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
Reporting to the Directors, the Financial Accountant will play a key role in managing the organisation's financial operations, ensuring compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements, and providing accurate financial information to support strategic decision-making.
The successful candidate will oversee day-to-day accounting functions, prepare management accounts, monitor budgets, manage cash flow, support audits, and ensure effective financial controls are maintained across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly management accounts and financial reports.
- Assist in the preparation of annual statutory accounts.
- Maintain accurate accounting records and financial systems.
- Manage the general ledger, journals, accruals and prepayments.
- Perform monthly bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
- Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor liquidity.
- Assist with the preparation and monitoring of annual budgets.
- Produce budget variance reports and financial analysis.
- Prepare VAT returns and ensure compliance with HMRC requirements.
- Oversee purchase ledger and sales ledger functions.
- Monitor income, expenditure and financial performance across departments.
- Support payroll reconciliation and financial reporting.
- Assist with grant funding and education-related funding reconciliations where applicable.
- Coordinate the annual external audit and respond to audit queries.
- Maintain strong internal financial controls and governance arrangements.
- Produce financial reports for Directors and senior leaders.
- Monitor financial risks and recommend improvements.
- Support procurement and contract administration from a financial perspective.
- Ensure compliance with accounting standards, financial regulations and organisational policies.
- Contribute to process improvements and continuous development within the Finance Department.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the responsibilities of the role.
Essential Requirements
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent), or be actively studying towards one.
- Significant experience working in a financial accounting role.
- Excellent knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Experience preparing management accounts.
- Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
- Experience preparing VAT returns.
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Experience using accounting software such as Sage, Xero, QuickBooks or similar financial systems.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgement.
Desirable
- Previous experience within an education, nursery, school or multi-site organisation.
- Knowledge of education funding arrangements.
- Experience supporting external audits.
- Understanding of payroll processes.
- Experience working with finance dashboards and management reporting.
- Knowledge of procurement and contract management.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- Support towards professional qualifications (where applicable).
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Employee wellbeing initiatives.
- Access to ongoing training and development.
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: £39,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
