Financial Controller

Financial Controller

National Online School & Great Minds

If you are a qualified accountant looking for an opportunity to play a pivotal role in the growth of an innovative, mission‑led business, this role could be a great next step, offering the chance to shape decision‑making, provide trusted financial insight and build the systems needed to support sustainable growth and lasting impact.

We are seeking a Financial Controller to work closely with senior leaders across National Online School (NOS) and Great Minds Therapy & Training Services. As these services continue to grow and evolve, you will provide the financial insight, control and systems needed to support confident decision‑making, sustainable growth and operational excellence. Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a hands‑on role combining financial control, business partnering and the development of fit‑for‑purpose systems in a dynamic and ambitious environment.

You will be a key partner to business leaders, helping translate strategy into robust budgets, forecasts and financial plans, while ensuring strong governance, compliance and day‑to‑day financial control.

What you will do as Financial Controller:

• Lead the production of timely and accurate monthly management accounts and reporting packs.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, variance analysis, financial modelling and scenario planning with business leaders.
• Strengthen and develop financial systems, controls and processes as the services scale.
• Oversee day‑to‑day finance operations, including journals, reconciliations, invoicing, purchasing, credit control and cash flow management.
• Prepare quarterly VAT returns and support year‑end accounts, audit and statutory compliance.
• Provide clear financial insight to support business planning, operational decisions and risk management.
• Lead or support finance systems and software improvements, including the selection and implementation of new tools where appropriate.
• Oversee supplier contracts, service level agreements and wider financial compliance arrangements.
• Line manage and support the Finance Officer.

What we are looking for:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
• Strong experience in a senior finance role, ideally as a Financial Controller or Finance Manager.
• Excellent understanding of financial reporting, management accounts, budgeting and forecasting.
• Experience improving finance systems, controls and processes within a growing or changing organisation.
• Confidence working with accounting and budgeting software (experience with Sage 200 advantageous).
• Strong Excel skills, high attention to detail and the ability to turn financial data into practical insight.
• Effective communicator, able to partner with senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across teams.
• Experience in education, social care, charity or social enterprise is helpful but not essential.

Why join us

You will be joining NOS and Great Minds at a key stage of development, with the opportunity to shape how finance supports growth, innovation and impact. This role offers real scope to influence decision‑making, improve systems and processes, and work closely with leadership teams in a values‑led organisation.

We offer competitive salary, terms and conditions, with 25 days annual leave. Staff have opportunities to undertake effective CPD and accreditations to support career development. To support staff we have regular staff wellbeing days, a range of employee support and wellbeing benefits including our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), counselling and contributions towards medical costs and an exclusive rewards platform with gym & active health discounts.

To apply

Please apply by sending through a CV. Shortlisted candidates will need to complete a formal application form as per safer recruitment practices in Education.

Safeguarding and equal opportunities

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and we expect all staff to share this commitment. We are also committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and welcome applications from candidates with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. The appointment is subject to all relevant checks such as references, medical clearance and a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

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