At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial accounting and tax compliance for a prestigious music exam board.
- Company: Join ABRSM, a global leader in music education and exams.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 25 days leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Work alongside a passionate team supporting millions of learners worldwide.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on financial governance in a dynamic international environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified finance professional with experience in financial accounting and tax.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
12-month contract with the prestigious music exam board. 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 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 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.
We’re looking for a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with a strong background in financial accounting and tax. Proven leadership in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and audit management. 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.
The opportunity to support financial leadership during a key period. 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.
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.
Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) in London employer: Hays
ABRSM is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that champions professional growth and development within the music education sector. With a competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to a globally recognised organisation that supports millions of learners and teachers worldwide. Joining ABRSM means being part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and excellence in financial governance across diverse international operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) in London
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance world! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interviews by researching ABRSM and understanding their financial operations. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in international tax compliance. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few insightful questions ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance, highlight your leadership experience and detail-oriented approach. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you’ve improved financial controls or managed audits. We want to see how you can bring value to ABRSM’s finance team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our team and make a difference in the world of music education.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Financial Accounting & Tax (12-month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Financial Accounting & Tax role. Highlight your financial accounting and tax expertise, especially in international contexts, to catch our eye!
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. Share specific examples of your leadership in financial accounting and how you've tackled cross-border tax issues.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:In finance, details matter! When writing your application, ensure there are no typos or errors. This shows us you have the meticulous approach we’re looking for in safeguarding financial integrity.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team at ABRSM!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your financial accounting and tax knowledge. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your experience with statutory reporting, audit management, and cross-border tax issues. This role is all about detail, so showing that you can handle the numbers confidently will impress.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Financial Accounting & Tax, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Think of instances where you've led a team or project successfully, especially in an international context. Be ready to share how you’ve improved financial controls or processes in previous roles.
✨Understand the Organisation's Goals
Research ABRSM and its mission. Understand their global operations and how strong financial governance plays a role in their success. Being able to articulate how your skills align with their ambitious plans will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their vision.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the role, the finance team, and ABRSM’s future projects. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture and expectations align with your career goals.
