Group Financial Controller

ACM is a specialist creative industries education provider with students on a range of FE and HE programmes in Music
Performance, Creative Artist, Production, Technical Services and Business. Our creative and dynamic environment
blends academic excellence and professionalism alongside leading-edge industry thinking and business innovation.

ACM’s Vision: ACM will incubate potential and talent, supporting the personalised development needs of our students to facilitate a structured path from education to employment.  We provide a safe and supported space where creative talent and imagination can flourish in a caring environment.  Barriers to learning are identified through a holistic and person-centred approach to unlock the potential of the individual, enabling personal growth through professional and academic development. Our core aim is for our students to enjoy lifelong sustainable careers underpinned by applied learning and a specialist, cutting-edge curriculum.
Therefore, our vision is to not only be the leader in applied, industry-connected, creative arts education but to also be
the leader in care and support for mental health and other traditional barriers to learning, thereby driving up the
standards expected within higher and further education.
ACM’s Mission: To provide an immersive student experience, with a curriculum which is connected to the industry in real-time, based on a learning by doing ethos. Our core aim is to build confidence and self-awareness, providing students with the skills necessary to recognise and take opportunities. Ultimately our mission is to enable students to fulfill their potential and enjoy a sustainable career within the creative arts
industry.

THE ROLE
Reporting into the Head of Finance, the Group Financial Controller will ensure that strong accounting practices and
reporting are in place throughout the Group, which comprise an education company, which is registered with the Office
for Students; a theatre and a recording studio. As Group Financial Controller you will be take responsibility for
implementing appropriate policies, procedures and processes across the group as well as providing management with
key information to inform business decisions and drive business performance.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• To produce monthly group management accounts including variance analysis and commentary.
• Work with the Head of Finance and other Executives to produce budgets and forecasts for all entities in the
  group.
• To be the main finance contact for the recording studios and theatre, including preparation of budgets; To be the main finance contact for the recording studios and theatre, including preparation of budgets;
  production of monthly management accounts; commission calculations for payroll; and management of
  cashflow.
• To track and report all expenditure in respect of grants received from the Office for Students and presentation of
  these to the project board.
• Oversee processes and reconciliations in respect of student numbers and student finance.
• Manage the detailed audit process ensuring all audit deliverables are both timely and accurate.
• Production of statutory accounts for the recording studio, theatre and non-group companies.
• Maintain contract register for the group and review all new contracts prior to signature by the Executive
  Chairman.
• Responsibility for VAT returns including the VAT group return.
• Financial modelling of new initiatives.
• Support the Head of Finance and other Executives with ad hoc analysis and tasks.
• Assisting with overseeing and supporting the team as appropriate.
• Maintain and build a number of strategic relationships.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA).
• Proven track record of at least 3 years in a financial controller role.\
• Strong financial acumen and expertise in UK financial regulations and accounting principles, financial planning
  and analysis.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with stakeholders at all
  levels.
• Experience in working with entities registered with the Office for Students (desirable but not essential)
• Motivated by a changing, growing environment.

All ACM staff work to the same values which are:
Inclusivity
To empower individuals from diverse backgrounds, to maintain accessibility, and provide an inclusive organisational
culture.
Supportive environments
To provide environments that support personal and professional development through a holistic approach and bring the
benefits of the creative arts to the wider community.
Agility and innovation
To provide an inspiring organisational culture that embraces innovation through openness, flexibility, creativity and self-
evaluation.
Connectivity
To recognise the benefits of working closely with industry and others, to embrace new technologies, and to provide
meaningful opportunities, in order to enhance learning.
Professional and academically strong standards
To provide state of the art professional environments, to inspire determination and enthusiasm, and ensure high
professional and academic standards

Please be aware all ACM staff must undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Check prior to starting. This will need to
be renewed once every three years.