Financial Controller

The Financial Controller will play a pivotal role in the effective financial management of the school. Working with the Director of Finance, the Financial Controller will oversee budgeting, management accounts, compliance with relevant legislation, preparation of year-end accounts, and the external audit process.

Client Details

I'm pleased to be partnering with a leading Surrey-based independent co-educational day school to recruit a Financial Controller on a permanent basis.

Description

• Ensure strong financial governance, compliance with regulations, and internal controls.
• Deliver detailed financial, costing, and margin analysis, identifying opportunities to improve profitability and operational efficiency.
• Oversee standard costing models, including regular review and updates to reflect operational changes.
• Analyse and report on cost variances, providing clear insight and identifying areas for improvement.
• Monitor and improve financial processes to enhance efficiency and control.
• Collaborate with internal departments to provide financial insights and decision-making support.
• Ensure timely and accurate preparation of statutory accounts and tax returns.
• Own month-end close, ledger integrity, balance sheet controls, and reconciliations.
• Deliver timely and accurate management accounts with meaningful analysis and insight.
• Develop and monitor budgets to support organisational objectives.
• Manage the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports.
• Manage cashflow forecasting and reporting on a monthly basis.
• Act as a key contact within the Finance team for departmental budget holders.
• Manage all VAT returns and ensure full compliance with VAT regulations.
• Liaise with external auditors and tax advisors when required.
• Prepare the consolidated group VAT return.
• Oversee the day-to-day running and activities of the Finance team, managing the workload of other Finance team members.
• Produce an accurate and timely consolidated management accounts pack and present to the Director of Finance each month, including forecasting.
• Produce an in-depth analysis of the accounts, with particular attention to variances against budget and previous month end.
• Prepare and process month-end journals and reconciliations.
• Support the Director of Finance in the compilation of the overall School budget for presentation to Governors.
• Manage the fixed asset module and ensure depreciation has been posted to NetSuite before the month-end procedure. Liaise with key stakeholders and provide reporting assistance where required.
• Support the Director of Finance in the capex budgeting process.