KCR Solutions are excited to be recruiting a Financial Controller for a dynamic, multi-sited organisation operating across diverse sectors. With a strong commitment to growth and operational excellence, we are seeking a proactive and hands-on Financial Controller to oversee financial management and reporting across the group. Reporting to the Group FD your role will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of financial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts and annual statutory accounts.
• Ensure compliance with FRS and other relevant accounting standards.
• Manage the budgeting and forecasting process, providing accurate financial projections.
• Oversee cashflow management, monitoring liquidity and working capital requirements.
• Partner with operational teams across multiple sites to provide financial insight and support.
• Implement and maintain robust financial controls and processes.
• Liaise with external auditors, tax advisors, and other stakeholders.
• Provide clear, concise financial reporting to senior management.
• Drive continuous improvement in financial systems, reporting, and efficiency.

Candidate Profile

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong technical knowledge of FRS and statutory reporting requirements.
• Proven experience in a Financial Controller or senior finance role.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to work across multiple sites and sectors.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and communication skills.
• Proactive, adaptable, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams.

Finance Assistant – 10 Month Maternity Cover

Location: County Durham
Contract: Fixed Term (Feb 2026 – Dec 2026)
Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday (Office‑based)
Reporting to: Financial Controller
Team Size: 3

Role Overview

We are seeking a proactive and detail‑oriented Finance Assistant to join our finance team on a 10‑month maternity cover contract. This is a varied role, working closely with the Financial Controller and one other member of staff. You will provide support across both Purchase and Sales Ledger functions, as well as wider finance administration. The position offers excellent exposure to multiple areas of finance and would suit either an experienced assistant or someone at the start of their finance career with a strong willingness to learn.

Key Responsibilities

• Purchase Ledger
  • Posting supplier invoices accurately and promptly
  • Reconciling supplier statements
  • Preparing and processing supplier payments
• Sales Ledger
  • Posting cash and card receipts
  • Assisting with customer account management
• Bank & Cash Management
  • Performing regular bank reconciliations
  • Managing petty cash transactions
• General Finance Support
  • Assisting with ad hoc finance duties as required
  • Supporting the Financial Controller and wider team with reporting and administrative tasks

Candidate Profile

• Previous experience in a finance role is desirable but not essential, training will be provided
• Strong numerical and organisational skills
• Accuracy and attention to detail when handling transactions
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general IT systems
• Ability to work effectively within a small team and meet deadlines
• Positive attitude and eagerness to learn for candidates starting out in finance

Benefits

• Opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across multiple finance functions
• Supportive team environment with training provided where needed
• Exposure to varied tasks and systems, reporting directly to the Financial Controller

Sunderland Culture
Finance Manager

Full time – £40,00 - £45,000

About Sunderland Culture

Sunderland Culture is an ambitious arts charity that exists to bring people together, improve lives and create opportunities for everyone in Sunderland through arts, culture and creativity. We manage and programme some of the city’s major cultural venues and deliver a wide range of cultural programmes across Sunderland’s communities.

We are now seeking a highly skilled and proactive Finance Manager to take a leading role in the financial management of the charity. This pivotal role will ensure our finances are well managed, transparent, and aligned with our mission. You will report directly to the CEO, working closely with colleagues across the business and the Board.

The Finance Manager will provide strong financial leadership, ensure compliance with statutory and charity sector requirements, and deliver timely and accurate management information to support decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Systems

• Oversee the charity’s day-to-day finance operations, ensuring effective processes and controls
• Processing of sales and purchase invoices
• Manage and develop Sunderland Culture’s use of Xero accounting software.
• Oversee and monitor the Purchase Order system.
• Conduct regular bank reconciliations.
• Administer and manage the company Soldo credit card programme.

Cash Flow & Payments

• Take responsibility for cash flow management and forecasting.
• Lead on supplier payments and maintain strong supplier relationships.
• Act as lead contact for Sunderland Culture’s bankers.

Payroll & Staff Support

• Act as the main contact for external payroll consultants, overseeing monthly payroll.
• Support the CEO with salary budgeting and staff cost analysis.

Budgets, Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare annual budgets in collaboration with the CEO and departmental leads.
• Support programme and departmental leads with ongoing budget monitoring.
• Produce accurate and timely management accounts for the CEO, Finance Committee and Board.
• Support funding applications and provide reporting to meet funder requirements, including Arts Council England.
• Report alongside the CEO into the Finance Committee and Board.

Audit, Tax & Regulatory Filings

• Lead on the relationship with external auditors, supporting the production of year-end financial accounts.
• Manage statutory filings with HMRC, Companies House and the Charities Commission.
• Work with auditors on tax computations including relevant tax reliefs (MGETR and TTR).
• Oversee quarterly VAT returns with external auditors and submit periodic Gift Aid claims to HMRC.

Strategic & Organisational Contribution

• Be an active member of the SMT, contributing to organisational leadership and decision-making.
• Support the delivery of Sunderland Culture’s strategy and play a role in the charity’s governance and reporting.
• Contribute to the delivery of Arts Council England’s Investment Principles across the organisation.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong experience with Xero accounting software.
• Experience in working with Microsoft products including Excel and SharePoint.
• Proven experience managing day-to-day finance functions.
• Track record of producing accurate management accounts and financial reports.
• Experience in ledger management, bank reconciliations, and processing invoices.
• Confident in working with payroll consultants and overseeing payroll.
• Experience of working with purchase order systems and supplier payments.
• Strong knowledge of financial compliance including HMRC, Companies House, and the Charities Commission.
• Experience of working with auditors and preparing financial statements.
• Familiarity with tax computations, VAT returns, Gift Aid claims, and tax reliefs.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues at all levels.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Experience working in the charity, arts, or not-for-profit sectors.
• Knowledge of Arts Council England reporting requirements.
• Strong understanding of restricted/unrestricted funding and grant reporting.

Package

• Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 depending on experience
• Pension and holiday entitlement in line with charity policy