At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic management accounting team and deliver high-quality financial insights.
- Company: Join the prestigious London Business School, a leader in business education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days of annual leave, generous pension, and free gym access.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on inclusion and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on strategic decision-making in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification and strong financial management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Lead high-quality management accounting at a world-leading business school. London Business School is seeking an experienced Head of Management Accounting to lead a key finance function that supports strategic planning, decision-making and financial sustainability across the School. This is an exciting opportunity for a strong people leader and finance professional who can combine technical excellence, commercial insight and business partnering to deliver high-quality management information in a complex and fast-moving environment.
You will lead the management accounting team and be responsible for delivering high-quality financial reporting, planning and analysis to support effective decision-making across London Business School. This role combines leadership of a sizeable team with responsibility for financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, management information and stakeholder support. You will work closely with budget holders and senior stakeholders across the School to ensure strong financial insight, robust controls and high-quality service delivery.
Main Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the management accounting team, ensuring high performance and continuous improvement.
- Oversee the delivery of management accounts, financial reporting and analysis across the School.
- Support the development and management of in-year and medium-term financial plans.
- Lead budgeting and forecasting activity in partnership with School stakeholders.
- Provide clear, insightful financial information to support decision-making.
- Work closely with business areas to support planning, performance management and financial sustainability.
- Ensure sound financial controls, reporting standards and compliance within the management accounting function.
- Contribute to the wider FP&A agenda and Finance Directorate priorities.
- Support projects and process improvements that enhance financial reporting, planning and operational effectiveness.
Who we are looking for
- Professional qualification or equivalent experience.
- Financial management experience and commercial acumen.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage a variety of audiences.
- Excellent reporting, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to prioritise and focus on material issues.
- Ability to manage multiple internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience leading and successfully delivering projects.
- In-depth knowledge of business education or a relevant specialist area.
What you can expect from us
- Generous annual leave of 27 days PLUS extra between Christmas and New Year!
- Generous pension package, 14.5% employer contribution (in return for employee enrolment and contribution).
- Free onsite gym and swimming pool.
- Amazing range of professional development to support your career path.
- Enhanced cycle to work scheme.
- Wellbeing offering to support your physical, mental and financial health.
At London Business School, we support Smart Working - a hybrid approach designed to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance while delivering the best outcomes for your role and the needs of our customers. All roles require a minimum of two days on campus each week to foster a vibrant, collaborative community. For this role specifically, you will be expected to be on campus 2 days per week. We operate with ‘core hours’ – 10:00-15:00 – to maximise opportunities for connection and collaboration across teams during the working day. Outside of these hours, you may still be required for meetings or collaboration based on your role and customer needs. Additionally, we offer Protected Time - a flexible, one-hour slot, within the working week dedicated to your learning and development, wellbeing, or focused, quiet work.
Our commitment to driving inclusion and belonging: We are a globally reaching institution, committed to creating tangible and sustainable change in driving inclusion & belonging within our School, education and society at large. We are dedicated to creating an environment where everyone in our community feels they belong and thrive. This is a key school priority, and we want everyone who joins LBS to feel respected, welcomed, and heard.
Candidates needing sponsorship should assess their eligibility for a Certificate of Sponsorship by evaluating their circumstances against the relevant criteria before applying.
Head of Management Accounting employer: London Business School
London Business School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing. With generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and a commitment to hybrid working, employees can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to a world-leading institution dedicated to inclusion and belonging.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Management Accounting
✨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 London Business School. 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 Head of Management Accounting
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 London Business School.
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 London Business School'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 London Business School
✨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 London Business School.
✨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 London Business School 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 London Business School 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.
