Financial Controller
Cheltenham
Salary: c£75,000 pa
Join a Prestigious Institution and Make an Impact
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is one of the UK’s leading independent schools, employing over 600 staff across multiple buildings in the heart of Cheltenham. Our Finance team plays a vital role in supporting the College’s mission, managing over £40.0m of income and providing financial stewardship across all departments and our trading subsidiary, CLC Services Limited (income - £2.6m).
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced finance professional to lead financial operations in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment and be part of an organisation about to celebrate its 175th anniversary. You will play a pivotal role, combining strategic vision and influence with hands-on delivery, ensuring robust financial governance and enabling key investment decisions that shape the future of the College.
If you’re ready to influence, innovate, and make a tangible impact, this role offers the platform to do so.
Why Join Us?
- Impact with Purpose: Your work will directly support world-class education and facilities for future generations. We are very proud of our Beale awards which grant £2.5m of support to over 70 pupils though means-tested bursaries – your work in this area will make a real difference.
- Leadership and Growth: Lead a talented team of five and contribute to strategic projects, income diversification, and long-term planning.
- Complex and Rewarding Work: Gain exposure to charity accounting, VAT compliance under PESM, and financial modelling for major initiatives.
- Collaborative Culture: Join a supportive, professional charity that values people at its heart and a team that embraces innovation and continuous improvement.
- Excellent Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, healthcare, discounted health and fitness centre membership, and professional development opportunities. College offers a distinctive setting for a finance professional, working to a termly rhythm with a variety in role that is unmatched in any other sector.
Role Overview
As Financial Controller, you will:
- Drive and lead the College’s financial operations, ensuring full compliance with charity law, VAT legislation, and robust internal governance.
- Prepare accurate management and statutory accounts, delivering clear and accurate reports to the Trustees in line with FRS102 and SORP.
- Manage VAT compliance under PESM and Capital Goods Scheme, liaising with HMRC, and confidently representing College during inspections.
- Oversee treasury management and cultivate robust banking relationships.
- Drive and manage the annual audit process, maintaining strong internal controls.
- Lead, develop and mentor the finance team, fostering a high performing culture of collaboration and excellence.
- Deliver financial insights and modelling to support strategic projects and income diversification, working collaboratively with the FP&A Accountant and senior leadership.
- Act as a trusted partner to the Finance Director, collaborating on strategic planning and operational delivery.
What We’re Looking For
- ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified (or equivalent).
- Strong technical knowledge of charity accounting and VAT legislation.
- Advanced Excel skills and experience with finance systems.
- Proven leadership experience with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- Commercial awareness, strategic thinking, and a proactive approach.
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing multiple priorities.
Experience in charity accounting and VAT compliance within a complex organisation is advantageous.
Ready to make a difference?
Click on Apply Now and help shape the financial future of one of the UK’s most respected educational institutions.
For more information on the role and benefits of working at College please review the Vacancy Information Pack on our website.
If you have any questions, please contact the HR Department on 01242 707308 or by email on HR@cheltladiescollege.org. The HR Department is open from 8.30am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
Closing date of applications is 8pm, Sunday 25 January 2026.
The anticipated first stage interview date is Friday 30 January 2026.
Please note that applications will be considered as they are received and College reserves the right to appoint at any time in the process.
Cheltenham Ladies’ College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
