Accounting Manager

Here at BPP (part of Lyceum Education Group) an opportunity has arisen for an experienced professional to join the team as an Accounting Manager
. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the finance function for BPP Actuarial Education, ensuring accurate financial reporting, effective financial controls, regulatory compliance and high-quality support to internal and external stakeholders.

It is a great time to join BPP as we have enjoyed a sustained period of growth, offering a wealth of opportunities to our staff, students and clients. There are many more great reasons to join BPP such as:

• Brilliantly, you can study any of our courses for free – be it a professional qualification or full degree.
• With hybrid working available, you’ll be able to split your time between one of our centres and wherever you choose to call home.
• We also provide a generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days, and there’s a rewards package that includes retail discounts and much more.

Other key benefits include our Group Personal Pension Plan, dedicated private healthcare and dental plans that offer additional assurance to look after you and your family.

In this role you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the finance function for BPP Actuarial Education, leading and developing the accounts team while ensuring accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance and effective financial controls.

As such, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing monthly management accounts and financial reports
• Supporting budgeting, forecasting and financial planning activities
• Overseeing month-end and year-end close processes
• Ensuring balance sheet reconciliations and key financial controls are completed accurately and on time
• Monitoring financial performance and investigating significant variances
• Overseeing sales ledger, purchase ledger, credit control and banking activities
• Managing customer and supplier finance queries, including credit arrangements and invoicing matters
• Overseeing apprenticeship and other specialist invoicing processes
• Coordinating the preparation of statutory accounts and supporting external audits
• Ensuring compliance with VAT and other relevant tax reporting requirements
• Managing, coaching and developing members of the accounts team
• Building effective relationships with colleagues across BPP Actuarial Education and the wider BPP Group
• Liaising with external stakeholders including auditors, suppliers and customers
• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, controls and reporting
• Supporting finance-related projects and business change initiatives

To be successful in this role you will need to have a proven track record in the following areas:

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or qualified by significant relevant experience
• Previous experience managing accounting or finance operations
• Experience preparing management accounts and supporting budgeting and forecasting processes
• Strong understanding of financial controls, accounting principles and compliance requirements
• Experience leading, developing and supporting team members
• Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure
• Good organisational and prioritisation skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Proficiency in accounting systems (ideally Sage) and Microsoft Excel
• Ability to build effective relationships with a range of stakeholders

The interview process for this position will consist of the following stages:

1 hour MS Teams competency style interview

Please note that the successful candidate…