Financial Controller
Rate - £500 (a day)
Duration - 6 Months (Initially)
Location - London (Hybrid)
Ir35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company)
Job Purpose
As a key member of the University's financial leadership team, you will lead on financial accounting, services, tax, treasury, and financial controls. This role ensures regulatory compliance, maintains financial integrity, and supports strategic financial management through expert guidance and strong operational leadership.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Business Partnering
Build strong working relationships across departments.
Promote a culture of customer-focused service delivery.
Work collaboratively with Finance Business Partners and the Head of Financial Planning.Financial Accounting & Audit
Lead the annual audit process and prepare financial statements in line with UK GAAP, IFRS, and SORP.
Act as primary liaison for internal and external auditors.Financial Controls
Maintain and implement the University's financial control framework.
Deliver training and guidance to ensure compliance across departments.Taxation
Oversee all tax matters, including VAT, and manage relationships with external tax advisors.Treasury & Endowment Management
Manage cash flow, investments, and performance reporting.
Oversee relationships with investment managers and banking providers.Financial Services Operations
Lead the Financial Services Unit (Revenue and Payments Units).
Ensure accurate processing of invoices, tuition fees, staff/student expenses, and supplier payments.
Implement KPIs to monitor service efficiency.Research Finance
Oversee post-award research funding support and compliance.Finance Systems & Processes
Oversee financial systems development and accounting structures.
Ensure strong reconciliation and compliance frameworks.Finance Training
Develop financial literacy and training programmes for non-finance staff.
Support professional development within the finance team.General
Contribute to the effective running of the Finance Division.
Deputise for the CFO when required.Person Specification
Qualifications
Degree-level education
CCAB qualified accountant (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) - EssentialExperience
Experience in complex professional services - Essential
Higher Education sector experience - Desirable
Strong business partnering and scenario modelling - EssentialSkills & Knowledge
Advanced financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
Strong technical skills across financial and management accounting
Expertise in costing, pricing, and risk
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
Ability to manage both I&E and balance sheet - Essential