Senior Accountant

Department: Guildhall School of Music & Drama

Office Location: Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Level of DBS required for this role: None required

Level of vetting required?: No security vetting is required

Is this a politically restricted post?: No

Does this post require a Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) check?: No

Salary: £50,860 - £68,990 per annum (including Inner London Weighting)
Contractual Hours: 35, Full-time
Basis: Fixed term - 24 months
Workplace category: Hybrid
Attachments: Job information pack

Guildhall School is a vibrant, international community of musicians, actors and production artists in the heart of the City of London. Ranked as number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2025, and in the top four in the world for Music and Performing Arts by the QS World University Rankings 2025, we deliver world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies and ensembles. A global leader in creative and professional practice, we promote innovation, experiment and research, and are also one of the UK’s leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

A global leader in creative and professional practice, we promote innovation, experiment and research, and are also one of the UK’s leading providers of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

Guildhall School of Music & Drama is seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Accountant to join its Finance team initially on a 2-year fixed term basis. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will lead on a broad range of Financial Accounts duties and support with leading the Financial Accounts team.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality financial accounting, statutory reporting, compliance, and financial control across both the Guildhall School and the Guildhall School Trust (GST).

You will oversee the preparation of statutory accounts (including the GST), lead on annual audits ensure regulatory compliance including accurate and timely higher education statutory returns to the Office for Students, and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders. This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

About You

• Professionally qualified (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experienced in statutory accounts preparation and audit management
• Strong technical accounting and financial control knowledge
• Effective people manager with excellent communication skills
• Experience in higher education, charity or public sector finance is highly desirable

This role is eligible for hybrid working.

Join a world-leading conservatoire and play a key role in supporting the financial sustainability and success of one of the UK's most renowned arts institutions.

Closing date: 12 noon on Monday 5th October 2026

Interviews are expected to be held on 12th or 13th October 2026

We reserve the right to close the advert earlier should we receive a high number of applications.

Guildhall School welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly keen to encourage interest from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, Black, Asian, and other global majority backgrounds who are currently under-represented at Guildhall School. In recognising the positive value of diversity, we want to better reflect and understand the communities we exist to serve. We are members of the Disability Confident Scheme and guarantee to interview all disabled candidates who would like to be considered under this scheme and who meet the minimum essential criteria for the role. We support and provide adjustments for people with disabilities – if you have a disability and need help with the application process please contact us.

The Guildhall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees, workers, and volunteers to share this commitment.

The City of London Corporation is currently undergoing a programme to ensure that our pay and reward practices are competitive and equitable across the whole organisation, to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the work that we do.