Job Title

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 Groups 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.