Financial Controller - Education

A highly regarded group of Independent Schools is seeking an experienced School Financial Controller to join their finance team based in Kew. As the Financial Controller, you will take ownership of the full finance cycle, including financial reporting, budgeting, management accounts, fee billing, supplier payments, and compliance. While supported by a finance assistant for day-to-day processing, you must be confident in undertaking hands-on finance tasks as needed. This is a great opportunity for a qualified individual to oversee and manage the finance function for a division of schools within the Group.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Oversight of financial accounting and reporting across assigned schools
• Preparation and review of monthly management accounts with budget commentary
• Management of tuition fee billing cycles, direct debit collections and reconciliations
• Communication with parents regarding fee payments, including resolution of queries
• Monitoring and collection of school fees and management of debt recovery processes
• Oversight of supplier payments, ensuring accuracy, timeliness and value for money
• Monthly and year-end reconciliations of all control accounts
• Preparation of VAT returns and ensuring compliance in income and expenditure treatment
• Liaison with HR and payroll to ensure accurate financial reporting of employment costs
• Preparation of financial forecasts and support of school leadership with budgeting
• Line management of the finance assistant, reviewing work and providing guidance
• Contribution to strategic planning, internal process improvement, and audit readiness
• Assistance with the production of statutory accounts and liaison with external auditors
• Monitoring of Early Years Funding claims (EYF) and coordination of related forms
• Maintenance of fixed asset registers, accruals and prepayments schedules
• Continuous review and development of financial policies and internal controls

Experience required:

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified (or equivalent experience in a financial management role)
• Experience in a finance or accountancy role, ideally at controller level
• Experience in financial and management accounting, including budget setting and forecasting
• Strong understanding of fee billing and income collection (education sector preferred)
• Previous experience of managing staff and overseeing financial processes
• Familiarity with accounting systems such as Sage 200; and Fee Master desirable
• Excellent Excel skills and strong proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management and organisational skills
• Experience of preparing for audits and dealing with auditors
• Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders including parents, staff and regulatory bodies

Desirable:

• Experience working within an educational setting, particularly the Independent Schools sector
• Familiarity with financial and MIS platforms used in schools such as ParentPay, Fee Master, or iSAMS
• Experience implementing new financial systems or process improvements

Benefits:

• 20 days + 8 Bank Holidays + close at Christmas - Can be taken during term time
• Contributory pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Hours of work: 8.30 am - 5.00 pm
• Reduced hours during school holidays 9 am - 4 pm

Please note: We can only consider applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK.