Financial Controller

My client are seeking a capable Financial Controller with a passion for excellence and professionalism to take full responsibility for the collection, capture, processing, and reconciling of operational transactions for finance and payroll. The successful candidate will ensure accuracy and timeliness in producing management accounts and other reports, and provide a high-quality finance business partnering service to the College.

• Lead the Finance and Payroll Department, maintaining the highest professional standards.
• Define service standards for the Finance function and develop the team’s performance against them.
• Ensure the completeness and accuracy of transactions in the College’s finance system, month-end close down processes, and regular budget holder reports and management accounts.
• Work with the Vice Principal to ensure robust and compliant finance and payroll policies, procedures, and processes.
• Develop manager self-service access to the College’s HR and payroll software.
• Act as the key point of contact for pension schemes, ensuring scheme rules are accurately applied and communicated.
• Manage all Returns and correspondence with HMRC, pension operators, and other statutory or regulatory bodies.
• Represent or deputise for the Vice Principal at internal and/or external meetings and events as appropriate.

• Recognised CCAB (or overseas equivalent) accounting qualification.
• Level 2 (GCSE or equivalent) qualifications in maths and English at grade C or higher.
• Experience managing a finance function and leading a team, ideally in the education sector.
• Substantial experience in operating payrolls for at least 100 employees.
• Proficiency in accounting and payroll software (Sage and MHR iTrent preferred).
• Experience with pension schemes and auto-enrolment processes.
• Experience preparing year-end financial statements and liaising with auditors.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Outlook, and Word.
• Strong knowledge of tax and employment laws and regulations as they affect payroll.

• Competitive salary package.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Being part of a senior management team in a dynamic educational environment.
• Engaging in a role that offers variety, challenge, and the opportunity to drive improvements and efficiencies within the finance function.

To apply for the Financial Controller position, please submit your CV and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications.