At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and tax compliance for a prestigious music exam board.
- Company: Join ABRSM, the UK's largest music education charity with global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and global mission.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in music education while enhancing your finance leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with strong financial accounting and tax experience.
12-month contract with the prestigious music exam board. Seeking international organisation experience.
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 17th 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 application in the first instance. Suitable applicants will be contacted by Peter to discuss the next steps.
Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) employer: Hays
The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is an exceptional employer, offering a high-impact leadership role within a globally respected charity dedicated to music education. With a commitment to professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a collaborative work culture, ABRSM provides its employees with meaningful opportunities to contribute to a global mission while ensuring robust financial governance. Join us in supporting millions of learners and teachers worldwide, all while enjoying a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
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 with international experience. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ABRSM and its global operations. Show them you understand their mission in music education and how your skills can help strengthen their financial governance.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved financial controls. They want to see your proactive approach in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to connect with us directly.
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 role of Head of Financial Accounting & Tax. Highlight your international experience and any relevant qualifications like ACA or ACCA. We want to see how your background aligns with ABRSM's needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your leadership in financial accounting and tax compliance.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, make sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've motivated teams and improved financial controls in previous roles. We love seeing strong leaders!
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining ABRSM and contributing to their mission in music education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial accounting knowledge, especially UK GAAP and IFRS. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these standards in previous roles, particularly in an international context.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or project. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive continuous improvement in financial processes.
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Familiarise yourself with ABRSM's mission and values. Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their goals in music education and how you can contribute to their global operations.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about tax compliance and statutory reporting. Prepare to discuss your experience with cross-border tax issues and how you've managed audits in the past. This will demonstrate your technical expertise and readiness for the role.
