Finance Controller

ROLE SUMMARY:

Inspired Education Group is seeking a highly skilled and commercially minded Finance Controller to support the portfolio of schools across Italy.

Based in the Milan office, this role will oversee financial operations, reporting and control across multiple schools within the region. The successful candidate will work closely with school leadership teams and central finance to ensure strong financial governance, accurate reporting and strategic financial support.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proactive finance professional looking to operate in a dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation.

The Finance Controller will be part of the team responsible for managing the financial reporting, budgeting and control processes for the Italian region. The role requires strong technical expertise, attention to detail and the ability to partner effectively with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.

You will play a key role in driving financial performance, ensuring compliance and supporting strategic decision-making across the region.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Oversee and control end-to-end revenue processes, ensuring revenue recognition is performed accurately and consistently in compliance with IFRS 15.
• Perform detailed analysis of revenue variances vs budget and forecast, providing clear explanations
• Oversee financial reporting across multiple schools in the Italian region
• Prepare and review monthly management accounts, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Own and perform monthly balance sheet reconciliations, ensuring accuracy and timely issue resolution
• Manage cash flow, working capital and financial controls
• Support budgeting and forecasting processes, with specific ownership on revenue lines
• Monitor financial performance, identifying risks and improvement opportunities 
• Drive continuous improvements and efficiencies across finance processes
• Ensure robust financial governance and internal controls are maintained

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

Essential

• Significant experience in a Finance Controller or similar role
• Strong technical accounting and financial reporting expertise
• Experience managing multi-entity or regional finance operations
• Good understanding of balance sheet mechanics and monthly reconciliations
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• High attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines
• Fluent English; Italian strongly preferred
• Legal right to live and work in Italy

Desirable

• Experience in an international or multi-site organisation
• Previous experience in education or a service-based industry
• Familiarity with ERP systems and financial reporting tools, background with JD Edwards is a plus
• Experience working in a fast-growing or private equity-backed environment

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.