At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial processes, drive automation, and support strategic projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join HEP, a growing business transforming online higher education with innovative technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, health programme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence finance operations and work in a fast-paced, evolving business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on finance while embracing technology and continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: ACA or ACCA qualified with 3-5 years of hands-on financial control experience.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 80000 £ per year.
- Group Financial Controller
- St Albans or Brighton | Hybrid (1–2 days in the office)
- Reporting to the Director of Finance
Ready to take the next step in your finance career?
We're looking for a hands-on, commercially minded Group Financial Controller who loves improving processes, using data to drive decisions, and embracing technology to make finance smarter.
Whether you're stepping into your first Group Financial Controller role or looking for a lateral move into a growing business where you can genuinely make an impact, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
This isn't a traditional finance role.
We're looking for someone who enjoys getting into the detail, questioning how things are done, and finding better ways through automation, AI and continuous improvement.
You'll work closely with our Director of Finance, playing a key role in shaping the future of our finance function while supporting a growing international business.
What you'll be doing
You'll take ownership of our financial control environment whilst helping transform how finance supports the wider business.
You'll
- Lead the month-end close and financial reporting process
- Own the integrity of the general ledger and financial controls
- Oversee Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, billing and payroll
- Produce insightful management reporting that supports commercial decision-making
- Partner with senior stakeholders across the business
- Drive process improvements, automation and AI adoption
- Work alongside our data team to improve financial reporting and business insight
- Support the Director of Finance with strategic and commercial projects
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, scalability and reporting accuracy
We're looking for someone who...
- ✔ Has strong hands-on financial control experience
- ✔ Enjoys improving processes rather than maintaining the status quo
- ✔ Has led finance transformation, automation or systems improvements
- ✔ Is confident using data to tell the commercial story behind the numbers
- ✔ Has experience of AI tools or is excited about using AI within finance
- ✔ Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving business
- ✔ Is comfortable rolling up their sleeves whilst also thinking strategically
- ✔ Can influence stakeholders across the business
- ✔ Wants to make a real impact rather than simply producing month-end accounts
Essential experience
- ACA or ACCA Qualified
- 3-5+ years PQE
- Strong financial reporting and month-end ownership
- SME or high-growth business experience
- Xero or similar ERP systems
- Payroll oversight
- Commercial reporting and business partnering
- Process improvement and change management
We'd love it if you also have experience of
- Power BI
- SQL
- Automation tools
- AI (Copilot, Claude, Chat GPT or similar)
- Dashboard development
- Financial modelling
Why join HEP?
At HEP we're transforming online higher education by partnering with leading universities across the UK and internationally.
You'll be joining a business that's growing, evolving and investing heavily in technology, automation and data.
That means you'll have the opportunity to influence how finance operates, introduce new ideas and build better ways of working.
If you enjoy solving problems, challenging processes and making a visible impact, you'll fit right in.
- What you'll get
- Competitive salary - £70,000 - £80,000 (Do E)
- Hybrid working (1-2 days in the office)
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Free flu vaccinations
- Employee discounts
- Referral scheme
- Sick pay
- On-site parking
Sound like you?
If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical finance expertise with commercial thinking, data, automation and continuous improvement—we'd love to hear from you.
HEP is a Disability Confident and equal opportunity employer.
HEP evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, disability status or any other legally protected characteristic.
Group Financial Controller employer: Higher Ed Partners
Higher Ed Partners in the UK is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives. With a hybrid work model, competitive benefits such as a company pension and sick pay, and a focus on improving student outcomes, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying a supportive and collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Financial Controller
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Higher Ed Partners. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Financial Controller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Higher Ed Partners.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Higher Ed Partners's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Higher Ed Partners
✨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 Higher Ed Partners.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Higher Ed Partners will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Higher Ed Partners employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
