Financial Controller
* Location: TW8, London
* Job Type: Full-time
* Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced School Financial Controller to join a prestigious group of Independent Schools based in West and North West London. We are seeking a dynamic and commercially astute Financial Controller who will oversee finance-related duties for a division of the schools within the Group.
Day-to-day of the role:
* Manage the financial accounting for assigned schools, ensuring all fees, expenses, and transactions are recorded accurately and promptly.
* Work closely with school admission teams to raise and issue tuition fee invoices to parents according to the billing schedule.
* Prepare and process monthly direct debit collections and maintain the billing ledger, ensuring all transactions are up-to-date and reconciled.
* Communicate with current and prospective parents regarding fee payments, responding promptly to queries.
* Monitor and manage the collection of school fees, disbursements, and additional charges, using the Group's processes for debt recovery as required.
* Liaise with relevant staff to ensure accurate completion of forms to claim Early Years Funding (EYF), where applicable.
* Monitor supplier payments to ensure authenticity, accuracy, timeliness, and value for money.
* Prepare monthly management accounts, including reconciliation of control accounts, variance analysis, and commentary against budget.
* Maintain and manage key balance sheet areas such as fixed assets, accruals, and prepayments.
* Prepare and maintain financial forecasts and support school leaders in adhering to budgets.
* Completion of month-end processes and ensure that all finance deadlines, including billing and supplier payments, are consistently met.
* Manage and oversee the work of the assigned finance assistant, ensuring quality and timeliness of their outputs.
* Oversee trip finances, ensuring full reconciliation of trip income and costs.
* Ensure the correct application of VAT on both income and expenditure, and complete the preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns.
* Work with HR and payroll to ensure the accurate recording and reporting of employment costs.
* Develop, review, and implement school financial policies to maintain strong internal controls and efficient financial practices.
* Prepare accounting records for annual audits, liaise with auditors, and assist the Director of Operations with the preparation of annual accounts and supporting schedules.
* Complete and submit various regulatory and statutory returns as required.
* Stay informed on financial, regulatory, and taxation changes, ensuring compliance and timely implementation across the Group.
* Be responsible for management of year-end activities, ensuring all pupil leavers and joiners are processed correctly and that deposits are refunded appropriately.
* Assist with ad-hoc financial projects and initiatives to support the Directors and other stakeholders in the Group’s strategic development and operational improvement.
* Work collaboratively with the wider finance team to continuously review and improve finance systems and processes.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
* Experience of working in a finance or accountancy environment.
* Experience of Purchase Ledger, Nominal Ledger, Sales Ledger, Bank Reconciliations, and Payment Portals.
* Experienced in the production of financial statements, cash flow forecasts, and management accounts.
* Experience of managing and training a finance team.
* Experience of using a Finance system like SAGE 200, advanced PC skills, especially Excel.
* Experience of building strong effective relationships with various stakeholders.
* Excellent communication (written and oral), presentation, and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to work in an environment with competing priorities and minimal supervision.
* Flexible in their approach and willing to get “hands-on” to ensure jobs get done for the good of the schools.
* Ability to ensure high-quality customer care to key stakeholders.
Benefits:
* Competitive salary based on experience.
* Opportunities for professional development and training.
* Dynamic and supportive work environment.