Financial Controller Contract

Reed; Sherborne; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education finance provider is seeking a Financial Controller to manage financial operations for a school or multi-academy trust. The role includes overseeing budgeting, forecasting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements. The ideal candidate is ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified, possesses strong accounting skills, and has experience in team leadership. This full-time interim position is located in Sherborne with a salary range of £50,000 – £68,000.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
• Strong technical accounting and management reporting skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Lead the annual budget process in collaboration with department heads.
• Produce monthly cash flow forecasts and manage banking relationships.

Skills

Technical accounting skills

Management reporting skills

Excellent communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Proficiency in financial software

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Financial Controller

Reporting To: Director of Finance / Chief Finance Officer / Director of Operations

Sector Experience: School or Multi-Academy Trust (MAT)

Contract Type: Interim, Full-Time (37.5 hours)

Salary Range: £50,000 – £68,000 (depending on experience)

Role Purpose

To lead and manage the financial operations of the school or trust, ensuring robust financial controls, accurate reporting, and strategic financial planning that supports educational outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Management & Reporting

• Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Prepare monthly and annual financial statements in line with accounting standards.
• Liaise with auditors and manage the annual audit process.
• Ensure compliance with VAT, PAYE, Corporation Tax, and other statutory requirements.

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Lead the annual budget process, working with department heads and senior leadership.
• Monitor budget performance and provide variance analysis.
• Prepare revised forecasts and respond to ad hoc budget queries.

Cash Flow & Treasury

• Produce monthly cash flow forecasts.
• Manage banking relationships and investment of school funds.
• Ensure optimal liquidity and financial stability.

Systems & Controls

• Maintain and improve financial systems and internal controls.
• Ensure compliance with financial policies and procedures.
• Implement systems that support efficient financial operations.

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop the finance team.
• Ensure effective service delivery to internal stakeholders (e.g., school leaders, teachers, parents).

Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide financial advice and reports to the Trust Board, Principals, and other senior leaders.
• Communicate with parents regarding fee payments and financial queries (in independent schools).
• Support grant applications and fundraising efforts.

Qualifications & Skills

• ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
• Strong technical accounting and management reporting skills.
• Experience in education finance (desirable but not essential).
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in financial software