The Organisation

The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) is a globally respected charity and the UK’s largest music education body, with a turnover of approximately £55 million, an increase of more than £10 million over the past decade. Around half of ABRSM’s exam income is generated internationally, underscoring the global scale of its operations and the need for strong financial governance across multiple jurisdictions. Supporting millions of learners and teachers in over 100 countries, ABRSM delivers world-renowned music exams, publications, and digital learning tools. As the organisation continues to grow internationally, it is strengthening its finance leadership team to ensure robust governance and enable its ambitious future plans.

The Job

ABRSM is seeking an experienced and proactive Head of Financial Accounting & Tax to join on a 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover). Reporting directly to the CFO, this pivotal role oversees one of three core finance functions, working alongside the Head of FP&A and the Head of Transactional Finance. You will manage a team of three directly and seven in total, providing strong leadership and oversight.

You will be responsible for the monthly close, preparation of statutory accounts, and management of external audit, while ensuring UK and international tax compliance in partnership with external advisors. The key projects you will focus on during this assignment are to:

• Work cross-functionally with internal departments and external tax advisors to set up new branches, subsidiaries and tax registrations internationally, transitioning these into business as usual tax compliance filings.
• Work alongside the Finance Systems Team and external tax advisers to configure our tax compliance software with our ERP system, to produce UK and international VAT/GST returns.
• Oversee and continuously improve the recently implemented international expense management system.
• Oversee the year-end accounts preparation and audit. Transitioning statutory accounts to the new Charity SORP.

As ABRSM expands internationally, this role is critical in safeguarding financial integrity and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will bring a detail-oriented approach and a commercial mindset, ensuring robust reporting while supporting effective decision making.

The Person

We’re looking for a qualified finance professional (ACA, ACCA or equivalent) with a strong background in financial accounting and tax. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Proven leadership in financial accounting, statutory reporting, and audit management
• Strong technical knowledge of UK GAAP/IFRS
• Experience working within an international organisation, with exposure to cross-border tax and reporting issues
• A high level of attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and strong financial control
• A commercial mindset, with the ability to provide insight to support decision making
• Strong track record of delivering continuous improvement and strengthening financial controls
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to advise senior leaders
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a high performing team

What’s in it for You?

• A high impact leadership role in a purpose driven organisation
• The opportunity to support financial leadership during a key period
• A chance to contribute to a global mission in music education
• A competitive salary and benefits package including matched pension contribution plus 2% (employer contribution capped at 10%)
• 25 days annual leave plus Christmas closure days, flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning
• A collaborative and supportive work environment

Timeline

• Closing date: 28th June
• First stage interviews: Wednesday 8th July
• Second stage interviews: Friday 17 July
• Ideal start date: approximately 3rd August

How to Apply

ABRSM is working in partnership with Hays Senior Finance to identify the right person for this position. For further information, please contact Peter O’Sullivan at Hays.

To be considered, please submit your CV in the first instance (cover letter not necessary at this stage). Suitable applicants will be contacted by Peter to discuss the next steps.