Head of Financial Accounting

TN United Kingdom; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Head of Financial Accounting to support key decision-making and oversee financial reporting within a specialist college. This pivotal role involves ensuring compliance with external reporting requirements and managing the implementation of a new finance system. The successful candidate will lead a dedicated finance team, prepare year-end statutory accounts, and manage VAT compliance. With a focus on financial efficiency and compliance, this position offers a chance to work in a meaningful organization that values its employees and provides a supportive team environment.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Impressive government pension

Hybrid working

Friendly team

Qualifications

• ACA/ACCA qualified accountant with experience in year-end accounting.
• Strong knowledge of VAT and audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Ensure compliance with internal finance regulations and develop review systems.
• Prepare year-end financial statements and liaise with external auditors.

Skills

Financial Accounting

VAT Compliance

Year-End Accounting

Balance Sheet Reconciliation

Audit Experience

Team Management

Education

ACA or ACCA Qualified

Job description

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• Head of Financial Accounting - Surrey based Specialist College
• ACA or ACCA qualified accountant

About Our Client

The Head of Financial Accounting will support key decision making, report on financial risks, and input into the implementation of a new finance system across the Trust and College. Working with the Assistant Director of Finance, they will ensure compliance with external reporting requirements, VAT, and prepare the year-end statutory accounts and other DfE returns.

Job Description

1. Ensure internal Finance Regulations are compliant and develop a system of reviews and checks to give assurance they are being followed across the trust. Recommend improvements where appropriate.
2. Keep up to date with changes in reporting requirements in the education sector, the Academy Trust Handbook, The Accounts Direction, and FRS102. Implement these changes across the organisation.
3. Prepare the year-end financial statements for the College and Academy Trust. Liaise with external auditors to deliver the year-end audit.
4. Manage collation of data and the preparation of statutory annual returns for review by the Assistant Director, such as the Academies Accounts Return, Budget Forecast Return, and other external reports.
5. Line management of 2x Senior Finance Officer posts (Purchase Ledger and Expenses) and the Finance Assistant, including induction, recruitment, and support. Lead and develop these teams, developing internal reporting in these areas.
6. Review the ongoing implementation of credit card and staff expenses systems, ensuring smooth operation and appropriate financial controls.
7. Review balance sheet control account reconciliations, including VAT, investments, intercompany, purchase ledger, and expenses. Develop and train the Finance Assistant to prepare reconciliations. Discuss any concerns with Finance SLT.
8. Manage VAT compliance, including monthly VAT returns, liaison with HMRC and external advisors. Seek relevant training to stay updated on developments in the Education sector.
9. Ensure compliance with taxation legislation, including gift aid, corporation tax, and IR35.
10. Develop a cash flow forecasting model and present monthly reports to the Finance SLT, highlighting key benchmarks and risks.
11. Oversee online banking, including investment accounts and surplus cash investment. Make recommendations on effective use of working capital. Act as main contact for banking relationships.
12. Be one of the bank signatories on Lloyds Bank accounts for the Trust and College; approve BACs and faster payments per Finance Regulations.
13. Ensure related party transactions and connected persons relationships are accurately captured and reported to the DfE and auditors, with quarterly reviews for the Audit & Risk Committee.
14. Establish and develop benchmarking tools to review finance operations performance.
15. Work with the Assistant Director of Finance to develop and test the new Finance system for smooth implementation, ensuring effective management of transactions and reports.
16. Provide technical advice and guidance to colleagues, ensuring compliance, value for money, and support for business objectives.
17. Participate in ad hoc projects to improve financial efficiency across the organisation.

The Successful Applicant

ACA/ACCA qualified accountant
Experience in year-end accounting
VAT and audit experience
Balance sheet reconciliation experience
Open to all sectors

What's on Offer

25 days holiday
Impressive government pension
Hybrid working
Opportunity to work for a meaningful organisation
Friendly team