Finance Controller: Lead Budgets, Audits & Controls

THE ARTS EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

THE ARTS EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL is seeking a capable Head of Finance to lead the day-to-day operations of the finance department, support the Director of Finance and Operations, and strengthen financial controls and reporting across the charity and school.

You will oversee management accounts, annual accounts, external audit liaison, payroll, VAT returns, budgeting, and governance reporting, while mentoring staff and contributing to strategic financial planning.

Qualifications

• Strong background in charity/education finance and governance.
• Experience in statutory reporting and audit liaison.
• Proven ability to lead a finance team and improve controls.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of termly management accounts for discussion with the Director of Finance and Operations.
• Oversee preparation of annual accounts in accordance with charity law.
• Coordinate annual external audit and liaise with auditors.
• Ensure reporting meets statutory and regulatory standards.
• Maintain balance sheet reconciliations and audit trails.
• Prepare and reconcile Fee schedules and invoicing.
• Validate bursaries and advise management as appropriate.
• Oversee payroll and monthly payroll adjustments, including pensions.
• Administer payroll changes with appropriate approvals.
• Support budgeting and governance reporting for committees.
• Provide guidance on financial queries and best practice.
• Produce regular actual vs. budget reporting.
• Attend Finance Committee meetings and take minutes if required.

Skills

Financial management

Budgeting

Management reporting

Audit liaison

Payroll

VAT returns

Team leadership

Internal controls

Financial analysis

Governance

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA qualified

Degree in finance or accounting

Tools

Sage

Excel

Job description

THE ARTS EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL is seeking a capable Head of Finance to lead the day-to-day operations of the finance department, support the Director of Finance and Operations, and strengthen financial controls and reporting across the charity and school.

You will oversee management accounts, annual accounts, external audit liaison, payroll, VAT returns, budgeting, and governance reporting, while mentoring staff and contributing to strategic financial planning.