At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial statements and coordinate with auditors for year-end reporting.
- Company: A leading UK university with a focus on education and community.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Immediate start with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and enhance your financial expertise in a prestigious institution.
- Qualifications: Recognised accounting qualification and experience in statutory reporting.
Deputy Financial Controller
Hybrid – 2/3 days on-site
£380-£430 per day
MLC Partners are delighted to be supporting a UK university in the recruitment of an experienced Financial Accountant for an initial six-month interim contract, with an immediate start.
This position will play an important part in the University’s year-end reporting programme. The postholder will take ownership of the consolidated statutory accounts process and help ensure the external audit is completed efficiently and to schedule.
Key responsibilities
- Manage the preparation of the University’s consolidated statutory financial statements and related disclosures.
- Produce accurate year-end schedules, balance sheet reconciliations and audit-ready working papers.
- Act as a key contact for the external auditors, coordinating requests and providing timely, comprehensive responses.
- Ensure accounting records and supporting audit evidence are complete, accurate and clearly organised.
- Investigate and resolve technical accounting and group consolidation matters.
- Collaborate with finance teams and senior stakeholders to meet year-end reporting deadlines.
- Document key accounting procedures and prepare clear process guidance for future reporting periods.
- Contribute to the continued development of year-end controls, reporting practices and financial documentation.
About you
You will hold a recognised accounting qualification, such as ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent, and have significant experience in statutory reporting, year-end accounts preparation and external audit.
Previous experience within the public sector is essential. Candidates with experience in higher education or the wider education sector will be particularly well suited to the role.
You will also bring:
- Sound technical knowledge of UK accounting requirements, particularly FRS 102.
- Practical experience of producing consolidated accounts in a group, large-scale or complex organisation.
- A thorough understanding of financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations and audit processes.
- A successful track record of working with external auditors and managing audit queries through to resolution.
- Advanced Excel skills, supported by strong analytical, reconciliation and problem-solving abilities.
- The confidence to work autonomously, prioritise a demanding workload and maintain quality under tight deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail and a structured approach to record-keeping and supporting documentation.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- The ability to quickly become familiar with established finance systems, processes and accounting records.
Knowledge of the higher education Statement of Recommended Practice would be an additional advantage.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so please apply at your earliest opportunity or contact Briar at MLC Partners for a confidential discussion.
Deputy Financial Controller in Luton employer: MLC Partners
MLC Partners is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation within the public sector. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional growth while engaging in meaningful recruitment projects that make a real impact. Join us to be part of a team that prioritises talent acquisition excellence and supports your career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Financial Controller in Luton
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We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Financial Controller in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
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Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at MLC Partners. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give MLC Partners confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MLC Partners
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with MLC Partners.
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Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
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