Financial Controller

About the organisation

We are a member‑owned, not‑for‑profit buying group, established to support independent businesses by improving purchasing power, securing competitive supplier terms, and reinvesting value back into our membership. Operated on cooperative principles, our focus is on financial sustainability, transparency, and long‑term member benefit rather than profit generation.

We are seeking a hands‑on Financial Controller to operate the finance function and act as a trusted partner to the Board and members.

The role

Reporting to the Board, you will have end‑to‑end responsibility for finance, ensuring robust controls, accurate reporting, and clear visibility of member funds, supplier rebates, and reserves. This role is central to maintaining trust, governance, and compliance within a cooperative, not‑for‑profit structure.

Key responsibilities

• Full ownership of the finance function


• Preparation of monthly management accounts, forecasts, and cash‑flow reporting


• Accounting for supplier rebates, overriders, member returns, and deferred income


• Accurate invoicing, reconciliations, and statements


• Ensuring compliance with not‑for‑profit accounting principles and cooperative governance


• Management of cash reserves in line with Board‑approved policies


• Budgeting and financial planning focused on sustainability and member benefit


• VAT, statutory returns, and liaison with external accountants/auditors


• Supporting Board reporting with clear, transparent financial information


• Developing and maintaining strong financial controls and processes


• Ensuring financial clarity in member distributions, levies, or reinvestments


• Continuous improvement of systems and financial reporting tools

• Fully or part‑qualified accountant (AAT/ACA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE


• Experience in not‑for‑profit, cooperative, mutual, association, or buying‑group environments highly desirable


• Strong understanding of restricted funds, deferred income, accruals, and rebate accounting


• Comfortable working in a hands‑on SME setting


• High attention to detail with a strong sense of accountability and integrity


• Confident communicating financial information to Boards and non‑finance stakeholders


• Strong Excel skills and experience with SME finance systems (e.g. Xero, Sage)


• Pragmatic, values‑driven, and motivated by member outcomes

• Purpose‑driven role supporting independent businesses


• Opportunity to work at the heart of a member‑owned organisation


• High‑trust role with visibility at Board and leadership level


• Broad, fulfilling remit with real influence


• Supportive, collaborative culture aligned to cooperative values


• Flexible working arrangements where possible

Please send your CV to chairman@sterlingsgroup.co.uk Informal conversations are welcomed ahead of application.

Pay: £30,000\.00\-£40,000\.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension

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