Financial Controller

Eton College; Clewer Village; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution is seeking a Financial Controller to oversee the financial accounting and control environment of its Finance Department. This role involves collaboration with various stakeholders to ensure accurate statutory reporting and tax compliance. The ideal candidate will be a fully qualified accountant with extensive VAT knowledge and strong analytical skills. You will lead a dedicated team, manage financial operations for corporate subsidiaries, and play a key role in the year-end audit process. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a respected institution while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

11% Employer Pension Contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Scheme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Subsidised Lunches

Discounts at Local Retailers

Access to Sport and Leisure Facilities

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of VAT and partial exemption scheme.
• Experience in statutory accounts and audits management.

Responsibilities

• Preparation and submission of complex VAT returns.
• Managing day-to-day finance operations for corporate subsidiaries.

Skills

VAT Knowledge

Financial Accounting

Analytical Skills

Team Management

Time Management

Education

Fully Qualified Accountant

Tools

Advanced Excel

Intermediate Word

Job description

Eton College is a charity, with some subsidiary entities. The college has various streams of income and expenditure, and processes large volumes of transactions.

The role of Financial Controller is to take responsibility for the financial accounting and control environment of the Finance Department by working closely with the Finance Director, the Budget and Management Accountant, and the Fees and Bursaries Accountant to identify and, where necessary, implement robust processes and timetables to ensure that timely and accurate accounts, statutory reporting, and tax returns are prepared and delivered.

Due to the needs of the school and the department, we may interview suitable candidates before the closing date. This job may also close early if a large number of applications are received. You are advised to submit your application as early as possible to avoid missing your chance to apply.

Benefits

Eton College offers a wide range of benefits, including an 11% employer contribution to your pension (with 4.9% employee contribution), Employee Assistance Programme, enhanced Maternity / Paternity scheme, a cycle to work scheme, subsidised lunches during term time, free or heavily discounted access to the College's sport and leisure facilities, and discounts at local retailers and businesses.

Main Duties

VAT Compliance

• Preparation and submission of complex group VAT returns and partial exemption calculations. Reconciling all figures in the VAT returns to the various reports and ensuring compliance with VAT legislation and that correct recovery rates are applied.
• Annual Capital Goods Scheme ensuring sufficient information is collated to enable recovery on applicable items through the Capital Goods Scheme on an annual basis.
• Dealing with ad hoc queries from stakeholders on VAT.
• Providing VAT training to staff as necessary.

Balance Sheet Controls

• Development, maintenance, and monitoring of finance and accounting procedures and controls across the Finance Department to ensure continued best practice.
• Ensuring trial balances are run each month and balance sheet reconciliations are undertaken for all entities.

Corporate Subsidiaries

• Managing the day-to-day finance operations for all corporate subsidiaries.
• Provision of monthly management accounts for hospitality, sporting, and lettings businesses.
• Preparing annual statutory accounts, Board Packs, and coordinating Board Meetings for subsidiary entities.
• Managing audits of each subsidiary entity and preparing information for the corporation tax computations.
• Provision of financial information and support to the Commercial Director as required.

Consolidated Statutory Accounts & Annual Return

• Assisting the Finance Director in the preparation of Eton College's consolidated statutory accounts and annual return submission.
• Playing a key role in the year-end audit process including coordination of resources, preparation of audit schedules, and responding to audit queries promptly.

Restricted Funds and Trusts

• Preparing the College’s Restricted Funds and Trusts Account schedules for inclusion in the statutory accounts.
• Annual reporting and commentary on the status of Funds to the Audit and Risk Committee.
• Day-to-day management of all Trust Funds, including opening new funds and ensuring sufficient approval and documentation.
• Acting as the main point of contact in the Finance Department for the Development (Fund-Raising) Office and relevant committees.
• Annual reporting to donors in collaboration with the Development Office.
• Management of investment accounting for securities and property portfolios.

Gift Aid Submissions

• Reconciliation, review, sign-off, and submission of Gift Aid claims.
• Reviewing and signing off reconciliation of donations received from the accounting software to the CRM system.
• Preparing donation income reports as necessary.

Prepaid Fee Scheme

• Managing prepaid fee balances and preparing statements to parents as required.
• Dealing with parent queries related to the scheme.
• Signing off prepaid fee quotes.
• Ensuring sufficient documentation is prepared and input into the accounting system.
• Preparing termly reconciliations of prepaid fee balances.

Other

• Managing ad hoc projects to improve processes and procedures within the Finance Department.

Direct Reports

Line management of the Financial Accounts Team, including the Assistant Financial Accountant, who manages the Financial Accounts Assistant.

Providing training and support to the Financial Accounting team.

Providing regular feedback and coordinating workload to ensure team development.

Supporting other members of the Finance Department as necessary.

All employees of Eton College are also expected to:

Have a good understanding of safeguarding procedures, given all positions at Eton are classified as regulated activity.

Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including completing safeguarding training and reading updates issued by the College.

Understand and comply with procedures and legislation relating to confidentiality.

Display a commitment to and promotion of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Working Pattern

Your working hours will be 9.00 to 5.00 pm, Monday to Friday, with an unpaid hour for lunch.

You will be working 52 weeks per year.

The Ideal Candidate

To succeed in this role, the candidate should:

Be a fully qualified Accountant with post-qualified experience;

Have extensive knowledge of VAT, including the partial exemption scheme;

Have demonstrable experience operating robust control environments;

Be accountable for month-end and year-end processes, including statutory accounts and audits;

Have excellent analytical skills with the ability to question and interrogate financial data;

Possess strong IT skills (advanced Excel and intermediate Word);

Be able to prioritize and manage time effectively.

Skills that are desirable but not essential include:

Working knowledge of charity accounting;

Working knowledge of Gift Aid.

About The College

We are an equal opportunities employer, seeking applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We are committed to creating an environment that values individuality, difference, and diversity, fostering perseverance, tolerance, and integrity. We believe in equal opportunity for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or socio-economic background.

If you have questions about the application process or face issues submitting online, the Recruitment Team can assist. Please contact us for reasonable adjustments or facilities needed to apply online.

DISCLOSURE CHECKS

Eton College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, including reference checks, an enhanced DBS disclosure, online searches, and, where applicable, prohibition checks. Successful applicants will need to complete a DBS Disclosure Application. All disclosures will be handled in accordance with DBS guidance and the College’s policies. The College is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; thus, all convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings must be declared, including those that are spent under the Act. It is a criminal offense for barred individuals to apply for positions at the College.