Summary of position· Post title: Group Financial Controller
· Hours of work: Full Time – 37.5 hrs per week
· Contract type: Permanent
· Working hours: 9am to 5pm
· Salary: Competitive
· Location: London
· Reports to: CEO
· Direct Reports: Assistant Accountant
Purpose of role The Group Financial Controller will oversee and manage the financial functions of a diverse group of companies, including the British Academy of Jewellery (BAJ), Free2Learn (F2L), The Koppel Project, and Hub Education. The role is responsible for driving financial strategy, managing budgeting processes, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and maintaining compliance with accounting and funding standards.
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Group Financial Controller will work closely with senior leaders, including the Principal of BAJ, Free2Learn, and Hub Education, as well as the Director of Operations at The Koppel Project, to ensure effective financial management across all entities. Additionally, the role will require collaboration with external accountants, funding and regulatory bodies, and auditors as needed.
Key areas of responsibility · Develop and implement a comprehensive financial strategy for the group, ensuring long-term financial sustainability and alignment with business objectives.
· Serve as the primary financial advisor to the CEO and senior leadership, providing guidance on financial implications of business decisions.
· Lead the budgeting and forecasting processes for all entities, collaborating with senior management to ensure accurate, timely financial projections.
· Provide actionable financial insights to support strategic and operational decision-making.
· Prepare and present detailed financial reports, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow forecasts, ensuring they are accurate and delivered in a timely manner.
· Analyse financial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for cost-saving and growth.
· Ensure that all financial activities comply with accounting regulations and legal requirements, including the Companies Act and other relevant legislation.
· Oversee external audits, tax filings, and statutory reporting, working closely with external accountants and auditors to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.
· Oversee payroll processing for all group entities, ensuring accurate and timely payments and compliance with employment laws and regulations.
· Collaborate with HR and external payroll providers to manage compensation structures and employee benefits.
· Establish and maintain robust financial controls, policies, and procedures to safeguard assets and mitigate financial risks.
· Ensure appropriate internal controls are in place across all financial operations, maintaining accuracy and integrity in all financial records.
· Lead and mentor the finance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
· Liaise with external stakeholders such as auditors, tax advisors, regulatory bodies, and financial institutions to ensure smooth financial operations and regulatory compliance.
· Ensure effective communication and collaboration between the finance department and other business units.
Person SpecificationQualifications · ACCA, CIMA, ACA qualified (or equivalent).
Experience · Proven experience as Senior Financial Controller, ideally within a group of companies or multi-entity organisation.
· Strong knowledge of financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, with experience managing complex financial operations.
Skills · Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to both financial and non-financial stakeholders.
· Strong leadership and team management abilities, capable of building and developing high-performing finance teams.
· High level of analytical thinking and problem-solving, with a proven track record of identifying financial challenges and implementing effective solutions.
· Collaborative approach, working effectively across multiple entities and departments to drive alignment and financial success.
Company benefits · Annual leave allowance of 33 days inclusive of the bank holidays
· Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
Disclosure and Barring Service Clearance (DBS check)
BAJ is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
- All unspent convictions and conditional cautions
- All spent convictions and adult cautions that are not protected (i.e. that are not filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2020).
A criminal record will only be taken into account where the conviction is relevant to the position being applied for, and will not necessarily block candidates from employment. Any decision will depend on the precise nature of the work and the circumstances and background to the offence.
Equal Opportunities BAJ is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. We have a working environment where we value and respect every individual's unique contribution, enabling all of our employees to thrive and achieve their full potential. BAJ has a diverse workforce that is representative at all job levels.
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