UK Financial Controller

UK Financial Controller

Location: Merthyr Tydfil/Cardiff
Reporting To: UK Head of Operations & Finance, indirect to Group Finance based in Australia

Key stakeholder relationships Global CEO, Senior Leadership Team

Department: Finance

The UK Financial Controller is responsible for leading and managing the finance function across The BUSY Group UK. This role ensures robust financial control, accurate and timely reporting, and effective oversight of statutory compliance. The UK Financial Controller has direct line management responsibility for all UK finance staff and acts as the operational lead for finance across The BUSY Group UK, providing structure, discipline and accountability across the function. This position will work closely with the Group Finance function based in Australia to ensure alignment with global reporting standards and group requirements.

Our PURPOSE

To make skills, education and employment accessible to every person, so they can create their own world of unbounded possibilities.

BUSYOLOGY

At the heart of BUSYology is a commitment to fostering a culture of continuous learning, development, investment and celebration.

Where our company culture thrives on the dynamic energy of a bustling environment. We believe in harnessing the power of BUSYness to fuel collaboration, innovation and impact. Our workplace is not just busy it's a vibrant ecosystem where everyone s contributions are valued and each moment is an opportunity for growth.

Our guiding principles

• See and listen to everyone in ways that inspire self-worth and courageous action.
• Keep exploring and expanding what s possible for our customers.
• Connect and collaborate to go further than you can on your own.
• When the decision is challenging, go for the greater good.
• Be brilliant! Give yourself, and all of us, permission to excel proudly in service of our purpose.

Reporting:

• This position reports to the Head of Operations & Finance.
• Primary Responsibilities Leadership of the UK Finance Function:
• Direct line management of all finance staff
• Set clear objectives, performance standards and delivery expectations
• Drive accountability, accuracy and timeliness across the function
• Develop capability within the finance team and support succession planning
• Foster a culture of ownership, professionalism and continuous improvement
• Act as the first escalation point for operational finance matters

Financial Control and Reporting:

• Full ownership of the monthly close process across all UK entities
• Preparation and consolidation of monthly management accounts
• Delivery of clear, accurate and timely board ready reporting packs
• Ensure integrity of the general ledger and balance sheet reconciliations
• Oversee intercompany reconciliations and group adjustments
• Maintain and strengthen internal financial controls
• Lead audit preparation and manage external audit processes
• Financial Budgeting, Forecasting and Analysis:
• Lead the end to end annual budget process across all UK entities
• Prepare and present budget and forecast outputs, including risks, sensitivities and key variances, in a clear and board ready format
• Develop and maintain financial models to support reforecasts and scenario analysis
• Partner with the Head of Operations & Finance and senior operational leaders to translate delivery plans into reliable financial forecasts
• Complete financial budgets and supporting analysis for tender submissions

Statutory and Compliance Oversight:

Oversee preparation of statutory accounts under UK GAAP

Act as primary liaison with external accountants and tax advisers

Ensure VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE processes are compliant and timely

Review statutory submissions to ensure alignment with internal financial records

Maintain a compliance calendar covering Companies Act and filing obligations

Ensure appropriate documentation and audit trail standards are maintained

Cash Flow and Risk Management:

Lead rolling cash flow forecasting across all UK entities

Monitor working capital and liquidity

Identify financial risks and escalate material issues appropriately

Ensure there are no compliance or reporting issues

Systems and Process Improvement:

Standardise finance processes across The BUSY Group UK

Improve efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of reporting

Strengthen documentation of financial policies and procedures

Support integration of acquisitions and system improvements

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

Qualifications and Technical Expertise

ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified

Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP and Companies Act requirements

Experience preparing or reviewing statutory accounts

Experience supporting or leading audit processes

Experience overseeing VAT, Corporation Tax and PAYE compliance through external advisers

Experience within a multi entity environment

Experience establishing or improving financial controls

Leadership and Management:

Experience in a senior finance role with team leadership responsibility

Experience managing and developing finance staff

Demonstrated ownership of month end and reporting processes

Experience improving process discipline and reporting standards

Ready to step into, or currently operating within, a Financial Controller level role

Sector and Regulatory Experience:

Experience within education, training, government funded or charitable organisations desirable

Experience preparing or overseeing accounts under the Charities SORP desirable

Understanding of Charity Commission reporting and governance requirements advantageous

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Degree in Accounting, Finance or related discipline
• Right to work in the United Kingdom
• Enhanced DBS check required