Group Financial controller

Are you ready to lead a high-performing finance team and help shape the future of a growing, complex education charity?

This is an exciting and rare opportunity to lead the Financial Control and FP&A teams within a well-established, multimillion-pound charity. While this is a 12-month fixed-term contract, you'll be fully supported and offered excellent opportunities for professional development and growth.

This is more than a technical finance leadership role. You will step into a highly engaged, people-centric team that is known across AQA for its collaborative culture, development focus and continuous improvement mindset.

While technical expertise is important, success in this role will come from your ability to support people, build relationships and maintain a positive team culture.

Lead a high-performing Financial Control and FP&A team, developing the team and driving excellence

Build strong relationships across AQA, including with our Head of Commercial Finance to ensure the business receives an aligned message from Finance

Ensure robust financial governance, delivering high-quality reporting and statutory accounts

Steer the implementation of IFRS 15 and IFRS 16 across AQA and supporting subsidiary readiness for the 2027 audit

Shape strategic decision-making through insightful forecasting, planning and management reporting

Support growth by integrating acquisitions, strengthening subsidiary finance capabilities and building strong stakeholder relationships.

You'll thrive in this role if you have:

A recognised professional accounting qualification such as ACA, ACCA or CIMA

Experience leading audit, statutory accounts, group reporting, budgets, forecasts and longer-term financial planning

Experience leading and developing teams within a complex organisation or group structure

The ability to build trusted relationships, influence stakeholders and create an environment where people can succeed

Experience of charity reporting or working within a charity or not-for-profit environment would be beneficial, but is not essential

What's in it for you?

Flexible, hybrid working with genuine support for work-life balance

35-hour working week

25 days of annual leave, plus Bank Holidays and four additional days for Christmas closure

A generous pension scheme with combined contributions up to 18.5%, available from your first day

Private Medical Insurance, Healthcare Cash Plan and paid volunteering days

A value-led culture focused on development, inclusion and continuous improvement

At AQA, we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our Diversity and Inclusion strategy ensures that everyone - regardless of religion, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, age, disability, sexual orientation, or background - is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language, avoid stereotypes, and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

Application process

Please apply by submitting a copy of your CV and covering letter. Closing date for applications will be 23:59 on Sunday 13 September.

Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive sufficient suitable applications. Early application is encouraged.

Our interview process consists of two stages. The first stage will be a video interview, followed by a face-to-face interview at our Manchester office in September.

Recruitment Agencies We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place. Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees. #LI-LH1 #STEC

We have a preferred supplier list (PSL) in place.

Unsolicited CVs will be treated as a gift. We will not be subject to or liable under your terms and conditions for agency fees.