Position Title: UK Financial Controller
Location: Merthyr Tydfil/Cardiff
Reporting To: UK Head of Operations & Finance, indirect to Group Finance based in Australia
Key stakeholder relationships Global CEO, Senior Leadership Team
Department: Finance
Purpose Statement
The UK Financial Controller is responsible for leading and managing the finance function across The BUSY Group UK. This role ensures robust financial control, accurate and timely reporting, and effective oversight of statutory compliance. The UK Financial Controller has direct line management responsibility for all UK finance staff and acts as the operational lead for finance across The BUSY Group UK, providing structure, discipline and accountability across the function. This position will work closely with the Group Finance function based in Australia to ensure alignment with global reporting standards and group requirements.
Our PURPOSE
To make skills, education and employment accessible to every person, so they can create their own world of unbounded possibilities.
BUSYOLOGY
At the heart of BUSYology is a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, development, investment and celebration.
Where our company culture thrives on the dynamic energy of a bustling environment. We believe in harnessing the power of BUSYness to fuel collaboration, innovation and impact. Our workplace is not just busy — it's a vibrant ecosystem where everyone’s contributions are valued and each moment is an opportunity for growth.
Our guiding principles
See and listen to everyone in ways that inspire self-worth and courageous action.
Keep exploring and expanding what’s possible for our customers.
Connect and collaborate to go further than you can on your own.
When the decision is challenging, go for the greater good.
Be brilliant! Give yourself, and all of us, permission to excel proudly in service of our purpose.
Reporting:
This position reports to the Head of Operations & Finance.
Primary Responsibilities Leadership of the UK Finance Function:
Direct line management of all finance staff
Set clear objectives, performance standards and delivery expectations
Drive accountability, accuracy and timeliness across the function
Develop capability within the finance team and support succession planning
Foster a culture of ownership, professionalism and continuous improvement
Act as the first escalation point for operational finance matters
Financial Control and Reporting:
Full ownership of the monthly close process across all UK entities
Preparation and consolidation of monthly management accounts
Delivery of clear, accurate and timely board ready reporting packs
Ensure integrity of the general ledger and balance sheet reconciliations
Oversee intercompany reconciliations and group adjustments
Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls
Lead audit preparation and manage external audit processes
Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis:
Lead the end to end annual budget process across all UK entities
Prepare and present budget and forecast outputs, including risks, sensitivities and key variances, in a clear and board ready format
Develop and maintain financial models to support reforecasts and scenario analysis
Partner with the Head of Operations & Finance and senior operational leaders to translate delivery plans into reliable financial forecasts
Complete financial budgets and supporting analysis for tender submissions
Statutory and Compliance Oversight:
Oversee preparation of statutory accounts under UK GAAP
Act as primary liaison with external accountants and tax advisers
Ensure VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE processes are compliant and timely
Review statutory submissions to ensure alignment with internal financial records
Maintain a compliance calendar covering Companies Act and filing obligations
Ensure appropriate documentation and audit trail standards are maintained
Cash Flow and Risk Management:
Lead rolling cash flow forecasting across all UK entities
Monitor working capital and liquidity
Identify financial risks and escalate material issues appropriately
Ensure there are no compliance or reporting issues
Systems and Process Improvement:
Standardise finance processes across The BUSY Group UK
Improve efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of reporting
Strengthen documentation of financial policies and procedures
Support integration of acquisitions and system improvements
Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
Qualifications and Technical Expertise
ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and Companies Act requirements
Experience preparing or reviewing statutory accounts
Experience supporting or leading audit processes
Experience overseeing VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE compliance through external advisers
Experience within a multi entity environment
Experience establishing or improving financial controls
Leadership and Management:
Experience in a senior finance role with team leadership responsibility
Experience managing and developing finance staff
Demonstrated ownership of month end and reporting processes
Experience improving process discipline and reporting standards
Ready to step into, or currently operating within, a Financial Controller level role
Sector and Regulatory Experience:
Experience within education, training, government funded or charitable organisations desirable
Experience preparing or overseeing accounts under the Charities SORP desirable
Understanding of Charity Commission reporting and governance requirements advantageous
Personal Attributes:
High integrity and professional standards
Strong attention to detail and analytical capability
Calm and measured under pressure
Strong sense of accountability and ownership
Confident communicator able to engage effectively with senior leadership and external advisers
Collaborative but firm leadership style
Alignment with organisational purpose and values
Qualifications and Requirements:
Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline
Right to work in the United Kingdom
Enhanced DBS check required