About the Role
The Financial Controller will be responsible for the day-to-day management and oversight of the National League’s finance function, ensuring that the organisation maintains accurate financial records, strong financial controls and full compliance with statutory and regulatory obligations.
This is a full-time, broad and hands-on role which combines responsibility for operational accounting activities with the preparation of financial reporting and management accounts for senior leadership.
The Financial Controller will ensure that the League’s financial records are maintained to a high standard, financial transactions are processed correctly, and robust financial controls are in place across the organisation.
Working closely with the Head of Finance, the Financial Controller will support financial planning, budgeting and forecasting activities and will coordinate the preparation of information required for the organisation’s statutory accounts and annual audit.
The role will also provide financial support across the organisation’s operations, including financial administration relating to member clubs, competitions and League activities, ensuring payments, reporting and financial communications are managed effectively. This will also include oversight and management of the U19s competition, as well as providing financial support to the National League Trust, assisting with financial administration, reporting and coordination where required.
Main Responsibilities
Financial Management and Reporting
- Prepare monthly management accounts with variance analysis and commentary. Produce financial reports for senior leadership and the Board. Support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning. Monitor performance against budgets and oversee cash flow. Maintain accurate financial records and ledgers.
Accounting Operations
- Oversee day-to-day finance processes (invoicing, payments, VAT, Sage postings). Manage accounts payable/receivable and reconcile bank and credit card accounts. Post payroll journals and process HMRC and pension payments. Respond to financial queries and support internal departments. Provide financial oversight for League competitions and activities.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, VAT and statutory requirements. Maintain strong financial controls and audit trails. Support statutory accounts and lead the external audit process. Assist with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, SPAs, and source of funds analysis. Review business plans and assess financial sustainability.
Financial Administration
- Administer League funding distributions and payments. Manage invoicing, reconciliations and credit control. Produce reports linked to club payments and League operations.
Systems & Process Improvement
- Maintain and develop Sage systems and financial processes. Identify efficiencies and strengthen financial controls.
Knowledge & Experience
- Proven experience in a senior finance role preparing management accounts and reports. Strong understanding of financial governance, compliance and audit processes. Experience across accounting operations (VAT, payroll, reconciliations). Experience with Sage and working in a fast-paced environment.
Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
- Minimum 7 years’ post-qualification experience in a Financial Controller or similar senior finance role.
- Demonstrable experience preparing management accounts with variance analysis and commentary.
- Knowledge of payroll processes, compliance requirements and associated legislation.
- Awareness of data protection obligations (including GDPR) in handling financial and payroll information.
- Experience overseeing end-to-end accounting operations, including VAT, payroll and reconciliations.
- Proven ability to support budgeting, forecasting and financial planning processes.
- Advanced proficiency in Sage (or equivalent accounting systems) and Microsoft Excel.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data and support decision-making.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail, with strong organisational and communication skills.
- Exposure to financial due diligence, funding models or complex stakeholder environments.
Desirable
- Experience in sport, membership or governing bodies. Experience improving financial systems and processes.
To Apply
Applications should be in the form of a CV and accompanying cover email/letter, which should detail relevant experience and how you meet the requirements of this role.
This role is hybrid - Birmingham Office 2 days a week, home working 3 days a week.
Please note that the National League does not currently hold a sponsorship licence and is therefore unable to sponsor visa applications. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
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