Group Financial Controller

City Education Group

About Us

City Education Group (CEG) is a leader in delivering high-quality, innovative educational experiences, empowering students to achieve their academic and career aspirations. Spanning four distinct colleges, CEG provides a diverse range of programs, including second-level, third-level, professional qualifications, CPD, and English language training. With over a decade of excellence, we continue to expand and innovate, ensuring our programs meet the evolving needs of learners in an ever-changing global landscape. In 2024, CEG announced the addition of PEN (Planet Education Networks) as a new shareholder, marking an important milestone in our continued growth & success.

We are now seeking an accomplished and strategic Group Financial Controller to join our leadership team. This pivotal role will oversee the financial operations of our multi-entity organisation, driving financial sustainability, compliance, and strategic growth.

Role Overview

The Group Financial Controller will be responsible for managing day-to-day financial operations, ensuring robust compliance with regulations, and providing strategic financial insights to support CEG’s continued growth. The role demands a proactive, commercially minded leader with a strong ability to analyse financial data, develop forward-looking financial strategies, and enhance operational efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities

1. Financial Reporting & Compliance:

• Oversee the preparation of accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, ensuring full compliance with accounting standards and regulatory requirements.

• Manage year-end financial reporting, liaising with auditors to ensure a smooth and timely audit process.

• Ensure adherence to revenue recognition policies and tax regulations.

2. Budgeting & Financial Planning:

• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process for 1, 3, and 5-year financial plans.

• Partner with department heads to develop accurate revenue and expenditure forecasts.

• Provide variance analysis, identifying financial trends and recommending corrective actions.

• Monitor cash flow on a regular basis and implement strategies to optimise financial stability.

3. Internal Controls & Risk Management:

• Review, maintain and strengthen (where necessary) strong internal controls to safeguard financial integrity and mitigate risk.

• Coordinate and support external audits, ensuring comprehensive and timely responses to audit queries.

• Continuously assess financial risks and implement strategies to minimise exposure to the same.

4. Strategic Financial Leadership & Decision Support:

• Provide financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership on business expansion, capital investments, and cost optimisation.

• Contribute to strategic initiatives, including pricing structures, funding applications, and financial sustainability models.

• Develop financial models and reports to facilitate data-driven decision-making.

5. Team Leadership & Cross-Departmental Collaboration:

• Lead and develop the finance team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and continuous learning.

• Collaborate with academic, administrative, and operational teams to align financial strategies with institutional goals.

• Engage with external stakeholders, including auditors, regulators, banks, and government agencies, to maintain strong financial governance.

6. Financial Systems & Process Optimisation:

• Enhance financial systems and reporting tools to improve efficiency and accuracy.

• Implement automation initiatives to streamline financial processes and reduce manual errors.

• Oversee financial system upgrades and ensure seamless integration with IT infrastructure.

Candidate Profile

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field. A relevant professional qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, CPA) is required. [Must be a qualified Accountant]

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in financial management or accounting, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.

• Proven experience in financial strategy, budgeting, and compliance within a multi-entity organisation (experience in the education sector is an advantage).

• Strong commercial acumen and a track record of successfully working with diverse and demanding stakeholders.

• Proficiency in financial reporting systems (experience with Sage 50 or similar accounting software is advantageous).

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop the financial team at CEG.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex financial information clearly and succinctly.

• Ability to manage competing priorities, work under pressure, and adapt to changing regulations.

• Good team player

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience).

• Comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.

• A dynamic and supportive work environment in a growing education group.

• Career advancement pathways within the expanding education sector.

• A collaborative and forward-thinking leadership team dedicated to excellence and innovation.

Line Management

• The successful candidate will report on a day -to-day basis to the CEO and ultimately to the Chair and Board of Directors

Job Details:

• Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

• Location: Dublin, Ireland

• Salary Range: Competitive – DOE

Join City Education Group and play a key role in shaping the financial future of a leading education institution. If you are a results-driven financial leader with a passion for strategic impact, we invite you to apply today!