Financial Controller

The Financial Controller will be a core member of the Royal Ballet School Finance team, supporting the financial health and operations of the School by managing accounting functions, financial reporting, budgeting, compliance, and internal controls. This role ensures accurate financial data and safeguards School assets while adhering to regulatory standards.

CONTRACT TERMS

• Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Duration: Permanent
• Annual Leave: 30 days per annum

MAIN DUTIES

• Financial Reporting and Financial Management
  • Lead in the preparation and review of monthly financial statements
  • Coordinate the month-end and year-end closing processes
  • Lead in preparing the statutory accounts annually for the three Royal Ballet School entities
  • Management of the school cash flow position and projections
  • Oversight and guidance on payroll rules and regulations.
• Team Leadership and Development
  • Manage and mentor the core accounting team – Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable and Payroll - to ensure professional growth and alignment with company objectives
  • Foster a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.
• VAT
  • Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns
  • Act as a VAT subject specialist for the Royal Ballet School Finance team.
• Budgeting and Forecasting
  • Direct the preparation of annual budgets and periodic forecasts, in collaboration with the FBP
  • Monitor actual performance against budgets and provide variance analyses.
• Compliance and Risk Management
  • Ensure compliance with all UK regulations, including tax filings and reporting requirements
  • Develop, maintain and enforce robust internal controls and policies to safeguard the company’s assets
  • Coordinate audits and serve as the primary liaison with external auditors.
• Strategic Planning and Analysis
  • Support the School’s Leadership team in strategic planning by providing financial insights
  • Implement expected changes in reporting in line with the school’s new five-year plan as directed by the DFE.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Proven ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified accountant
• Prior experience with auditors and preparation of statutory accounts
• Experience in charity accounting (SORP)
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards, tax regulations and financial reporting
• Strong knowledge of VAT
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., QuickBooks, SAP, or Oracle) and advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong organisational and project management abilities
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to collaborate with diverse teams.
• Familiarity with financial planning tools and systems
• Familiarity with independent school finance
• Familiarity with Endowment Funds.

SAFEGUARDING DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

The School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and recognises that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone’s responsibility. The School expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment to children’s safeguarding and to share this child-centred approach. This approach means that staff must consider, at all times, what is in the best interests of the child.

Additionally, the following is expected of all staff:

• To uphold the School’s policies relating to safeguarding and child protection, behaviour, health and safety and all other relevant policies
• To promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young persons for whom you are responsible and come into contact with
• To report any safeguarding concerns using the relevant channels, such as informing the Designated Safeguarding Lead, in a timely and appropriate manner
• To ensure full compliance with all statutory regulations, particularly the most recent Keeping Children Safe in Education, and to communicate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, other relevant staff of The Royal Ballet School or local children’s services as appropriate.

This job information cannot be all encompassing. It is inevitable over time that the emphasis of the job will change without changing the general character of the job or the level of duties and responsibilities entailed. Consequently, this information will be periodically reviewed, revised and updated in consultation with the post holder to reflect appropriate changes. We are committed to creating an environment where all our employees feel part of our team and can flourish, regardless of their background. We’re proud to be an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.