Financial Controller

Rate - £500 (a day)

Duration - 6 months (Initially)

Location - London (Hybrid)

Ir35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company)

Job Purpose

As a key member of the University's financial leadership team, you will lead on financial accounting, services, tax, treasury, and financial controls. This role ensures regulatory compliance, maintains financial integrity, and supports strategic financial management through expert guidance and strong operational leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Business Partnering

• Build strong working relationships across departments.
• Promote a culture of customer-focused service delivery.
• Work collaboratively with Finance Business Partners and the Head of Financial Planning.

Financial Accounting & Audit

• Lead the annual audit process and prepare financial statements in line with UK GAAP, IFRS, and SORP.
• Act as primary liaison for internal and external auditors.

Financial Controls

• Maintain and implement the University's financial control framework.
• Deliver training and guidance to ensure compliance across departments.

Taxation

• Oversee all tax matters, including VAT, and manage relationships with external tax advisors.

Treasury & Endowment Management

• Manage cash flow, investments, and performance reporting.
• Oversee relationships with investment managers and banking providers.

Financial Services Operations

• Lead the Financial Services Unit (Revenue and Payments Units).
• Ensure accurate processing of invoices, tuition fees, staff/student expenses, and supplier payments.
• Implement KPIs to monitor service efficiency.

Research Finance

• Oversee post-award research funding support and compliance.

Finance Systems & Processes

• Oversee financial systems development and accounting structures.
• Ensure strong reconciliation and compliance frameworks.

Finance Training

• Develop financial literacy and training programmes for non-finance staff.
• Support professional development within the finance team.

General

• Contribute to the effective running of the Finance Division.
• Deputise for the CFO when required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Degree-level education
• CCAB qualified accountant (eg ACA, ACCA, CIMA) - Essential

Experience

• Experience in complex professional services - Essential
• Higher Education sector experience - Desirable
• Strong business partnering and scenario modelling - Essential

Skills & Knowledge

• Advanced financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting
• Strong technical skills across financial and management accounting
• Expertise in costing, pricing, and risk
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
• Ability to manage both I&E and balance sheet - Essential