Deputy Group Financial Controller

Inspired Education is the leading global group of premium schools, with a portfolio of 126 premium private schools in 28 countries spanning 6 continents which utilise proven educational practices from every corner of the globe, ensuring over 95,000 students receive a world-class learning experience from Kindergarten to Year 13.

Founded in 2013 by Nadim M. Nsouli, Inspired is backed by investors such as Stonepeak, GIC, TA Associates, and the Oppenheimer and Mansour family offices. The Group is experiencing 20% per annum growth through acquisition, greenfield site expansion, and the development of existing schools within its portfolio. In 2023, Inspired was recognised by Beauhurst as one of the UK's top 10 highest-value private companies.

Role Summary:

The group is looking to recruit a Deputy Group Financial Controller to help support the Group in its next stage of development. The role provides an exciting opportunity to drive and implement change, and help build a platform of improved process and efficiency as the group continues to grow.

The individual will be a key part of the Group Finance team, and will liaise with senior stakeholders within the Group executive management team, Group Finance, UK and overseas finance teams.

This role is within a busy Head Office team where demands vary from day to day, so flexibility of working practices and the ability to react to a variety of ad-hoc situations, either as part of a team or under your own initiative, are essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a team of four qualified accountants.
• Own Group financial reporting, including IFRS consolidated accounts, statutory reporting, audits, and accounting policies.
• Oversee Head Office finance operations, including management accounts, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, payroll, AP, and intercompany accounting.
• Partner with senior stakeholders and present financial performance, budgets, and forecasts to the Group CFO.
• Drive improvements in financial controls, governance, reporting processes, and operational efficiency.
• Support treasury activities, including cash management, banking relationships, forecasting, and hedging.
• Lead Group insurance renewals and reporting.
• Support M&A integration, ESG reporting initiatives, and ERP governance.
• Provide support across tax, legal, company secretarial, and debt/equity raising activities as required.

This is a broad leadership role offering exposure across Group reporting, finance operations, treasury, governance, strategic projects, and business partnering within a fast-paced, international organisation.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• Qualified Accountant (ACA or overseas equivalent preferred) with significant post qualified experience
• Experience working within a Group Finance function in a large, complex, global organisation
• Advanced Excel skills with proven experience of working with large Excel based financial models
• Strong end to end process management skills with strength of character and gravitas to enforce disciplines whilst maintaining a flexible and adaptable overall approach.
• Ability to liaise and enforce compliance across large geographically and culturally disparate groups.
• Strong knowledge of IFRS technical accounting
• Prior knowledge of JD Edwards, Cognos Controller or TM1 (Planning Analytics) would be advantageous.
• A pro-active self-starter with the drive, determination and commitment to get things done
• ‘Can do’ attitude with a willingness to solve problems and tackle new challenges
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines with the capacity to multi-task over several on-going projects
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, rapidly-growing environment
• Well organised and conscientious, with good attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Safeguarding Statement:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.

School Application Form:

Visit our careers site for more information; https://jobs.inspirededu.com