Group Financial Controller

We are seeking an experienced Financial Controller for the group of Abbey DLD Colleges, to supervise and take responsibility for all accounting-related activities across the group (turnover ca. £50m) and ensure compliance.

Overview

To supervise and take responsibility for all accounting-related activities across the group (turnover ca. £50m) and ensure the group is compliant with all necessary regulations. Work closely with the colleges to set, manage and deliver their budgets.

Your duties and responsibilities will include the following:

• Maintain and develop robust internal controls over financial reporting.
• Work with third-parties where the group outsource specific financial functions, including auditors, tax advisors etc.
• Prepare the month end management accounts for individual colleges.
• Prepare, publish and submit statutory accounts.
• Participate in finance governance visits to the colleges, recording minutes and following through on actions.
• Work with the Finance Officers and College Principals on forecasting and budgeting.
• Review and sign off monthly bank reconciliations.
• Regular review of key balance sheet accounts.
• Audit queries.
• Overseeing Credit Control management.
• Cashflow forecasting.
• Quarterly VAT returns (including reverse charge VAT).
• Agent commission payment runs.
• Direct line management of one member of staff, with a lot of interaction with the college-based finance departments.
• Work as part of a small senior management team to provide financial guidance in all aspects of college activities and shape the future of the group.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Qualified accountant with a technical background such as with an audit firm.
• Several years’ post qualification experience.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS for a consolidated group.
• Sound generalist knowledge of tax, in particularly corporation tax. A specific tax qualification is not required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong relationship management skills, both internally and externally.
• Strong self-management, able to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Good Excel skills critical (in particular pivot tables and vlookups)
• Sun and SIMS: No previous experience required although familiarity with other MIS and accounting systems beneficial.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
• Employee assistance programme 
• Group personal pension plan, 7% employer contribution
• Discounted school fees
• Regular social events
• Season Ticket Loans
• Eye Care
• Gym Scheme
• Workplace Nursery Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme

Abbey DLD Colleges Ltd (ADCL)

Abbey College Cambridge is a constituent college of Abbey DLD Colleges Ltd (ADCL). ADCL  consists of three award-winning independent international colleges based in London, Cambridge, and Manchester. With over 1000 students from over 50 different countries, ADCL provides an outstanding global environment for students striving for top universities. We are committed to providing the best education for all students in our care, and our colleges have high aspirations and expectations for every member of our community.

Safeguarding

The ADCL is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our children and young people and as an employee of ADCL you will be expected to share this commitment. The protection of our students’ welfare is the responsibility of all staff and individuals are expected to conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of our organisation. All staff are trained in child protection and understand to report concerns by following the safeguarding policies. We ensure all candidates are properly police-checked, and the successful candidate will need to obtain an enhanced disclosure via the DBS.

Please click the link below for further information on employing Ex-Offenders:

Policy on employment of ex-offenders.pdf (alphaplusgroup.co.uk)

Equal Opportunities

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

How to Apply

Please read the attached Applicant Information Pack to access full details about the position. Please enclose your CV and a covering statement detailing why you have the necessary skills to be successful in this position. Applications will be reviewed and candidates contacted once the advert is closed.