Group Financial controller in Manchester

At AQA, we’re committed to advancing education and we’re committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK, we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and it’s our people who make this happen.

12-month Fixed Term Contract (Maternity Cover)

Manchester: £80,000-£85,800

Hybrid, 2 days per week in the office (typically Monday and one other day)

Are you ready to lead a high-performing finance team and help shape the future of a growing, complex education charity? This is an exciting and rare opportunity to lead the Financial Control and FP&A teams within a well-established, multimillion-pound charity. While this is a 12-month fixed-term contract, you'll be fully supported and offered excellent opportunities for professional development and growth.

This is more than a technical finance leadership role. You will step into a highly engaged, people-centric team that is known across AQA for its collaborative culture, development focus and continuous improvement mindset. While technical expertise is important, success in this role will come from your ability to support people, build relationships and maintain a positive team culture.

In this role, you'll:

• Lead a high-performing Financial Control and FP&A team, developing the team and driving excellence
• Build strong relationships across AQA, including with our Head of Commercial Finance to ensure the business receives an aligned message from Finance
• Ensure robust financial governance, delivering high-quality reporting and statutory accounts
• Steer the implementation of IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 across AQA and supporting subsidiary readiness for the 2027 audit
• Shape strategic decision-making through insightful forecasting, planning and management reporting
• Support growth by integrating acquisitions, strengthening subsidiary finance capabilities and building strong stakeholder relationships

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

• A recognised professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA
• Experience leading audit, statutory accounts, group reporting, budgets, forecasts and longer-term financial planning
• Experience leading and developing teams within a complex organisation or group structure
• The ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and create an environment where people can succeed
• Experience of charity reporting or working within a charity or not-for-profit environment would be beneficial, but is not essential

What's in it for you?

• Flexible, hybrid working with genuine support for work-life balance
• 35-hour working week
• 25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and four additional days for Christmas closure
• A generous pension scheme with combined contributions up to 18.5%, available from your first day
• Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan and paid volunteering days
• A value-led culture focused on development, inclusion and continuous improvement

Diversity and Inclusion Statement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy ensures that everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

Please apply by submitting a copy of your CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications will be 23:59 on Sunday 13 September. Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Early application is encouraged. Our interview process consists of two stages. The first stage will be a video interview, followed by a face-to-face interview at our Manchester office in September.

Recruitment Agencies

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.

Full Job Description Summary

Purpose: As the Group Financial Controller in the Finance and Corporate Services (FCS) department, you will play a crucial role in the success of the AQA finance team and wider AQA. Your work will directly impact the organization's ability to make informed business decisions, improve financial performance, and adhere to best practices in financial management through strong influencing up to and including Executive Director level. By aligning financial strategy and objectives with internal operations, this role will facilitate the achievement of AQA's mission, vision, and values. This role will drive forward strong financial controls, enhancing financial planning and reporting, and contributing to the overall financial sustainability of AQA.

Key accountabilities – Team

• Lead, manage, coach and develop a high performing team who deliver effective, efficient and enabling outcomes in accordance with agreed key performance targets.
• Be an active member of the Finance SLT where the focus is around people, culture and continuous improvement. Lead adhoc projects to deliver in line with the Finance vision and AQA strategy.

Key accountabilities – Financial Accounting, processes and controls

• Lead the team to produce high quality actuals reporting and balance sheet management with a focus on accuracy, controls and storytelling.
• Lead, manage and develop a robust company financial internal control framework, including standards for subsidiary financial controls and transfer pricing.
• Lead the finance risk management process, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and escalated as required and in accordance with AQA’s corporate risk management process.
• Lead the Group external audit and produce high quality Group statutory accounts.
• Oversight and maximisation of AQA’s cash and long term invested funds.
• Oversight of the VAT process maximising VAT recovery in a charity environment.
• Be a catalyst for change programmes and process improvements.

Key accountabilities - Financial planning, reporting and influencing

• Lead the team to produce high quality medium term financial plans, budgets and forecasts.
• Influence the business with clear financial analysis, storytelling and recommendations.
• Support the roll out of the financial strategy (e.g., productivity improvements) working closely with other business areas to deliver across AQA.
• Be the finance lead on the business planning cycle and business case process.
• Lead the team to integrate acquisitions into the Group company structure and ensure all the relevant due diligence takes place.
• Work closely with the Head of Commercial Finance to ensure the business receives an aligned message from Finance, the handovers between teams are smooth and there is a clear line of accountabilities.

Key accountabilities – Wider Organisation

• Foster strong relationships with the wider business and business leaders acting as an advocate for Finance and Corporate services, enhancing the connectivity and perception of Finance.
• Act as a business partner to upskill and educate senior leaders across the business to drive a culture of control.
• Lead the enhancement and sustained achievement of financial and controls awareness across the organisation.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA)
• Solid technical accounting experience, ideally with experience in Charity SORP, FRS102 within a complex organisation or a group environment
• Ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders using storytelling and strong stakeholder management
• Experience at leading large teams.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Experience in driving process improvements and establishing efficient, robust controls
• Strategic thinking and the ability to make impactful recommendations at a board level