Financial Controller - School

Qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA Accountant

School Financial Controller required

Client Details

A Surrey based high-performing independent school is seeking a Financial Controller to join it's team on a permanent basis.

Description

• Execute and manage finance processes from end to end
• Manage month and year end finance processes and reporting
• Create/manage monthly, termly and annual management reports and statutory accounts.
• Manage the credit control processes ensuring debt is managed
• Ensure high level of customer service in all bursarial matters
• Present finance/business papers at Board meetings
• Lead and develop a high performing team
• Maintain full and accurate business processes with adequate cover for all processes within a small team to avoid single points of failure
• Provide accurate and timely financial information across the business to promote ownership and accountability of budget holders.
• Oversee all investments
• Create and maintain the financial control risk register to ensure a robust system of internal controls
• Continually develop and improve finance processes and controls, introducing corporate best practice * Manage delivery of outsourcing services

Lead and implement new systems to deliver value adding change

• Provide business partnering support by providing financial information which allows for business decision making/ strategic planning
• Ensure that all financial transactions are properly recorded, filed, and reported
• Establish and implement financial reporting systems to comply with GAAP and government regulations/legislation
• Lead engagement and delivery of external audit
• Work independently to manage an effective and efficient finance team, providing leadership and support to the team.
• Develop KPI reporting for the company, benchmarking performance against competitors/ industry standards, identifying future opportunities to grow higher value services/products
• Conduct and implement potential cost reducing or value adding opportunity
• Report to School Business Director with timely and accurate financial information
• Manage relationships with the Company's auditors and external advisors.
• Monitor and manage banking activities of the organisation to include termly cashflow analysis and loan covenant compliance
• Provide finance support in assessing future acquisitions/ business development
• Building/reviewing business cases as required for all OPEX and CAPEX investments.

Profile

• CIMA/ACCA/ACA qualification
• Strong accounting knowledge, with proven experience in large/multi-national companies
• Experienced in successfully influencing decision making and performance/profit improvement.
• Experience in growing and managing teams/ working as part of a large team
• Strong experience of month end close, functional reporting and preparation of statutory accounts
• Experience in financial controls

Very strong excel and analytical skills

• Excellent attention to detail with the ability to unravel complex accounting queries

Excellent communication, interpersonal and self-management skills

• Ability to cope under pressure and deliver during periods of change.
• A flexible, pro-active and willing approach and be comfortable working within a small team

Job Offer

Competitive Salary which recognises the qualifications, skills and experience of the candidate.

Membership of group personal pension scheme (with life assurance) for non-teaching staff.

25 days holiday plus 8 public holidays each year

Employee Assistance Programme

Catering and on-site subsidised coffee shop

Free car parking on site

Enhanced sickness and family friendly policies

On-site Gym (use at specified times)

Staff Social Committee