At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and tax compliance for a global music education charity.
- Company: Join ABRSM, the UK's largest music education body with a global impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and team development.
- Why this job: Make a difference in music education while enhancing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong financial accounting and tax experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
The Organisation
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a globally respected charity and the UK’s largest music education body, with a turnover of approximately £55 million, an increase of more than £10 million over the past decade. Around half of ABRSM’s exam income is generated internationally, underscoring the global scale of its operations and the need for strong financial governance across multiple jurisdictions. Supporting millions of learners and teachers in over 100 countries, ABRSM delivers world-renowned music exams, publications, and digital learning tools. As the organisation continues to grow internationally, it is strengthening its finance leadership team to ensure robust governance and enable its ambitious future plans.
The Job
ABRSM is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Financial Accounting Tax to join on a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover). Reporting directly to the CFO, this pivotal role oversees one of three core finance functions, working alongside the Head of FP A and the Head of Transactional Finance. You will manage a team of three directly and seven in total, providing strong leadership and oversight. You will be responsible for the monthly close, preparation of statutory accounts, and management of external audit, while ensuring UK and international tax compliance in partnership with external advisors.
The key projects you will focus on during this assignment are to:
- Work cross-functionally with internal departments and external tax advisors to set up new branches, subsidiaries and tax registrations internationally, transitioning these into business as usual tax compliance filings.
- Work alongside the Finance Systems Team and external tax advisers to configure our tax compliance software with our ERP system, to produce UK and international VAT/GST returns.
- Oversee and continuously improve the recently implemented international expense management system.
- Oversee the year-end accounts preparation and audit.
- Transitioning statutory accounts to the new Charity SORP.
As ABRSM expands internationally, this role is critical in safeguarding financial integrity and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will bring a detail-oriented approach and a commercial mindset, ensuring robust reporting while supporting effective decision making.
The Person
We’re looking for a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with a strong background in financial accounting and tax. The ideal candidate will bring:
- Proven leadership in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and audit management
- Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS
- Experience working within an international organisation, with exposure to cross-border tax and reporting issues
- A high level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and strong financial control
- A commercial mindset, with the ability to provide insight to support decision making
- Strong track record of delivering continuous improvement and strengthening financial controls
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high performing team
What’s in it for You?
- A high impact leadership role in a purpose driven organisation
- The opportunity to support financial leadership during a key period
- A chance to contribute to a global mission in music education
- A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%)
- 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure days, flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
- A collaborative and supportive work environment
Timeline
- Closing date: 28th June
- First stage interviews: Wednesday 8th July
- Second stage interviews: Friday 17 July
- Ideal start date: approximately 3rd August
How to Apply
ABRSM is working in partnership with Hays Senior Finance to identify the right person for this position. For further information, please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays. To be considered, please submit your CV in the first instance (cover letter not necessary at this stage). Suitable applicants will be contacted by Peter to discuss the next steps.
Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) employer: ABRSM
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is an exceptional employer, offering a high-impact leadership role within a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to global music education. With a competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ABRSM fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers employees to thrive while contributing to a meaningful mission. Join us in safeguarding financial integrity as we expand our international reach and support millions of learners and teachers worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who have experience with international organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ABRSM and its financial operations. Understand their global reach and how your skills in financial accounting and tax can help them achieve their ambitious plans. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved financial controls. This role is all about strong leadership, so let your experience shine through.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the ABRSM team and contributing to their mission in music education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Financial Accounting & Tax role. Highlight your relevant experience in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and audit management. We want to see how your skills align with what ABRSM is looking for!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills. Share examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire others!
Highlight International Experience:Given ABRSM's global operations, it’s crucial to highlight any international experience you have. Talk about your exposure to cross-border tax and reporting issues. This will show that you understand the complexities of working across multiple jurisdictions.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both you and us. We can’t wait to see your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at ABRSM
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial accounting and tax knowledge, especially UK GAAP/IFRS. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your expertise in statutory reporting and audit management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As this role involves managing a team, be ready to share your leadership style and how you've motivated teams in the past. Think of specific instances where you’ve led a project or improved financial controls, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with ABRSM’s mission and its impact on music education globally. Being able to articulate how your role as Head of Financial Accounting & Tax aligns with their goals will show your genuine interest and commitment to the organisation.
✨Prepare for Cross-Border Tax Discussions
Given the international aspect of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with cross-border tax issues. Prepare to talk about how you've worked with external advisors to ensure compliance in different jurisdictions, as this is crucial for the position.
