Controlling & FP&A Manager

Join an International Educational Group - Overseeing Three Schools in Barcelona and Surroundings

International Educational Group is  seeking a  Controlling & FP&A Manager, overseeing financial planning and analysis across three schools in Barcelona and its surrounding areas. This role plays a critical part in ensuring financial stability, strategic decision-making, and sustainable growth.

Purpose:

The Business Controller ensures robust financial planning, analysis, and management to enable the organization to meet its strategic objectives. This role serves as a key partner in driving financial performance by overseeing budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management while providing accurate and timely insights for decision-making. By aligning with the 5-Year Plan, monitoring capital expenditure, and maintaining financial integrity, the Business Controller fosters sustainable growth. The role also involves collaboration with stakeholders, adapting to evolving priorities, and ensuring compliance with audit and financial standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Budgeting and Forecasting:

Lead the preparation of the annual budget, ensuring input from all relevant stakeholders for completeness and alignment, covering P&L, cash flow, and CAPEX.

Ensure adherence to the agreed 5-Year Plan and address any variances.

Analyze and forecast pupil numbers and associated fee income in collaboration with the Admissions Manager.

Financial Analysis and Monitoring:

Monitor capital expenditure (CAPEX) and report monthly to the Business Manager and SCP.

Oversee and report cash flow to ensure financial stability.

Conduct monthly payroll reviews and prepare all necessary documentation for payments.

Perform financial analyses on key areas such as fees, other income, staff costs, catering, cleaning, and maintenance.

Review and distribute monthly budget monitoring statements to budget holders, highlighting and addressing significant variances.

Financial Management and Auditing:

Oversee overall financial management, ensuring visibility on CAPEX, cash flow, and P&L.

Support auditors during the audit process with all relevant financial documentation.

Business Planning and Strategic Support:

Assist in the development of business cases for expansions or acquisitions, providing comprehensive financial evaluations.

Address ad hoc financial information requests from stakeholders.

Support and Collaboration:

Serve as a trusted advisor to the Business Manager, offering financial insights for strategic decision-making.

Collaborate closely with the Finance Manager to ensure continuity in financial operations, including accounting-related activities.

Person Specification

Essential Skills:

Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess risks and propose solutions.

Results-driven with a strategic mindset, capable of both high-level vision and hands-on execution.

Excellent interpersonal skills, able to work effectively with various teams, including teaching staff, vendors, and senior management.

Demonstrated leadership in a collaborative environment, with the ability to influence and guide teams without direct reporting lines.

Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic setting, managing evolving priorities and working under pressure.

High level of confidentiality in handling financial and operational information.

Strong learning agility and ability to quickly grasp new concepts.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field.

Commitment to safeguarding policies, procedures, and ethical financial practices.

Willingness to participate in safeguarding training when required.

Experience:

Proven experience in financial management, budgeting, forecasting, and P&L, cash flow, and CAPEX analysis in a complex business environment.

Experience in audit preparation and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Track record of providing financial insights to support strategic planning and business expansion.

Experience working with multidisciplinary teams and leading financial initiatives.

Key Stakeholders:

Internal: Senior Leadership Team, Administrative Leadership Team, Regional Office (SCP) Heads.
External: Contractors, Suppliers, Auditors.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic international education group, making a significant impact on the financial strategy of its schools in Barcelona.