentation and resolve queries efficiently.

  • Tax Compliance: Oversee compliance with HMRC regulations, with specific responsibility for VAT and corporation tax returns.

  • Risk Management: Identify financial risks and implement appropriate controls to mitigate them, including fraud prevention and safeguarding charity assets.

  • Internal Controls: Establish and maintain robust internal financial controls to prevent errors and fraud, to safeguard MSF UK’s assets and to ensure the accuracy and integrity of financial data.


  3.  Financial Systems & Processes

  • Process Improvement: Continuously review and enhance financial processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.

  • System Management: Oversee the operation and maintenance of financial systems, ensuring they meet the needs of the organisation.

  • System Implementation: Lead the implementation of new financial accounting systems or upgrades, including training staff and ensuring a smooth transition.

  • Automation: Identify opportunities for automation and digital transformation to streamline financial workflows.

  • Portfolio of Improvement Projects: Oversee a portfolio of improvement projects that also serve the Financial Planning & Analysis Function. Line manage the Financial Accountant - Process and System Improvement, who will manage and support delivery of these projects.

  • Documentation: Ensure that appropriate policies and procedures are in place and maintained regularly.

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  4. Team Leadership & Development

  • Routine financial operations: Ensure that the Financial Accounting team delivers high quality accounts payable and accounts receivable functions, accurately records all transactions and prepares accurate, timely reporting.

  • Manage Financial Accounting Team: Lead and develop the Financial Accounting team, ensuring they are motivated, well-trained, and equipped to deliver high-quality results.

  • Performance Management: Set clear objectives, provide regular feedback, and conduct appraisals to support team members’ professional growth.

  • Training & Development: Provide mentoring and training to enhance the financial expertise of the team and build capacity within the organisation.

  • Culture: Foster a collaborative, high-performing culture within the FP&A team, promoting innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.

  • Cross-Department Collaboration: Work closely with other departments and colleagues to provide financial guidance and support.

 

  5.  Stakeholder Engagement

  • Leadership Trustees: Prepare financial reports and present them to the CoDir (senior leadership team) and the Board of Trustees, ensuring transparency and accountability.

  • External Partners: Build strong relationships with external stakeholders, including auditors, banks, and suppliers.

  • MSF Ireland: Provide oversight of, and support to, MSF Ireland's Financial Accounting Function including management of related risks.


  6.  Treasury Management

  • Cash Flow Management: Monitor and manage cash flow, ensuring sufficient liquidity for operational needs while maximising investment opportunities. Manage banking relationships.

  • Treasury optimisation: Optimise arrangements to minimise fees (associated with cash held and the flow of cash, including foreign currencies) and maximise return on investment (for short term cash deposits).
     

  7.  Other

  • Assist and support the Financial Planning and Analysis Team as required.

  • Represent the team in projects or other cross-organisational groups as required.

  • Other ad hoc duties as requested

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Challenge & Creativity / Decision-making

  • Technical decisions (controls) – The Financial Controller will need to use their judgement to ensure that processes and controls are designed such that they both sufficiently manage MSF UK’s financial risk and also operate efficiently for all stakeholders.

  • Finance system design – The Financial Controller will need to make decisions about how financial accounting systems are designed and configured to ensure they meet the requirements of the team and MSF UK.

  • Technical accounting – The Financial Controller will need to make technical accounting decisions about appropriate accounting treatments to ensure MSF UK’s annual accounts meet regulations.

  • Tax compliance – The Financial Controller will need to apply complex tax regulations to MSF UK’s operations to determine the compliant and optimum tax treatment.

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Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Fully qualified accountant - ACA, ACCA or other similar generally recognised accountancy qualification

  • Significant experience leading a financial accounting function of a similar size and complexity in a UK charity, including the line management of a team of finance professionals.

  • Experience of producing financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP and the Charity SORP (FRS102). Experience of leading the statutory audit process.

  • Deep experience of using and managing automated accounting packages and purchase ledger systems.

  • Excellent working knowledge and experience of using Microsoft Office (in particular using Excel at a high to advanced level)

  • Knowledge of UK tax regulations and how they apply to charities (in particular VAT). Experience of managing a charity’s finances to ensure tax compliance.

  • Experience of designing and implementing business system and process improvements.

  • Experience of managing significant change projects.

  • Experience in the practical use of personal IT equipment and Microsoft Office 365 suite. The ability to effectively collaborate and communicate within a hybrid working environment utilising Teams, SharePoint, One Drive and Yammer.

  • Team Leadership - Proven experience in managing and developing finance teams. Ability to delegate effectively while maintaining oversight of key deliverables.

  • Stakeholder Management - Strong interpersonal skills to work with trustees, senior leadership, and external partners. Ability to present complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.

  • Strategic Thinking - Competence in aligning financial strategy with organisational goals. Experience in contributing to long-term strategic planning and decision-making.

  • Attention to Detail - High level of accuracy and attention to detail in financial reporting.

  • Problem-Solving - Analytical mindset to address financial challenges and provide solutions.

  • Adaptability - Flexibility to adapt to changes in the charity sector, funding streams, and regulations.

  • Integrity and Accountability - Strong ethical standards and commitment to transparency in financial practices.

  • Communication - Excellent verbal and written communication skills for engaging with diverse audiences. Ability to translate financial data into clear insights for decision-makers.

  • Organisation - Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

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Competencies

Respect:
  a. Invites team members and colleagues from other departments to provide input on topics of discussion and considers their              contribution and experience.
  b. Participates in and involves the team in the discussion and decision-making process that may affect all team members before        the final decision is made.
  c. Values colleagues as human beings, demonstrated through equal respect for staff and beneficiaries.
 

Integrity:
  a. Acts by example, modelling the behaviour expected from team members.
  b. Seeks out and offers each team member an equal opportunity and tools to succeed.
  c. Works to achieve cohesion and a spirit of cooperation in the team.
 

Humanity:
  a. Strives to learn and get to know more about each team member in order to better understand their needs, potential and                  ascertain ways to better support and work with them.
  b. Shows interest and empathy through active listening. Is approachable: listens actively, observes and acknowledges what they        hear.
  c. Removes obstacles that may hinder potential improvements and ways of working in the team, i.e. need to expand and try new        things.


Accountability:
  a. Admits mistakes, misjudgements or errors and immediately informs others when unable to meet a commitment and seeks             support to do this if needed.
  b. Strives for efficiency in every aspect of their work.
  c. Demonstrates willingness, ability and readiness to change attitudes and behaviours to achieve agreed outcomes and works            with team members to ensure these are reached.
 

Empowerment:
  a. Instils acceptance and optimism in the team.
  b. Allows time and space for people to open up, take appropriate risks, leading to a sharing of knowledge and open                            communication.
  c. Ensures that team and individual objectives are well-defined, shared and acknowledged by the organisation.
 

Collaboration: Collaboration is at the centre of all we do.

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