Financial Controller

About Climate Arc

The climate crisis demands urgent action. Every financial decision shapes our shared future.

Climate Arc delivers the information, connections, and influence needed to accelerate the global transition. We are more than a grantmaker or technical team—we connect the dots between complex science and finance systems, translating this trusted data into actionable analysis to enable financial decision-makers to move capital quickly and at scale.

In this way we’re supporting systemic change—unlocking capital, building capacity, addressing critical gaps in transition finance—so lasting solutions for a resilient future become a genuine reality. We work with urgency to co-create point-in-time solutions, while building a legacy of infrastructure and knowledge that will empower resilient economies and societies well into the future.

About the role

Climate Arc is seeking a Financial Controller to support management of the day-to-day financial operations of Climate Arc, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant financial reporting, robust internal controls, and effective stewardship of our financial systems.

Reporting to the Head of Business Operations you will ensure that Climate Arc’s finance processes run smoothly and that accurate financial information is readily available to support organisational decision-making. This is an operational management role focused on financial control and compliance. The Finance function will also include a Management Accountant role who the Financial Controller will provide guidance and mentorship to.

The role is offered on a 12-month fixed-term basis, with the expectation of becoming permanent.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

• Manage the month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring accuracy and timeliness

• Prepare management accounts, variance analyses, and other financial reports for internal use

• Maintain and operate strong internal controls to safeguard assets and ensure data integrity

• Oversee accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, and bank reconciliations (via Management Accountant and external providers)

• Oversee the processing of invoices, expense claims, and payment runs

• Ensure correct submission of information to HMRC and manage the relationship

Financial Reporting & Compliance

• Prepare statutory accounts in accordance with UK and US reporting requirements, liaising with external accountants and auditors as needed

• Support the preparation of the Annual Report, focusing on the accuracy of financial sections

• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, tax laws, and charity regulations in all jurisdictions in which Arc operates

• Prepare and file required tax returns (UK and US) in collaboration with external advisors

Audit & Risk

• Manage the annual audit process, acting as the primary point of contact for auditors

• Maintain compliance with internal policies and relevant regulations

• Implement financial process improvements as required, under the guidance of the Head of Business Operations

• Implement robust Treasury & Cash Management in line with established policies and procedures

• Monitor cash flow and bank balances, producing cash flow reports for the Head of Business Operations

Systems & Processes

• Maintain and optimise finance systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and support accurate reporting

• Support finance-related training for non-finance colleagues to ensure compliance with internal procedures

Requirements

Required:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA, or equivalent).
• Proficient in accounting systems (Xero preferred).
• Excellent Excel and data manipulation and modelling skills.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, internal controls, and statutory reporting requirements (UK essential; US desirable).
• Experience managing audits and year-end reporting.
• Agile approach to work matching Arc’s pace and continuous improvement.
• Ability to manage projects and provide advice in a fast-paced startup environment, whilst maintaining meticulous attention to accuracy and detail.
• Excellent oral and written English language and communication skills.

Desirable:

• Experience in a non-profit or charitable organisation, preferably with multi-jurisdiction operations.
• Experience implementing finance systems or process improvements.
• Demonstrated experience leading or supervising finance staff or outsourced providers.
• Knowledge of both UK and US non-profit financial compliance.

Benefits

Location

For this role we can offer a remote-first working option across the UK.

Salary and benefits

The salary range for this role is £70,000 to £80,000.

In addition to the base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to:

• Generous paid time off
• Health and wellbeing program
• 9% employer contribution to retirement planning
• Enhanced family pay and leave policies
• Professional membership paid (if applicable)
• Nomad working policy

To apply

Please complete the Application Form including attaching an up-to-date CV as well as a Cover Letter (both in English) outlining how your skills and experience align with the above requirements and what motivates you to work with Climate Arc in this particular role.

We intend to close the advert for this role on Friday 30th January at 5pm UK time but depending on the level of response we may close it prior, so we encourage you to submit your application sooner than later.

The application and assessment process will involve the following:

• Application review (applications that do not include a full cover letter will not be considered)
• 1st round screening interview: Recruiting Manager (30 to 45 minute MS Teams video call)
• Offline task (no more than 2 hours)
• Formal interview (in person or MS Teams) with the Hiring Manager and panel (1 hour)