Financial Controller

Our client, a prestigious educational establishment, is seeking a Financial Controller for a full-time, permanent position.

Reporting to the Bursar, the Financial Controller has overall responsibility for the day-to-day financial administration of the establishment. Leading the Accounts Team, this role works with a wide range of colleagues, members and external parties. The Financial Controller has responsibility for processing, recording and reporting all company financial transactions within the framework set by generally accepted accounting standards, preparation of budgets, compliance with external regulatory requirements as well as the policies.

Principal duties and responsibilities:

• Managing all staff in the Accounts Team, including recruitment, allocation of duties, training and development, performance management, day-to-day support, and welfare.
• Ensuring an effective and efficient service is delivered by the Accounts Team service to all members.
• Supporting other Heads of Department with finance related matters arising.
• Ensuring all necessary financial controls are in place and maintained.
• Maintenance and enhancement of software used by the Accounts Team; interaction with other teams; close communication with software providers.
• Preparation of the annual budget in collaboration with the Bursar.
• Preparing management accounts and updated forecasts for submission to Finance Committee.
• Managing the cash flow of the business.
• Preparing multi-year financial projections as needed for proposed projects and initiatives.
• Ensuring all investment transactions are correctly recorded and that the total return drawdown process is applied.
• Maintaining detailed records and reporting for the specific endowment funds, restricted funds and designated funds.
• Preparing the Annual Statutory Accounts and working with colleagues to prepare the Annual Report.
• Managing the Annual Audit process.
• Preparing and submitting the Charity Commission annual return for the establishment and other associated Charities and subsidiaries.
• Managing VAT processes; review and submission of VAT returns; partial exemption annual adjustments and capital goods scheme adjustments.
• Performing the role of dual signatory for online payments.
• Attendance at committee meetings as required.
• Managing the College’s processes for debt follow up and/or chasing, across multiple income streams and source systems.
• Compliance with Data Protection Policies.
• Acting as Company Secretary to any subsidiary companies of the establishment or Charities associated with the business.
• Any other tasks required to run the Accounts function or as required by the Bursar.

Suitable candidates will hold the following skills and experience:

• At least 3 year's experience at a similar level or in a similar role, out of practice.
• Hold a full accounting qualification with membership of a professional body.
• Working knowledge of legislative and regulatory framework and the ability to keep abreast of the business policies, structures, developments and initiatives in order to ensure that relevant financial aspects are considered and reported appropriately.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to deal professionally and sensitively with a broad range of people.
• Ability to organise, manage and motivate a team of Accounts staff to achieve high standards in a complex organisation and reporting structure.
• Understanding of corporate finance.
• Strong IT skills - proficient in using Excel, Word, databases, have experience in using accounting systems and be willing and able to quickly learn new systems.
• Good budgeting and financial planning skills.
• Ability to produce accurate financial data in a clear, informative and concise format and ability to communicate relevant aspects to non-finance staff
• Clear, logical thinking
• Good troubleshooting skills
• Excellent multi-tasking skill

In return, our client offers a generous salary with enhance benefits package.