Lion Academy Trust
Head of Financial Control, Management Accounting and Payroll
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Company Description
The Lion Academy Trust is an inclusive, caring organisation that places every child at the centre of its work, aiming to remove obstacles to learning through clear, strategic, and targeted support. The Trust promotes a culture of excellence built on sharing best practice, collaboration, and a commitment to transformational teaching. Its motto, “good or better every day,” guides all decisions and drives high expectations for staff and pupils alike. Team members are encouraged to provide rich opportunities that enable children to achieve highly and succeed in all areas of life.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role based in Leyton, London, for a Head of Financial Control, Management Accounting and Payroll. The role is responsible for leading all aspects of financial control across the trust, including oversight of budgeting, cash flow management, and internal financial procedures. Day-to-day tasks include:
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- Preparing and reviewing management accounts
- Producing accurate and timely financial statements
- Coordinating statutory and regulatory financial reporting
- Supervising payroll processing to ensure staff are paid accurately and on time
- Maintaining compliance with relevant tax and pension regulations
- Managing relationships with external auditors and financial partners
- Providing financial analysis and advice to senior leadership, supporting strategic decision-making
- Improving financial systems and controls
- Guiding and developing the finance team
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Qualifications
- Strong financial controlling and finance skills, with experience managing budgets, cash flow, and internal controls.
- Proficiency in preparing and interpreting financial statements and financial reporting for senior leadership and external stakeholders.
- Excellent analytical skills, including the ability to interpret complex financial data and present clear recommendations.
- Proven experience in management accounting and payroll oversight, ideally within education or a multi-site organisation.
- Professional accounting qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ACA) or equivalent experience, and solid knowledge of relevant financial regulations.
- Strong leadership, team management, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across the trust.
- Advanced proficiency with financial and payroll software and MS Excel, and a commitment to continuous improvement of systems and processes.
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