At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead finance functions, manage accounts, and support the finance team.
- Company: Independent Day School in Surrey with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible work, and valuable experience.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a not-for-profit organisation and make a difference in education.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or extensive practical experience, ideally in education.
The predicted salary is between 78000 - 91000 £ per year.
Leading the day-to-day finance function, producing accurate management accounts, and ensuring strict financial controls. You will provide hands‑on support to the transactional finance team, acting as an escalation point for complex queries, and spearheading year‑end procedures and audit preparation.
Management Reporting & Accounting
- Management Accounts: Prepare comprehensive monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and KPI reporting for the Bursar and Governors.
- Fixed Assets: Maintain and update the school’s fixed asset register, calculating monthly depreciation.
- Month-End Close: Manage the month‑end process, ensuring timely reconciliations of all balance sheet control accounts.
- Statutory Reporting: Lead the preparation of year‑end accounts and act as the primary point of contact for external auditors.
Transactional Finance & Team Support
- Sales & Purchase Ledger Oversight: Support the experienced Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger staff with daily operations, training, and troubleshooting.
- Payment Runs: Prepare and review BACS payment runs in collaboration with the Purchase Ledger Assistant, ensuring invoices are properly coded and approved.
- Staff & Stakeholder Queries: Deal with escalated queries from school staff, suppliers, and parents, ensuring timely and professional resolutions.
- Process Improvement: Continuously review finance processes to improve efficiency within the department.
Profile
A successful Financial Controller should have:
- Professional Qualification: Qualified or part‑qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or equivalent extensive practical experience.
- Sector Experience: Previous experience working within the education sector (ideally an independent school) is highly advantageous.
- Systems Literacy: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with accounting software (e.g., Sage 200, Xero, iSAMS).
Job Offer
Competitive daily rate of £300 to GBP £350 per day. Opportunity to work in a well‑established not‑for‑profit organisation. Collaborative and professional work environment in Cobham. Temporary role offering flexibility and valuable experience.
If you are a skilled Financial Controller looking for an exciting opportunity in the not‑for‑profit sector, apply today to take the next step in your career.
Financial Controller in Addlestone employer: Michael Page
As an Independent Day School located in Cobham, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and professional work environment that values the contributions of every team member. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our supportive culture and the opportunity to gain valuable experience in the not-for-profit sector, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Controller in Addlestone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding the specific needs of an independent school. We want you to showcase how your expertise can directly benefit their finance function.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Financial Controller role. We’ve got all the latest opportunities listed, and applying directly shows your commitment to joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Controller in Addlestone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Financial Controller role. Highlight your management accounting experience and any relevant qualifications, like ACA or ACCA, 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 in the education sector. Share specific examples of how you've improved finance processes or handled complex queries.
Showcase Your Systems Skills:We love candidates who are tech-savvy! Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any accounting software you've used, like Sage 200 or Xero. This will show us you can hit the ground running.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity in our collaborative environment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Financial Controller, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in management accounts and financial reporting. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in previous roles. This shows you’re not just familiar with the numbers but can also interpret and act on them.
✨Showcase Your Sector Experience
If you have experience in the education sector, make sure to highlight it! Discuss specific challenges you've faced in independent schools and how you overcame them. This will help you stand out as a candidate who understands the unique financial landscape of the sector.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about accounting software and systems you’ve used, like Sage 200 or Xero. Be prepared to explain how you’ve leveraged these tools for efficiency and accuracy in financial reporting. This will show that you’re not only qualified but also tech-savvy.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As you'll be supporting a team and acting as an escalation point, it's crucial to showcase your leadership abilities. Share examples of how you've trained staff or improved processes in previous roles. This will illustrate your capability to lead and enhance the finance function effectively.
