At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing finance team and drive financial excellence in a growing charity.
- Company: Join AQA, the UK's largest provider of academic qualifications, committed to advancing education.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace focused on continuous improvement and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while developing your leadership skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Professional accounting qualification and experience in leading finance teams required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
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 27 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.
Group Financial Controller in Manchester employer: AQA Recruiting
AQA is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and wellbeing of its employees while making a significant impact on education in the UK. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, AQA offers extensive learning opportunities, a supportive work culture, and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and healthcare support. Located in Milton Keynes, this role as Operations Shift Team Leader not only allows you to lead and develop teams but also provides the chance to influence operational performance during peak periods, ensuring that millions of learners receive their qualifications on time.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
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How to prepare for a job interview at AQA Recruiting
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with AQA Recruiting.
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
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