Financial Controller

Responsible for supporting the university's strategic need to be financially sustainable by managing the financial control environment to ensure that all financial information and reporting produced is accurate, timely and relevant in order.

Client Details

In partnership with a leading University, we are looking for an experienced Financial Controller for an exciting opportunity based in the South-West.

Description

• Lead the production of monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, cash flow, capex reporting, variance analysis, and insightful commentary.
• Support the delivery of annual budgets, forecasts, five-year financial plans, sensitivity analysis, and investment appraisals.
• Ensure the accurate and timely submission of statutory returns, annual financial statements, and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Manage treasury activities, cash flow forecasting, and financial liquidity to support strategic decision-making and compliance obligations.
• Support the Finance Director in delivering a successful year-end audit process and maintaining strong external audit relationships.
• Provide leadership to Finance Services, Management Accounts, Business Partnering, and Financial Accounting teams, driving performance and collaboration.
• Oversee transactional finance operations, including debt management, purchase-to-pay processes, creditor management, and student funding administration.
• Maintain a robust financial control environment, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, policies, and accounting standards.
• Identify and deliver continuous improvement initiatives, enhancing financial processes, controls, systems, and reporting effectiveness.
• Act as a trusted financial advisor to senior stakeholders, contributing to the Finance Management Team and deputising for the Finance Director when required.

Profile

Essential Criteria:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or CIPFA)
• Strong track record in financial control and forecasting
• Experience of successfully leading and managing direct reports.
• Proven experience of developing and management accounts and processes.
• Proven track record in transactional finance

Desirable Criteria:

• Higher education/Public Sector

Job Offer

• A competitive salary from c£65,000 - £75,000
• Excellent public sector pension scheme
• Excellent higher education enhanced annual leave
• Hybrid working

Our client is open to a broad range of commercial or public/not for profit experience . The role offers the right candidate and great opportunity to further develop their skills in financial leadership role for a large organisation. For more information please contact Ben Pountney at Michael Page -