Financial Controller

Michael Page; Addlestone; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Flexible working

Hybrid working

Medical support

Employee assistance program

Holiday camps

Fee remission

Life insurance

Job summary

Michael Page is partnering with a leading Surrey based independent co-educational day school to recruit a Financial Controller on a permanent basis.

The role will oversee budgeting, management accounts, year-end reporting, VAT, and the external audit process, with a strong emphasis on governance and control. You will lead the Finance team and provide financial insight to budget holders and Governors.

Qualifications

• Fully qualified CIMA or ACCA with charity accounting knowledge.
• Experience preparing and presenting management accounts to stakeholders.
• Strong technical accounting skills and GDPR compliance knowledge.
• Experience managing external audits and education sector familiarity.
• Line management experience and knowledge of NetSuite.

Responsibilities

• Oversee budgeting, management accounts, and year-end reporting.
• Manage month-end close, ledgers, and balance sheet controls.
• Coordinate VAT, tax returns, and liaison with auditors.
• Provide financial insights to departments for decision making.
• Develop and monitor school budgets and cashflow forecasting.
• Lead the Finance team and ensure internal controls.

Skills

CIMA/ACCA qualified

External audit

GDPR knowledge

Line management

Analytical skills

NetSuite knowledge

Education

CIMA/ACCA qualification

Tools

NetSuite

Job description

The Financial Controller will play a pivotal role in the effective financial management of the school. Working with the Director of Finance the Financial Controller will oversee budgeting, management accounts, compliance with relevant legislation, preparation of year-end accounts, and the external audit process.

I'm pleased to be partnering with a leading Surrey based independent co-educational day school recruit for a Financial Controller on a permanent basis.

Description

• Ensure strong financial governance, compliance with regulations, and internal controls.
• Deliver detailed financial, costing, and margin analysis, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee standard costing models, including regular review and updates to reflect operational changes.
• Analyse and report on cost variances, providing clear insight and identifying areas for improvement.
• Monitor and improve financial processes to enhance efficiency and control.
• Collaborate with internal departments to provide financial insights and decision-making support.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of statutory accounts and tax returns.
• Own month-end close, ledger integrity, balance sheet controls, and reconciliations.
• Deliver timely and accurate management accounts with meaningful analysis and insight.
• Develop and monitor budgets to support organisational objectives.
• Manage the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Manage cashflow forecasting and reporting on a monthly basis.
• Act as a key contact within the Finance team for departmental budget holders.
• Manage all VAT returns and ensure full compliance with VAT regulations.
• Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors when required.
• Prepare the consolidated group VAT return.
• Oversee the day to day running and activities of the Finance team, managing workload of the other Finance team members
• Produce an accurate and timely consolidated management accounts pack and present to the Director of Finance each month, including forecasting.
• Produce an in-depth analysis of the accounts, with particular attention to variances against budget and previous month end.
• Prepare and process month end journals and reconciliations.
• Support the Director of Finance in the compilation of the overall School budget for presentation to Governors.
• Manage the fixed asset module and ensure depreciation has been posted to NetSuite before month end procedure. Liaise with key stakeholders and provide reporting assistance where required.
• Support the Director of Finance in the capex budgeting process

Profile

• Fully qualified CIMA or ACCA
• Working knowledge of charitable accounting and legislation
• Understanding of the requirements of GDPR and relevant financial legislation
• A full understanding and experience of preparation, execution, and presentation of management accounts to key stakeholders
• Strong technical accounting skills and knowledge of accounting best practice
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial data
• Experience with managing the external audit process
• Experience in a finance role within education, preferably within the independent sector
• Strong working knowledge of accounting software packages (NetSuite would be advantageous)
• Line management experience

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in a finance role within education, preferably within the independent sector
• Strong working knowledge of accounting software packages (NetSuite would be advantageous)

Job Offer

• Salary between £60,000 and £65,000, dependent on the level of experience.
• Pension
• Flexible working
• Hybrid working
• Medical support and employee assistance programme
• Holiday camps and local retailer discounts
• Fee remission
• Life insurance

We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.