Financial Controller

• Community Housing Assoication
• Opportunity to lead a finance function alongside the Head Of Finance

About Our Client

Founded in 2007, Phoenix Community Housing is a not-for-profit resident-led housing association based in south London. Their approach empowers tenants and leaseholders to take a central role in decision-making and they have more than 3,500 shareholding members. The Chair is a Phoenix tenant and residents form the largest group on their Board.

Phoenix Community Housing own and manage more than 7,600 homes in the Lewisham wards of Bellingham, Catford South, Downham and Grove Park. They are committed to ensuring that their residents can enjoy warm, safe and dry homes while also working with a range of partner organisations on initiatives to benefit their community.

Phoenix Community Housing also have an active development programme, focused on high quality and sustainable design, and have won a number of architectural awards. They are the largest employer in the south of Lewisham with over 270 staff.

Job Description

Job Purpose

As a Financial Controller, you will be responsible for delivering professional customer service, work collaboratively across the organisation, and contribute to the success of the corporate plan. You will actively support residents and the community, promoting a One Phoenix approach and focusing on providing excellent homes and services while upholding the organisation's values.

Financial accounting

• Oversee payments, purchase ordering, accounts payable, and ensure accurate recording of transactions in the general ledger.
• Lead the annual statutory audit, prepare statutory accounts, and coordinate with external auditors.
• Manage tax returns for Phoenix community Housing and subsidiaries (VAT, Corporation Tax) and ensure compliance.
• Approve monthly payroll with People Services, reconcile salary/pension accounts, and ensure control accounts are cleared.
• Prepare and monitor cash flow forecasts, process journals, and oversee company insurance administration

Management Accounting

• Collaborate with finance business partners to provide consolidated monthly accounts, financial statements, and cash flow reports.
• Assist the Head of Finance in finalising all financial reports for the Executive Team and Board

Reporting

• Participate in the annual budgeting process and update the business plan until Board approval is obtained.
• Assist the Head of Finance in preparing and submitting regulatory statutory returns to the Housing Regulator, Financial Conduct Authority, and Companies House.
• Regularly review and maintain the Chart of Accounts to meet the organisation's reporting needs.
• Ensure internal compliance with the delegation scheme, report emerging issues, and update the Asset and Liabilities Register.
• Lead or participate in internal audits and stay updated on accounting standards to ensure compliance with best practices.

Rent & Service Charge

• Manage the Rent and Service Charge Accountant to ensure proper accounting of rental and income transactions in compliance with regulatory standards.
• Inspire and drive team performance, ensuring development, target achievement, and value for money principles.
• Contribute proactively to residents and the wider Phoenix community Housing, fostering a collaborative environment.
• Take ownership of key performance indicators (KPIs), ensuring positive outcomes and cross-team collaboration.
• Commit to ongoing training, model professional behaviour, and adhere to Phoenix Community Housing values, policies, and regulation

The Successful Applicant

• Fully Qualified Accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA, ICAEW, CIPFA etc)
• Significant experience as a senior member of a finance team within the Social housing Sector
• Experience of preparing VAT under the partial exemption regime, and a VAT shelter
• A positive approach to excellent customer service, care delivery and a commitment to quality
• Can demonstrate working independently and as finance lead with board responsibilities. (Experience in a Mid sized Housing Association is preferable).

What's on Offer

We would like to offer the successful candidate:

• £73,751 per annum
• Hybrid working, with 2 days in the office
• Access to a wide range of perks and discounts
• Employee assistance program.
• Cycle to work
• Healthcare scheme

Contact
Eze Ewuzie
Quote job ref
JN-052025-6747594Z

Where specific UK qualifications are required we will take into account overseas equivalents. All third party applications will be forwarded to Michael Page.