About the Organisation

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a charity dedicated to inspiring musical achievement through world-class music exams, publications, and education programs. With a turnover of approximately £45 million, ABRSM operates in the UK and over 90 countries worldwide.

About the Job

As the Senior Financial Accountant, you will support the Head of Financial Accounting and Tax to manage and coordinate ABRSM’s international financial and taxation activities across key global regions: the Middle East & North Africa, South Asia, and Global North (UK, Europe, and USA). You will be responsible for consolidating financial operations from these regions into ABRSM’s central accounts, prepare tax returns, and managing risks. Additionally, you will manage aspects of ABRSM’s group balance sheet, focusing on longer-term assets and liabilities, and oversee specific year-end activities.

The role will involve:

• Treasury Management: Leading cash flow forecasting, managing deposits, currency conversions, and oversight of ABRSM’s investment portfolio with BlackRock, Santander, and Lloyds.
• Restricted Funding: Managing restricted reserves and ensuring proper allocation, tracking, and reporting.
• Fixed Assets and Liabilities: Managing fixed assets, long-term liabilities, and supporting pension fund governance.
• Supervision: Supervising and mentoring financial accountants.

This position is being offered as a one-year fixed-term contract initially, with the possibility of becoming permanent.

Person Required

We are looking for a professional with:

• An accounting qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent)
• Open to candidates coming straight from practice or experienced financial accountants
• Experience in financial reporting, tax advisory, and consolidation in an international and charity context.
• Hands-on experience in statutory accounts preparation, with knowledge of Charity SORP (FRS 102).
• Good working knowledge of UK and ideally international taxation requirements (direct and indirect).
• Experience working with subsidiary companies, including financial consolidation and intercompany transactions.
• Experience in managing year-end processes and liaising with external auditors.

What You Get in Return

• A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%), 25 days annual leave plus Xmas closure days, Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• The chance to make a significant impact on the financial operations of a leading music education charity.

If you are passionate about financial accounting and want to contribute to a world-class organisation, we would love to hear from you! This is an urgent requirement and applications will be considered as they come through.

Please contact Peter O'Sullivan from Hays Senior Finance for more information.