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 focused on continuous improvement and global mission.
- Why this job: Make a difference in music education while enhancing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong leadership and international tax experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
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.
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.
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.
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, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning in a collaborative and supportive work environment.
Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) in London 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, generous benefits including a matched pension contribution, and a commitment to professional development, ABRSM fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture that empowers employees to thrive. Join us in making a meaningful contribution to millions of learners and teachers worldwide while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) in London
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at ABRSM will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at ABRSM. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give ABRSM confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABRSM
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with ABRSM.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure ABRSM that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
