Job description
Outcomes First Group is Great Place to Work certified – it’s official! Want to work 4 days, but get paid for 5? OFG is taking part in the four-day working week trial. Job Title:
Group Financial Controller - UK Location: Bolton Flexibility: Hybrid working available Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent Salary: £90,000 - £110,000 per annum Job Purpose: The Group Financial Controller has overall responsibility for the UK finance team (c.50 staff) and, along with the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), reports directly to the UK Finance Director. The Group Financial Controller is ultimately responsible for accurate and timely financial accounting, tax accounting, and compliance with the group’s reporting obligations, including adherence to deadlines set by regulators and the lending group. This role will work closely with the team to deliver a strong control environment, leading to a successful annual external audit, and ensuring excellent financial controls across the Group. Key Stakeholders:
CFO Finance Director Accounting and FP&A teams
Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership:
Lead and manage the Group’s finance team, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative work environment. Directly line manage 4 senior managers across the Accounting (including payroll), Project, and Financial Reporting teams, with ultimate responsibility for these areas of finance. Ensure effective development, training, and performance management for the finance team. Foster a “One Team” approach, ensuring no single points of failure or dependencies on key individuals.
Financial Reporting and Controls:
Lead the preparation, consolidation, and analysis of the Group’s monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring timely and accurate reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Ensure compliance with statutory accounting requirements and corporate governance standards across the Group. Maintain and enhance robust processes for monitoring balance sheet reconciliations performed by the wider Finance team. Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the internal control framework to safeguard assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote operational efficiency.
Strategic Financial Support:
Partner with the Finance Director and Head of FP&A to provide financial insights that support business strategy and growth. Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning to support the Group’s growth objectives. Support the Project team, particularly in liaising with advisors around finance due diligence on key projects.
Audit and Taxation:
Support the Head of Financial Reporting with the external audit process, ensuring all necessary information is provided in a timely manner. Ensure the consolidated and subsidiary accounts are completed and signed in line with timetables required under the Group’s financing arrangements. Manage the Group’s tax planning, ensuring efficient tax strategies and compliance with local tax laws. Build and maintain relationships with external auditors and tax advisors to ensure streamlined processes.
System and Process Improvements:
Continuously evaluate and improve financial systems, tools, and processes to drive greater efficiency and effectiveness across the organisation. Implement best practices in financial reporting and compliance, including exploring opportunities for automation and standardisation.
Standard Responsibilities:
Participate in an annual performance review programme. Work at all times in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and statutory regulations applicable to the Group. Observe, at all times, strict rules of confidentiality appropriate to the post. Comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations to ensure personal wellbeing and that of colleagues. Uphold the Group’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Undertake other duties as assigned.
Measures:
Performance measured against set objectives relevant to the role. Defined performance indicators, such as accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. Departmental Net Promoter Scores (team satisfaction and stakeholder feedback).
Experience, Skills & Qualifications: Essential:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA) is essential. At least 7-10 years of relevant experience in financial management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior financial role in a group or multi-entity environment. Strong knowledge of GAAP, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards. Proven experience in managing a team and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Demonstrated ability to prioritise and manage workloads to meet key deadlines. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong proficiency in financial software and systems, with advanced Excel skills. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to interact with senior executives and external stakeholders. High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Desirable:
Experience in a private equity-backed environment or a similar fast-paced, high-growth business. Familiarity with systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Hyperion. Adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in ambiguity.
Why join Outcomes First Group? About the Group Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations. There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Our Vision We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world. Our Mission Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning. Our Promise *We are kind to ourselves and each other…We work together… and we make things happen.*Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave. Benefits
Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer - View JD -
Outcomes First Group is Great Place to Work certified – it’s official! Want to work 4 days, but get paid for 5? OFG is taking part in the four-day working week trial. Job Title:
Group Financial Controller - UK Location: Bolton Flexibility: Hybrid working available Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent Salary: £90,000 - £110,000 per annum Job Purpose: The Group Financial Controller has overall responsibility for the UK finance team (c.50 staff) and, along with the Head of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), reports directly to the UK Finance Director. The Group Financial Controller is ultimately responsible for accurate and timely financial accounting, tax accounting, and compliance with the group’s reporting obligations, including adherence to deadlines set by regulators and the lending group. This role will work closely with the team to deliver a strong control environment, leading to a successful annual external audit, and ensuring excellent financial controls across the Group. Key Stakeholders:
CFO Finance Director Accounting and FP&A teams
Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership:
Lead and manage the Group’s finance team, providing mentorship and fostering a collaborative work environment. Directly line manage 4 senior managers across the Accounting (including payroll), Project, and Financial Reporting teams, with ultimate responsibility for these areas of finance. Ensure effective development, training, and performance management for the finance team. Foster a “One Team” approach, ensuring no single points of failure or dependencies on key individuals.
Financial Reporting and Controls:
Lead the preparation, consolidation, and analysis of the Group’s monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring timely and accurate reporting in accordance with applicable accounting standards. Ensure compliance with statutory accounting requirements and corporate governance standards across the Group. Maintain and enhance robust processes for monitoring balance sheet reconciliations performed by the wider Finance team. Establish, maintain, and continuously improve the internal control framework to safeguard assets, ensure accurate financial reporting, and promote operational efficiency.
Strategic Financial Support:
Partner with the Finance Director and Head of FP&A to provide financial insights that support business strategy and growth. Oversee cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and liquidity planning to support the Group’s growth objectives. Support the Project team, particularly in liaising with advisors around finance due diligence on key projects.
Audit and Taxation:
Support the Head of Financial Reporting with the external audit process, ensuring all necessary information is provided in a timely manner. Ensure the consolidated and subsidiary accounts are completed and signed in line with timetables required under the Group’s financing arrangements. Manage the Group’s tax planning, ensuring efficient tax strategies and compliance with local tax laws. Build and maintain relationships with external auditors and tax advisors to ensure streamlined processes.
System and Process Improvements:
Continuously evaluate and improve financial systems, tools, and processes to drive greater efficiency and effectiveness across the organisation. Implement best practices in financial reporting and compliance, including exploring opportunities for automation and standardisation.
Standard Responsibilities:
Participate in an annual performance review programme. Work at all times in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and statutory regulations applicable to the Group. Observe, at all times, strict rules of confidentiality appropriate to the post. Comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations to ensure personal wellbeing and that of colleagues. Uphold the Group’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. Undertake other duties as assigned.
Measures:
Performance measured against set objectives relevant to the role. Defined performance indicators, such as accuracy and timeliness of financial reporting. Departmental Net Promoter Scores (team satisfaction and stakeholder feedback).
Experience, Skills & Qualifications: Essential:
Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field. A professional qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA) is essential. At least 7-10 years of relevant experience in financial management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior financial role in a group or multi-entity environment. Strong knowledge of GAAP, tax regulations, and financial reporting standards. Proven experience in managing a team and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Demonstrated ability to prioritise and manage workloads to meet key deadlines. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Strong proficiency in financial software and systems, with advanced Excel skills. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to interact with senior executives and external stakeholders. High attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Desirable:
Experience in a private equity-backed environment or a similar fast-paced, high-growth business. Familiarity with systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Hyperion. Adaptability, resilience, and the ability to thrive in ambiguity.
Why join Outcomes First Group? About the Group Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations. There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world. We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running. Our Vision We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world. Our Mission Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning. Our Promise *We are kind to ourselves and each other…We work together… and we make things happen.*Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave. Benefits
Life Assurance Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks
And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:
A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad Cycle to Work Schemes Electric Car Purchase Scheme Critical illness cover Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
We are committed to the safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and young people. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer - View JD -
