Head of Financial Control vacancy within the Education Sector

Qualified ACCA/ACA Financial Accountant required

Client Details

A leading Sussex based higher education organisation are looking to recruit a Head of Financial Control on a permanent basis.

The role is a senior position within the Finance department. The post holder will provide both professional leadership and a technical expertise within the Finance department ensuring robust financial controls are adhered to.

The post holder will have responsibility for Financial Accounts, Payroll / Pensions and Finance Systems, in the provision of financial services and guidance throughout the organisation. The role covers business critical areas of treasury management, cashflow and covenants, financial accounting, financial controls, taxation, payroll and pensions.

Description

This post holder is required to meet reporting deadlines (internal and external), identifying ways of making processes and systems more effective and efficient, providing in-depth analysis and accurate forecasting which directly impact the organisations financial sustainability.

The post holder will be required to liaise and build strong, effective working relationships with external stakeholders including Auditors, Banks and the Office for Students, ensuring that the organisation meets its regulatory and statutory obligations and objectives in the key areas of financial accounting and audit.

The post holder is expected to work closely with the Director of Finance, the Assistant Financial Accountant, the Payroll and Benefits Leader the Financial Services Team Leader the Senior Management Accountant

The post holder is expected to deputise for the Director of Finance as required including representation at senior management level meetings, the Board of Governors, Finance & Resources Committee and Audit Committee.

• Responsible for the production of the annual statutory accounts and financial statements (both consolidated and for the organisations subsidiary), co-ordinating the activities of staff across the Finance Department to deliver accurate and timely information, working with auditors to resolve issues in a timely and effective manner and ensure a clean and efficient external audit
• Responsible for monthly cashflow statements and forecasting to provide accurate and timely information for senior management and external stakeholders seeking opportunities for improvement, in terms of accuracy, design and format, and supporting the delivery of sound treasury management
• Responsible for quarterly balance sheet and cashflow forecasting and bank covenant calculations and forecasts, ensuring all bank compliance documentation is reviewed and submitted in accordance with deadlines
• Oversight of the accurate recording, reporting and accounting treatment of the organisations assets and leases
• Principle liaison for banking partners, building effective working relationships to support day-to-day operational banking arrangements, online bank facilities, treasury management, cash control, bank loan and RCF facilities and covenant compliance. Conduct regular review of the organisations Treasury Management Policy.
• Responsible for the management and co-ordination of the annual financial return for submission to the Office for Students and other external reporting and regulatory requirements, including grant claim forms and statistical returns to OfS, ONS, NCTL. Ensure returns are completed accurately and within required deadlines
• Responsible for all taxation matters, predominantly VAT, IR35, and Corporation Tax, ensuring matters relating to statutory bodies are dealt with effectively and in accordance with statutory requirements
• Lead and manage the payroll and benefits services, ensuring accurate and timely payments are made and pension reporting compliance and legislation is delivered. Review and authorise payment releases. Actively identifying future pension reporting requirements ensuring the organisation is best placed to meet the challenges
• Responsible for the co-ordination and delivery of information for internal audits, resolving issues in a timely and effective manner and implementing recommendations as required
• Lead the management and development of the organisations financial and payroll systems in relation to statutory and financial accounts, statutory and regulatory returns, business plans, projects and the maintenance of financial controls
• Actively contribute to projects, attending working groups where required, providing expertise, financial advice and information that support the financial growth and sustainability
• Responsible for the leadership, management and development of staff reporting into this role, including recruitment, training and performance management

Profile

• ACA/ACCA Qualified accountant
• The successful candidate will have a high level of financial accounting experience and technical expertise to provide financial advice to the organisation
• They will be highly motivated with a proactive attitude and a high level of attention to detail, and an ability to inspire, manage and lead a collaborative team, providing an efficient, accurate and timely service
• They will have good operational knowledge of the complexities of payroll and pensions function work practices, processes and reporting requirements
• Many of the tasks within this role have fixed deadlines, either statutory, external or internal, ranging from daily to annual. The post holder will be required to plan their work, including any necessary collaboration with colleagues, in order to ensure deadlines are met
• The post holder will be expected to respond to requests for ad hoc tasks, being able to prioritise these alongside regular reporting requirements
• The post holder will be expected to formulate and compile forecasts based upon advice and knowledge from colleagues and advisors. There will be a requirement to apply knowledge, experience and judgement as well as analytical and interpretive skills in order to arrive at forecasts
• Success in this role is dependent on building good relationships and communication with other members of the Finance department, the wider organisation and external parties

Job Offer

28 days holiday

19.6% employer monthly pension contribution

37 hour working week

Amazing working offices

Very friendly team