Financial Controller

Location: Home-based, with attendance on-site as and when required

Working pattern/hours: Full time & permanent. Normal working hours are 35 per week, Monday - Friday, 09:00 - 17:00.

Salary: Up to £66,500 depending on skills and experience.

About JTL

JTL is a national apprenticeship provider specialising in the electrical and plumbing sectors, supporting thousands of apprentices and working with employers across England and Wales. We are proud to be an Ofsted ‘Good’ provider and a registered charity, reinvesting in our apprentices, staff and training facilities.

Our apprentices are at the heart of everything we do. We work closely with employers to develop the next generation of skilled tradespeople, providing high-quality training, support and guidance throughout the apprenticeship journey.

About the role

The Financial Controller is responsible for leading the financial accounting, reporting, compliance and payroll functions of the charity, ensuring robust financial management that supports the delivery of high-quality apprenticeship and training programmes. This works also includes a trading subsidiary and preparation of consolidated group accounts at year end.

The role is responsible for producing accurate and timely financial information, maintaining strong financial controls, ensuring compliance with all statutory, regulatory and funding requirements, and leading the annual budgeting and forecasting processes. Working closely with the Group Director of Finance & Corporate Services, the postholder will provide financial insight to support strategic decision-making while ensuring the charity meets its obligations as an independent training provider.

The Financial Controller will lead the Management Accounting and Payroll teams, developing a culture of continuous improvement, high performance and excellent customer service.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Reporting

• Lead the month-end close process, ensuring the timely production of accurate monthly management accounts for both entities.

• Prepare monthly financial reports for the Executive Leadership Team, including detailed variance analysis and commentary.

• Oversee the integrity of the general ledger journals and all financial records through robust internal controls including Balance Sheet reconciliations.

• Produce financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making.

• Monitor financial performance against budgets, forecasts and key performance indicators.

• Continually improve management reporting through Power BI to provide meaningful financial insight across the organisation.

• Attend the Audit & Risk Committee and the Investment Committee as and when required.

Budgeting and Forecasting

• Lead the annual budget-setting process across all departments.

• Coordinate regular financial forecasting and reforecasting.

• Support budget holders in developing realistic financial plans.

• Provide financial modelling and scenario planning to support strategic initiatives and funding decisions.

• Monitor financial sustainability and identify financial risks and opportunities.

Statutory Reporting and Audit

• Lead the preparation of the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

• Manage the year-end audit process, acting as the principal contact for external auditors.

• Ensure compliance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP), applicable accounting standards and charity legislation.

• Implement audit recommendations and strengthen financial controls where appropriate.

Regulatory Compliance

Ensure the accurate and timely completion of all statutory and regulatory returns, including:

• VAT returns.

• Charity Commission annual return.

• Department for Education (DfE) financial returns.

• Office for National Statistics (ONS) returns.

• Any other statutory, regulatory or contractual financial reporting requirements.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changes in charity accounting, apprenticeship funding and regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance across the organisation.

Financial Control and Governance

• Maintain a robust financial control framework and ensure compliance with financial regulations, policies and delegated authorities.

• Oversee balance sheet reconciliations and control accounts.

• Review journals and accounting adjustments.

• Monitor cash flow and treasury activities.

• Support risk management through effective financial governance.

• Assist in the development and review of financial policies and procedures.

Payroll

• Oversee the payroll function, ensuring accurate and timely payment of salaries and compliance with HMRC and pension regulations.

• Ensure timely completion of adjustments to pay and oversee the car allowance scheme and the salary sacrifice car scheme.

• Monitor service standards and identify opportunities to improve payroll processes.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead, motivate and develop the Management Accounts and Payroll teams.

• Directly manage two senior members of the finance team.

• Set objectives, undertake performance reviews and support professional development.

• Promote collaborative working and continuous improvement.

• Ensure resilience and succession planning within the finance function.

Systems and Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with the Finance Business Partner to drive improvements to financial systems, reporting and processes.

• Support the implementation of new finance systems and digital solutions.

• Promote automation and efficiency across finance operations.

• Champion best practice in financial management and internal controls.

What we’re looking for

Essential requirements:

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).

Experience

• Significant post-qualification experience in a senior finance role (2+ years).

• Experience of producing monthly management accounts and board-level financial reporting.

• Experience preparing statutory accounts and managing external audits.

• Experience leading annual budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.

• Experience leading and developing finance teams.

Knowledge

• UK accounting standards and financial reporting requirements.

• Financial controls, governance and risk management.

• Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and financial reporting systems.

Skills

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability.

• Ability to interpret and communicate complex financial information clearly.

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

• Excellent planning and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise competing deadlines.

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication.

• Effective leadership and coaching skills.

It would be beneficial if you also have:

• Knowledge of apprenticeship funding rules and funding assurance requirements.

• Charity accounting and Charity SORP.

• Understanding of Department for Education (DfE) financial reporting requirements.

• Experience within an Independent Training Provider, Further Education College, Academy Trust or similar education environment.

• Experience of external funding audits.

• Experience of finance systems implementation or improvement projects.

• Experience of financial management within a charity, education or publicly funded environment.

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Integrity and professionalism.

• A collaborative and supportive leadership style.

• Strong commercial awareness balanced with a commitment to the charity's mission.

• A proactive, solutions-focused approach.

• High levels of personal accountability.

• Commitment to continuous improvement and organisational excellence.

Key Relationships:

• Finance Business Partner

• Group Director of Finance & Corporate Services

• Chief Executive Officer

• Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team

• Budget Holders

• Management Accounts and Payroll Teams

• External Auditors

• Charity Commission

• Office for National Statistics (ONS)

• Banks, pension providers and other external stakeholders

Why join JTL?

This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in a purpose-driven organisation that changes lives through education and skills development. As Financial Controller, you will lead a talented finance team, help shape organisational strategy and ensure the charity maintains the highest standards of financial stewardship, governance and accountability while supporting the successful delivery of apprenticeship and training programmes.

We offer:

• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional days for long service and a Christmas shutdown

• Generous pension scheme with matched contributions

• Life assurance and occupational sick pay

• Optional private healthcare and regular health checks

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme for you and your family

• CPD support, including funding for professional qualifications and ongoing training

• A supportive, collaborative and values-driven working environment, plus much more…

Safeguarding and inclusion

JTL is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and expects all its employees to share this commitment in conjunction with the requirements of the Prevent Duty and the positive promotion of modern British values.

We are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported.

An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.