Job Description

Interim controls & compliance officer

Established in 1973, AES Experiential Learning & Living boasts a wealth of experience in organising long- and short-term accommodation, internship placements and customised educational, professional, alumni and sports tours focusing on London, the UK and Europe. AES offers a variety of services; from academic and logistical support for semester and short term programmes as well as accommodation and study centre venues.

We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented

Interim controls & compliance officer

to join our finance team during a critical phase of operational growth and transformation. This hybrid role will focus on full balance sheet integrity, internal controls, and compliance, while also supporting operational finance, creditor and debtor reconciliations, and cash flow oversight in preparation for our upcoming Aparthotel business launch.

This role is central to strengthening the financial control environment, cleaning up historical accounting issues, and ensuring the finance team is well-positioned to support continued revenue growth and expanding business operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Control & Reconciliation

Lead the full reconciliation of the balance sheet including legacy adjustments and clean-up of historic entries. Oversee accurate posting and classification of journal entries. Ensure month-end and year-end financials reflect true and fair balances.

2. Internal Audit & Compliance

Establish and monitor internal financial controls in line with best practices. Perform internal audit-style reviews to identify compliance gaps and recommend improvements. Prepare the business for external audit requirements and statutory compliance.

3. Accounts Receivable & Payable Management

Clean and reconcile historical debtors and creditors balances. Review and improve processes around supplier and customer account allocations. Support credit control and payment approval processes.

4. Payroll & Operational Finance Oversight

Monitor in-house payroll processes (recently transitioned from Head Office). Review payroll reconciliations and ensure compliance with HMRC and internal standards. Collaborate with operational teams on revenue capture and billing accuracy.

5. Strategic Support

Support Head of Finance in preparing for the Aparthotel launch by setting up reporting structures and controls for the new operation. Assist in identifying and implementing financial process improvements across the business.

Key Skills & Experience:

Strong experience in balance sheet reconciliation and financial control. Understanding of payroll processes and compliance. Hands-on experience resolving legacy accounting issues is highly desirable. Strong Excel and accounting systems experience (e.g. 200 standard). Good understanding of cash flow management. Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Attributes:

Experience in hospitality, student accommodation, or serviced apartment sectors. Internal audit or compliance background. A proactive with the ability to work independently and suggest process improvements.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 6 months

Pay: 38,000.00-42,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Discounted or free food Employee discount Health & wellbeing programme Store discount Work from home
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

London WC1N 3LA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

London WC1N 3LA (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in London WC1N 3LA