Group Financial Controller

About School of Coding & AI

School of Coding & AI is a rapidly expanding education organization focused on delivering career-oriented programs in higher education, digital skills, artificial intelligence, health, business, and other professional sectors.

Role Overview

We seek a proactive Group Financial Controller to lead the finance function across our multi-entity group. This senior leadership role centers on ensuring finance operations are precise, efficient, and robust, supporting the organisation’s ongoing growth through well-structured financial management.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage day-to-day finance activities across the group ensuring accuracy and control.
• Own the monthly management accounts process and ensure timely month-end closes.
• Conduct balance sheet reconciliations, handle journals, accruals, prepayments and ensure quality financial reporting.
• Maintain strong financial controls over income, expenses, cash flow, assets, payroll, and reporting.
• Identify and implement improvements in finance processes, systems, and controls to support growth.
• Lead statutory accounts preparation, audits and ensure compliance with accounting standards and tax laws.
• Manage payroll accuracy, compliance processes, VAT returns, PAYE, pensions, and related reconciliations.
• Oversee cash flow management, supplier payments, collections, and receivables.
• Lead, develop and manage the finance team including two accountants based in India.
• Support wider finance activities including board reporting, commercial projects, strategic planning, funding, and acquisitions where appropriate.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience as Financial Controller or Group Financial Controller within multi-entity organizations.
• Strong technical accounting expertise including management accounts, statutory accounts, audits, and balance sheet controls.
• Experience enhancing finance systems, reporting, and internal controls in a growing business environment.
• In-depth knowledge of VAT, PAYE, payroll processes, and statutory finance compliance.
• Demonstrated success managing audit processes and year-end procedures.
• Robust people management skills, including coaching and managing remote international teams.
• Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail, and ability to maintain discipline and deadlines in a dynamic context.

Preferred Experience

• Background in education, training or regulated sectors.
• Experience dealing with funding, grants, student finance or contract income streams.
• Familiarity with group corporate structures and multiple trading entities.
• Exposure to automation, financial dashboards, commercial analysis, and long-term financial planning.
• Experience with banking, funding, M&A, or investment projects.
• Working knowledge of offshore and international finance teams.

Success Indicators

• Consistent, accurate, and timely month-end reporting.
• Defined ownership and accountability within the finance team.
• Effective management and development of the accountants based in India.
• Strong controls over reconciliations, audits, cash management, collections and payroll administration.
• Clear, trusted financial information accessible to senior leadership.
• Proper embedding of improved finance systems and processes supporting scalability.
• Reduced manual work through streamlined, reliable procedures.
• A trusted and proactive finance function partnering with the CFO.

Why Join Us

This role offers an exceptional chance to own and enhance the foundational finance function within a dynamic education group. You will contribute directly to defining the finance structure necessary for sustainable growth while collaborating closely with senior leadership and the CFO.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary between £70,000 and £80,000.
• 28 days of annual leave plus 8 bank holidays.
• Up to 20 hours yearly paid leave for medical appointments.
• Participation in pension scheme and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opportunities for continual professional development and career advancement.
• Company social events and retail discounts via Bright Exchange.