Contract: Full-Time, Permanent
Hours: 40 hours per week
About Us
We are a growing education-based organisation committed to delivering high-quality education, early years provision and specialist support services. Our organisation operates a range of educational settings and associated services, and we are seeking an experienced, proactive and commercially minded Financial Accountant to join our Finance Team.
This is an exciting opportunity for a finance professional who is passionate about financial excellence, strong governance and supporting educational outcomes through effective financial management.
About the Role
The successful candidate will support the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation, including bookkeeping, management accounts, budgeting, reconciliations, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and financial reporting.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reports.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and process journals, accruals and prepayments.
- Complete bank, balance sheet and control account reconciliations.
- Manage and process supplier invoices, payments and customer invoices.
- Monitor outstanding debts and support credit-control activities.
- Assist with annual budgeting, forecasting and budget monitoring.
- Support payroll processing, PAYE, pension and related reconciliations.
- Assist with VAT returns and other HMRC compliance requirements.
- Monitor income and expenditure and investigate financial discrepancies.
- Support the financial administration and reconciliation of education, nursery and Local Authority funding where applicable.
- Assist with cash flow monitoring and forecasting.
- Support month-end, year-end and external audit processes.
- Maintain effective financial controls and accurate supporting documentation.
- Prepare financial information and analysis for management.
- Liaise professionally with suppliers, Local Authorities, auditors and other stakeholders.
- Undertake other finance-related duties appropriate to the role.
Essential Requirements
- Relevant qualification in Accounting, Finance or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- AAT qualified or studying towards AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA or an equivalent professional qualification.
- Previous accounting or finance experience.
- Experience with bookkeeping, reconciliations and accounts payable/receivable.
- Good knowledge of accounting principles and financial controls.
- Experience using QuickBooks, Sage, Xero or similar accounting software.
- Good Microsoft Excel skills.
- Strong numerical and analytical ability.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and meet deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience within a school, nursery, early years or other education setting.
- Experience assisting with management accounts, budgeting and forecasting.
- Knowledge of payroll and VAT administration.
- Experience supporting external audits.
- Knowledge of education or Local Authority funding arrangements.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Workplace pension.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Support towards relevant professional qualifications.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Safeguarding
Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be required to undergo appropriate pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, identity verification and Right to Work checks in accordance with current legislation.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Financial Accountant looking to make a meaningful contribution within an education-focused organisation, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Please submit your CV together with a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £29,000.00-£33,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
