Management Accountant

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT - EDUCATION DIVISION

Location:

North Leicester (3-4 days office based)

Reports to:

Financial Controller / Business Partner Direct Reports:
Scope to develop (minimum 1 junior finance team member) Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

Travel Required:

Occasional travel to other operational sites Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 DPE plus study support ROLE PURPOSE The Management Accountant is the engine room of the Education Division finance function, owning the end-to-end month-end close process and the production of accurate, timely management accounts. Working closely with the Divisional Financial Controller & Business Partner, the role is responsible for the integrity of the divisional numbers, the quality of financial reporting, and the strength of controls - freeing the Financial Controller to focus on strategic business partnering and senior stakeholder engagement.

This is a newly defined role representing a genuine step up for the right candidate. The Education Division is a high-growth area and a key focus for future investment - this is not a steady-state position. The successful candidate will bring strong technical skills from a mature finance environment, the confidence to engage commercially, and the drive to improve the way finance works.

There is a clear pathway to Financial Controller level for the right person.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Month-End & Reporting Own the full month-end close process for the Education Division, ensuring the timetable is adhered to, and all deliverables are produced accurately and on time. Prepare and post all month-end journals including accruals, prepayments, and any required adjustments. Produce and maintain all balance sheet reconciliations to a high standard, ready for Financial Controller review. Draft the monthly management information (MI) pack including Profit & Loss (P&L) commentary, variance analysis, and supporting schedules for review by the Financial Controller.

Prepare variance analysis with factual explanations, developing over time towards providing fuller operational context and commentary. Manage division-specific reporting including government funding grants, pupil premium equivalents, and other ring-fenced finance processes. Supporting Business Partnering & Forecasting Provide accurate and well-presented financial information to the Financial Controller to support operational and strategic decision-making. Assist in gathering and compiling forecasting inputs, supporting the Financial Controller in producing the monthly divisional forecast.

Respond to data and reporting queries from operational colleagues clearly and promptly, with the Financial Controller leading on deeper analysis and challenge. Control & Compliance Maintain strong financial controls across all divisional processes, escalating issues promptly and appropriately. Review and approve transactional postings prepared by junior team members. Lead the preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns for the division.

Support payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and other divisional compliance requirements. Leadership & Development Line manage at least one junior finance team member, providing structured coaching, feedback, and development. Deputise for the Divisional Financial Controller in their absence. Act as a role model for professional excellence within a high-performing finance function. Finance Transformation & Other Play an active role in the ongoing finance transformation programme, including optimization of core accounting software (e.g., Sage Intacct) and wider process improvement.

Support statutory accounts preparation, extern