Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all statutory and regulatory returns, including:
  • VAT returns.
  • Charity Commission annual return.
  • Department for Education (DfE) financial returns.
  • Office for National Statistics (ONS) returns.
  • Any other statutory, regulatory or contractual financial reporting requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in charity accounting, apprenticeship funding and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across the organisation.

Financial Control and Governance

• Maintain a robust financial control framework and ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies and delegated authorities.
• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and control accounts.
• Review journals and accounting adjustments.
• Monitor cash flow and treasury activities.
• Support risk management through effective financial governance.
• Assist in the development and review of financial policies and procedures.

Payroll

• Oversee the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely payment of salaries and compliance with HMRC and pension regulations.
• Ensure timely completion of adjustments to pay and oversee the car allowance scheme and the salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Monitor service standards and identify opportunities to improve payroll processes.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the Management Accounts and Payroll teams.
• Directly manage two senior members of the finance team.
• Set objectives, undertake performance reviews and support professional development.
• Promote collaborative working and continuous improvement.
• Ensure resilience and succession planning within the finance function.

Systems and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with the Finance Business Partner to drive improvements to financial systems, reporting and processes.
• Support the implementation of new finance systems and digital solutions.
• Promote automation and efficiency across finance operations.
• Champion best practice in financial management and internal controls.

What we’re looking for

Essential requirements:

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).

Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role (2+ years).
• Experience of producing monthly management accounts and board-level financial reporting.
• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing external audits.
• Experience leading annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Experience leading and developing finance teams.

Knowledge

• UK accounting standards and financial reporting requirements.
• Financial controls, governance and risk management.
• Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Effective leadership and coaching skills.

It would be beneficial if you also have:

• Knowledge of apprenticeship funding rules and funding assurance requirements.
• Charity accounting and Charity SORP.
• Understanding of Department for Education (DfE) financial reporting requirements.
• Experience within an Independent Training Provider, Further Education College, Academy Trust or similar education environment.
• Experience of external funding audits.
• Experience of finance systems implementation or improvement projects.
• Experience of financial management within a charity, education or publicly funded environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Integrity and professionalism.
• A collaborative and supportive leadership style.
• Strong commercial awareness balanced with a commitment to the charity's mission.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.
• High levels of personal accountability.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and organisational excellence.

Key Relationships:

• Finance Business Partner
• Group Director of Finance & Corporate Services
• Chief Executive Officer
• Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team
• Budget Holders
• Management Accounts and Payroll Teams
• External Auditors
• Charity Commission
• Office for National Statistics (ONS)
• Banks, pension providers and other external stakeholders

Why join JTL?

This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in a purpose-driven organisation that changes lives through education and skills development. As Financial Controller, you will lead a talented finance team, help shape organisational strategy and ensure the charity maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance and accountability while supporting the successful delivery of apprenticeship and training programmes.

We offer:

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional days for long service and a Christmas shutdown
• Generous pension scheme with matched contributions
• Life assurance and occupational sick pay
• Optional private healthcare and regular health checks
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family
• CPD support, including funding for professional qualifications and ongoing training
• A supportive, collaborative and values-driven working environment, plus much more…

Safeguarding and inclusion

JTL is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all its employees to share this commitment in conjunction with the requirements of the Prevent Duty and the positive promotion of modern British values.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.