Head of FinanceEqual Education Partners

Equal Education Partners is recruiting on behalf of a London-based education group. Our client is a leading provider of transformative educational experiences to students across the world, including both in-person and online programmes.

Objectives:

Financial Management

• Develop and implement financial strategies, plans, and budgets aligned with the Company's objectives.
• Provide financial analysis and insights to support decision-making and drive business growth.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial reporting, including the preparation of financial statements, forecasts, and budgets, including monthly, quarterly and annual.
• Oversee financial operations, including cash flow management, risk assessment, and internal controls.
• Maintain P&L accuracy.
• Collaborate with other departments to optimise financial performance and identify areas for improvement.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Conduct financial analysis and forecasting to evaluate business performance and identify opportunities for cost optimisation and revenue growth.
• Develop and monitor key financial metrics and KPIs, providing regular reports to senior management.
• Perform scenario modelling and sensitivity analysis to support strategic planning and investment decisions.
• Evaluate the financial feasibility and potential risks of new business initiatives or expansion plans.
• Provide financial insights and recommendations to optimise resource allocation and drive profitability.

Budgeting and Cost Management

• Lead the annual budgeting process, working closely with department heads to develop realistic budgets and financial targets.
• Monitor budget performance, identify variances, and provide analysis to support cost control efforts.
• Implement cost management strategies to optimise operational efficiency and reduce unnecessary expenditures.
• Evaluate the financial impact of proposed investments or projects and provide financial justifications.
• Liaise regularly with budget owners to maintain accuracy and ensure spending is kept within limits.

Financial Leadership and Collaboration

• Lead on bringing the Company’s finance function in-house, removing the reliance on a third-party outsourced accounting firm.
• Hire, manage and mentor a team of finance professionals, providing guidance and support to ensure their professional growth.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment that promotes teamwork and cross-functional cooperation.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as Operations, Sales, and Marketing, to align financial goals and strategies with overall business objectives.
• Support all members of the company with financial queries.
• Build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders, including banks, auditors, accountants, legal advisors and regulatory authorities.

Financial Leadership and Collaboration

• Ensure legal compliance on expansion into other overseas territories – trade marks, data protection and GDPR, including obtaining local market legal advice.
• Ensuring compliance with, and reporting of taxes including PAYE / NIC, VAT, corporation tax as and international equivalents.
• Lead on all aspects of payroll, such as contracts, pensions and tax, as well as payments of freelancers.