Deputy Head of Financial Accounting

Deputy Head of Financial Accounting - Strategic Leadership Role in Education

Location: South West London (Hybrid Working Available)

Salary: £55,000 - £65,000 per annum + excellent pension & benefits

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you an experienced finance professional ready to take the next step into a leadership role? Join a respected educational institution in South West London as a Deputy Head of Financial Accounting, where you’ll lead vital areas of financial reporting and play a key role in statutory accounts and audit coordination.

About the Role

As the Deputy Head of Financial Accounting, you’ll be at the heart of financial operations. You’ll lead on year-end statutory accounts, oversee day-to-day Accounts Payable and Receivable functions, and support the wider finance team with technical expertise. This role also acts as a deputy to the Head of Financial Accounting, giving you senior-level exposure and the opportunity to drive improvements across financial systems and processes.

You’ll manage a small team (including a Financial Accountant and Cashier) and take ownership of external reporting, compliance, and treasury oversight, while ensuring the institution remains audit-ready and aligned with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the production of year-end financial statements for the organisation and its subsidiaries.
• Manage external audit processes and maintain strong professional relationships with auditors.
• Deliver external statutory returns (e.g., OfS, Charity Commission, Companies House).
• Oversee monthly and quarterly balance sheet reviews, cash flow forecasts, and technical accounting papers.
• Approve and review journal entries and reconciliations.
• Monitor debtors, bad debt provision, and treasury function to ensure liquidity and investment compliance.
• Act as a key liaison with banks and investment managers; signatory authority included.
• Deputise for the Head of Financial Accounting as required, ensuring continuity and leadership.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with strong technical accounting knowledge.
• Proven experience preparing statutory accounts and managing audits.
• Excellent understanding of financial controls, cash flow, and balance sheet reporting.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with financial systems.
• Experience in higher education or a similarly complex environment is advantageous but not essential.
• A confident communicator who can engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Why Join?

• Meaningful work in a mission-driven organisation.
• Supportive, collaborative team environment.
• Flexible hybrid working options.
• Generous annual leave and pension scheme.
• Opportunities for continued professional development.