Group Financial Accountant
Description
ISP Group Financial Accountant Role Profile
Purpose of Role
The Group Financial Accountant reports into the Group Head of Financial Control. The position is responsible for the preparation of the Group’s Statutory annual reporting (including audit), balance sheet control and compliance with group accounting policies and IFRS, and consolidation of Monthly management accounts.
The role is the first point of review to ensure that the appropriate accounting treatments and ISP accounting policies are applied across all ISP reporting entities, in accordance with IFRS. In addition, the role ensures internal controls are in place and understood across the ISP regions, to protect the Group’s assets, with continual review and update.
The Group Financial Accountant provides information, support, guidance and training to the Regional Finance Teams to successfully perform their reporting tasks, including:
- Monthly reporting in accordance with the Group’s consolidation requirements
- Supporting the annual group audit
- Assisting in the development and ongoing enhancement of the internal control and compliance framework, minimizing risks of financial misstatement and ensuring reporting obligations are understood and complied with.
ISP Principles
Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Simply, their success is our success. Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. Therefore, we are consistent in identifying potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and acting and following up on all concerns appropriately.
Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences and promote the well-being of self and others.
Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference. We apply school policies and procedures and embody the shared ideas of our community.
Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students and our schools.
Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us. We positively engage with personal and professional development and school improvement.
Key Responsibilities
Group Reporting
- Coordinate the monthly close and consolidation in NetSuite, the accounting and consolidation system used across the Group.
- Support the acquisition accounting for newly acquired schools and associated group consolidation adjustments
- Preparation of the monthly Group Consolidated Balance Sheet, providing insightful analysis and explanation of significant movements for inclusion in the monthly Board Pack. This includes liaising with regional financial controllers to obtain explanations for any unexpected movements.
- Collect and complete information and analysis periodically, to satisfy ISP’s Group statutory reporting requirements and supporting notes.
- Monitor intercompany balances, to ensure full counterparty elimination on consolidation. Work with Group Management Accountant to follow up and resolve any differences with Regional Finance teams.
- Participate in monthly calls with regional teams
- Prepare first draft of the group statutory accounts
- Support quarterly reporting to external stakeholders
- Consolidate and review monthly cashflow and cash collection submissions from regional teams
Financial Control & Compliance
- Assist in the coordination of the Group’s external audit procedures, ensuring information is provided in a timely and efficient manner to meet all Group requirements and deadlines.
- Review and enhance internal control and compliance reporting environment, in accordance with the Group’s internal controls and compliance framework.
- Follow up on any internal control deficiencies identified across the Group and ensure remedial actions are implemented
- Drive a greater focus on Balance sheet integrity across the Group, coordinating periodic reviews with regional teams and focusing on potential risk areas
- Qualified Accountant - ACA, ACCA, or local equivalent essential
- External audit experience (Big 4/Top 10 trained) with robust understanding of internal controls, financial reporting/close process essential
- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications (Excel, Word, Powerpoint)
- Ability to build good working relationships with all members and levels of the organization
- A methodical, highly organized approach to the execution of assigned tasks and responsibilities
- Growth mindset, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Attention to detail, strong writing, interpersonal and communication skills
- Up-to-date knowledge of International Financial Reporting Standards
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- Prior experience in using NetSuite applications or any other ERP systems would be advantageous
- Positive, proactive, passionate, personable, results orientated, ambitious professional, who is keen to progress within a global organisation
- Cross-functional teamwork experience
- Fluent written and spoken English a requirement. Additional language skills an advantage
- Ability to handle confidential information with maturity and discretion
- Capacity to take initiative and solve problems with minimal supervision
ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles
ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.
ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.