Location
City of London, Guildhall School of Music and Drama

Hours
Full Time - 35 hours per week

Salary
£50,860 - £68,990 per annum (including Inner London Weighting)

About the Role
Guildhall School of Music & Drama is a vibrant, international community and a world-leading conservatoire ranked number one in Arts, Drama & Music by the Complete University Guide 2025 and in the top four globally for Music and Performing Arts by the QS World University Rankings 2025. We deliver world-class professional training in partnership with distinguished artists, companies, and ensembles, promoting innovation, experimentation, and research. We are also a leading UK provider of lifelong learning in the performing arts, offering inspiring training for children, young people, adult learners, and creative and business professionals.

We are seeking an experienced and qualified Senior Accountant to join our Finance team on a fixed term basis of 24 months. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will lead a broad range of financial accounting duties and support the Financial Accounts team.

Your responsibilities will include delivering high-quality financial accounting, statutory reporting, compliance, and financial control across both the Guildhall School and the Guildhall School Trust (GST). You will oversee the preparation of statutory accounts (including GST), lead annual audits, ensure regulatory compliance including timely higher education statutory returns to the Office for Students, and provide expert financial advice to senior stakeholders.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement. The position is eligible for hybrid working, supporting both onsite and remote work arrangements.

Experience
- Proven experience in statutory accounts preparation and audit management
- Strong technical accounting and financial control knowledge
- Experience in higher education, charity, or public sector finance is highly desirable

About you
- Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Effective people manager with excellent communication skills
- Proactive and committed to continuous improvement
- Able to work collaboratively in a dynamic, creative environment

Qualifications
- Professional accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) is essential