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- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and manage audits in a dynamic educational setting.
- Company: Join a respected institution in South West London focused on education and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, and a strong pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while developing your leadership skills in finance.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in statutory accounts and audits required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 57000 £ per year.
Location: South West London (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum + excellent pension & benefits
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Are you an experienced finance professional ready to take the next step into a leadership role? Join a respected educational institution in South West London as a Deputy Head of Financial Accounting, where you’ll lead vital areas of financial reporting and play a key role in statutory accounts and audit coordination.
About the Role
As the Deputy Head of Financial Accounting, you’ll be at the heart of financial operations. You’ll lead on year-end statutory accounts, oversee day-to-day Accounts Payable and Receivable functions, and support the wider finance team with technical expertise. This role also acts as a deputy to the Head of Financial Accounting, giving you senior-level exposure and the opportunity to drive improvements across financial systems and processes.
You’ll manage a small team (including a Financial Accountant and Cashier) and take ownership of external reporting, compliance, and treasury oversight, while ensuring the institution remains audit-ready and aligned with regulatory standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the production of year-end financial statements for the organisation and its subsidiaries.
- Manage external audit processes and maintain strong professional relationships with auditors.
- Deliver external statutory returns (e.g., OfS, Charity Commission, Companies House).
- Oversee monthly and quarterly balance sheet reviews, cash flow forecasts, and technical accounting papers.
- Approve and review journal entries and reconciliations.
- Monitor debtors, bad debt provision, and treasury function to ensure liquidity and investment compliance.
- Act as a key liaison with banks and investment managers; signatory authority included.
- Deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting as required, ensuring continuity and leadership.
What We’re Looking For
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical accounting knowledge.
- Proven experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits.
- Excellent understanding of financial controls, cash flow, and balance sheet reporting.
- Strong Excel skills and experience working with financial systems.
- Experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment is advantageous but not essential.
- A confident communicator who can engage with stakeholders at all levels.
Why Join?
- Meaningful work in a mission-driven organisation.
- Supportive, collaborative team environment.
- Flexible hybrid working options.
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
- Opportunities for continued professional development.
Deputy Head of Financial Accounting - Strategic Leadership Role in Education employer: JSS Search Limited
Contact Detail:
JSS Search Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Financial Accounting - Strategic Leadership Role in Education
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific financial regulations and compliance requirements relevant to the education sector. Understanding these nuances will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the education finance sector. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with current employees or leaders in similar roles, as they can provide insights and potentially refer you for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing teams. Since this role involves overseeing a small team, showcasing your ability to lead and mentor others will be crucial during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the institution's financial health and recent developments. Being knowledgeable about their current projects or challenges will allow you to tailor your responses and show how you can contribute to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Financial Accounting - Strategic Leadership Role in Education
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your qualifications as a finance professional, particularly your experience with statutory accounts and audits. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and technical expertise in financial reporting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the institution. Discuss how your background aligns with the responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Financial Accounting, and mention any relevant experience in higher education or similar environments.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your strong Excel skills and familiarity with financial systems. Mention your ability to manage audits and external reporting, as well as your experience in overseeing financial controls and cash flow management.
Showcase Communication Abilities: Since the role requires engaging with stakeholders at all levels, provide examples in your application that demonstrate your confident communication skills. This could include experiences where you successfully liaised with auditors or managed a team.
How to prepare for a job interview at JSS Search Limited
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Deputy Head of Financial Accounting, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical accounting knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with statutory accounts and audits in detail, highlighting specific examples where you've successfully managed these processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex financial situations. Think of scenarios from your past roles where you had to make critical decisions or improve financial systems, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.
✨Emphasise Leadership and Team Management
Since this role involves managing a small team, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Discuss how you've motivated and developed team members in previous positions, and share any strategies you've used to foster a collaborative work environment.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are essential for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with various stakeholders, including auditors and senior management. Share examples of how you've built professional relationships and navigated challenging conversations.
