Financial Controller

Ivy Rock Partners is supporting a large, mission-driven education trust in the search for a Financial Controller to lead and elevate its central finance and payroll functions. This is a high-impact leadership role within a values-led organisation committed to improving life chances for young people across the country.

As Financial Controller, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and safeguarding the financial integrity of a complex multi-site organisation. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you’ll lead central finance and payroll teams, ensure exceptional financial stewardship, and provide strategic insight to senior executives and trustees.

You’ll work closely with leadership across the organisation to deliver robust financial reporting, optimise systems, drive operational improvements, and enhance financial literacy across teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Strategy:

• Support the CFO in developing and delivering the organisation’s financial strategy
• Lead and develop central finance and payroll teams to drive high performance
• Build strong relationships with senior leaders, trustees, and external partners
• Contribute to strategic decision-making, business planning and resource modelling
• Financial Reporting & Compliance
• Lead the production of statutory accounts and management accounts
• Oversee cashflow planning, budgeting, forecasting, VAT, and pension obligations
• Manage submissions to external bodies and ensure compliance with sector regulation
• Maintain strong controls across balance sheet reconciliations and financial reporting

Systems & Process Improvement:

• Oversee finance systems, upgrades and integrations in collaboration with IT
• Ensure system functionality is fully embedded across the organisation
• Drive process optimisation and produce accessible finance guidance for stakeholders

Financial Control & Audit:

• Ensure robust financial controls across all finance activity
• Lead internal and external audit processes and implement recommendations
• Support development and review of financial policies and procedures

Payroll Leadership:

• Manage end-to-end payroll operations for all staff
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and sector standards
• Partner with HR on employee changes and workforce planning

Procurement & Contracts:

• Oversee key supplier relationships, contracts, and value-for-money initiatives
• Contribute to compliant and effective tender processes

About You:

You will be a fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent) with experience leading finance teams in a complex organisation, ideally within education, public sector, or charity environments. You’ll bring strong technical knowledge, excellent stakeholder management, and a track record of process improvement and team leadership.

You will also demonstrate:

• Credibility working with executive leaders and boards
• Experience with financial systems and reporting frameworks
• Confidence in managing statutory accounts, audits, and regulatory returns
• The ability to inspire, mentor and develop high-performing teams
• A commitment to organisational values, inclusion, and public impact

For a confidential conversation about the role, please get in touch with Megan Hunter.