Finance Controller - Maternity Cover

About the role

Inspired Education Group is seeking a highly skilled, commercially minded Finance Controller for a maternity cover to support its portfolio of schools across Italy. Based in the Milan office, the role oversees financial operations, reporting and control across several schools in the region, working closely with school leadership teams and central finance. It suits a proactive finance professional who wants to join a dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Support the monthly close and ensure accurate, timely financial reporting
• Manage operating expenses accounting, including accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations
• Monitor actual costs against budget and forecast, with variance analysis and insights
• Oversee Procurement-to-Pay (P2P) processes and compliance with internal controls and purchase order procedures
• Ensure lease contracts are accounted for and reported correctly under IFRS 16
• Support cash flow forecasting and working capital management
• Partner with school and business stakeholders on cost control, financial discipline and process improvements
• Support budgeting, forecasting, audits and ad hoc finance projects
• Identify risks and improvement opportunities, and maintain robust financial governance and internal controls

Required profile

• Degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related discipline
• Significant experience as a Finance Controller, Cost Controller or similar
• Experience managing multi-entity or regional finance operations
• Fluent English; Italian strongly preferred
• Legal right to live and work in Italy
• Desirable: experience in an international or multi-site organisation, education or service-based industry, and a fast-growing or private equity-backed environment

Required skills

• Balance sheet mechanics, monthly reconciliations and P2P processes
• IFRS accounting principles, including IFRS 16
• Analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail and deadline awareness
• Desirable: ERP systems and financial reporting tools, JD Edwards background; lease portfolio and facility cost management experience

Applicants must complete the Inspired application form and submit it with their CV. Background checks are carried out before any appointment is confirmed.