Group Financial controller

aqa; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid working

35-hour week

25 days leave

Pension up to 18.5%

Private Medical Insurance

Healthcare Cash Plan

Volunteer days

Job summary

AQA is seeking a Group Financial Controller on a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover in Manchester. This hybrid role requires two days in the office and offers a senior leadership path within a growing charity.

You will lead Financial Control and FP&A teams, drive robust governance, IFRS implementations, and strategic forecasting, delivering high-quality reporting and statutory accounts while developing the team and strong stakeholder relationships.

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualification required.
• Experience leading audit, statutory accounts and group reporting.
• Experience building and developing finance teams in large organisations.
• Ability to influence stakeholders and foster a positive team culture.
• Charity reporting experience is beneficial but not essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Control and FP&A teams and drive excellence.
• Build relationships across the organisation to align finance messaging.
• Ensure robust financial governance, reporting and statutory accounts.
• Lead IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 implementations and readiness for 2027 audit.
• Shape strategic decisions through forecasting and management reporting.
• Support growth by integrating acquisitions and strengthening subsidiary finance.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial reporting

Forecasting

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA

Job description

Group Financial Controller

12-month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover). Manchester: £80,000-£85,800. Hybrid, 2 days per week in the office (typically Monday and one other day).

At AQA, we're committed to advancing education and we're committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it's our people who make this happen.

Are you ready to lead a high-performing finance team and help shape the future of a growing, complex education charity? This is an exciting and rare opportunity to lead the Financial Control and FP&A teams within a well-established, multimillion-pound charity. While this is a 12-month fixed-term contract, you'll be fully supported and offered excellent opportunities for professional development and growth. This is more than a technical finance leadership role. You will step into a highly engaged, people-centric team that is known across AQA for its collaborative culture, development focus and continuous improvement mindset. While technical expertise is important, success in this role will come from your ability to support people, build relationships and maintain a positive team culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a high-performing Financial Control and FP&A team, developing the team and driving excellence
• Build strong relationships across AQA, including with our Head of Commercial Finance to ensure the business receives an aligned message from Finance
• Ensure robust financial governance, delivering high-quality reporting and statutory accounts
• Steer the implementation of IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 across AQA and supporting subsidiary readiness for the 2027 audit
• Shape strategic decision-making through insightful forecasting, planning and management reporting
• Support growth by integrating acquisitions, strengthening subsidiary finance capabilities and building strong stakeholder relationships

Required Qualifications and Experience

• A recognised professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Experience leading audit, statutory accounts, group reporting, budgets, forecasts and longer-term financial planning
• Experience leading and developing teams within a complex organisation or group structure
• The ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and create an environment where people can succeed
• Experience of charity reporting or working within a charity or not-for-profit environment would be beneficial, but is not essential

Benefits

• Flexible, hybrid working with genuine support for work-life balance
• 35-hour working week
• 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and four additional days for Christmas closure
• A generous pension scheme with combined contributions up to 18.5%, available from your first day
• Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan and paid volunteering days
• A value-led culture focused on development, inclusion and continuous improvement

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy ensures that everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Closing date for applications will be 23:59 on Sunday 13 September.

Full Job Description

Purpose: As the Group Financial Controller in the Finance and Corporate Services (FCS) department, you will play a crucial role in the success of the AQA finance team and wider AQA. Your work will directly impact the organization’s ability to make informed business decisions, improve financial performance, and adhere to best practices in financial management through strong influencing up to and including Executive Director level. By aligning financial strategy and