Head of Accounting and Tax

Inspired Education Group; London; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a dynamic Head of Accounting and Tax to lead their central finance function across Northern Europe. This pivotal role involves overseeing multi-entity financial operations, managing a talented team, and ensuring compliance with IFRS standards. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, private equity-backed environment and possess strong leadership and technical accounting skills. With ambitious growth plans, this is a unique opportunity to influence financial strategy and drive process improvements within a global organization. If you're ready to take your career to the next level, this role offers the perfect platform for your professional growth.

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with strong post-qualification experience required.
• Experience managing complex financial operations in a multi-entity organization.

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting and tax operations across multiple countries.
• Manage and develop a team of 8 finance professionals.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Leadership Skills

Technical Accounting Knowledge

Education

Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, or equivalent)

Strong Academic Achievement

Tools

Excel

ERP Systems

JD Edwards

Job description

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Head of Accounting and Tax

Location: London, GB

Date: 14 Apr 2025

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 118 premium private schools in 27 countries spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 90,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

Founded in 2013 by Nadim M. Nsouli, Inspired is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices. The Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and the development of existing schools within its portfolio. In 2023, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the UK's top 10 highest-value private companies.

ROLE SUMMARY:

Inspired Education is a fast-growing, global group of over 100 premium private schools across 27 countries, generating €0.9bn+ in annual revenues. With ambitious growth plans, the Northern Europe region plays a key role in our expansion strategy, covering multiple schools across the UK, Latvia, Belgium, and Switzerland.

We are looking for an ambitious and hands-on Head of Accounting and Tax to lead our central finance function for Northern Europe. This role is ideal for a driven, high-potential finance professional who has experience managing complex, multi-entity financial operations and is comfortable working in a private equity-backed, high-growth environment.

The successful candidate will manage a team of 8 finance professionals, overseeing accounting and tax compliance, financial reporting, and driving efficiency in financial processes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with management experience who is looking to progress their career within a dynamic, fast-growing international organisation.

This role requires four days per week in our London office, with occasional travel to our schools in Northern Europe.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Accounting & Financial Operations

1. Oversee all day-to-day accounting and tax operations across multiple countries.
2. Ensure accurate financial records in compliance with IFRS.
3. Key contact for audit and drafting of financial statements.
4. Supervise and manage monthly balance sheet reconciliations, intercompany transactions, and fixed asset registers.
5. Ensure efficient cash flow management, debt collection, and payroll reconciliation.
6. Coordinate the preparation and filing of direct and indirect tax returns across different jurisdictions.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Collaboration

1. Manage, mentor, and develop a team of 8 finance professionals, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
2. Collaborate with regional leadership and school finance teams to drive financial strategy and decision-making.
3. Foster a culture of process improvement, accountability, and best-in-class financial controls.

Process Improvement & Compliance

1. Ensure robust financial management processes and controls are in place.
2. Support the Senior Transactional Controller and wider finance team on ad hoc projects and strategic initiatives.
3. Lead the rollout of new accounting processes and system enhancements.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

1. Qualified Accountant (ACA, CIMA, or equivalent) with strong post-qualification experience.
2. Record of strong academic achievement.
3. Management experience, ideally leading a team of at least 3 people within a finance function.
4. Experience working in a large, multi-entity organisation, handling complex financial operations at a similar scale.
5. Strong technical accounting knowledge, particularly in IFRS and tax compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
6. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to handle large data sets and work to tight deadlines.
7. High level of systems proficiency, including Excel and ERP systems (experience with JD Edwards is a plus).
8. Experience working in a fast-paced, private equity-backed, or high-growth organisation.
9. A proactive, hands-on approach, with a 'can-do' attitude and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
10. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
11. Willingness to travel occasionally to Northern Europe.