Management Accountant

Inspiration Trust

Salary: Support Staff Pay Scale J - K: £39,862 to £47,181 per annum

Working Weeks: 52 weeks

Start Date: March 2026

This management accountant vacancy is a rare and exciting opportunity for an ambitious management accountant to gain valuable experience in the public education sector. We are seeking a highly organised and motivated management accountant to welcome into our dynamic, high achieving finance team.

You will deliver accurate monthly management accounts for our schools, preparing and monitoring budgets, ensuring that we meet all regulatory and statutory requirements and best practice.

You’ll work mainly from our central offices in Norwich (currently NR1 2PW
), which will be relocating to new, modern facilities in Cringleford (NR4 7FU
) on the outskirts of the city in approximately April 2026.

• Timely production and accuracy of management accounts for an allocated number of academies to include accruals, prepayments, monthly forecasting, variance analysis and commentaries
• Production of salary variance reports to enable strategic decision making around staffing levels, with reference to the Department for Education’s Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning guidance
• Supporting school Principals and Finance Director with ongoing review and maintenance of our Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning
• Preparation and monitoring of annual and 3‑year budgets and support of Trust wide budgeting process, including meetings with key stakeholders

You’ll have excellent presentation and organisation skills and the ability to build strong collaborative relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring that we are offering the highest standard of education to our pupils at all times. You will also be analytical, detail‑oriented strategic thinker with strong communication skills, bridging the gap between finance and operational management. You will ideally need to be fully AAT qualified, with experience of working in a finance environment.

Experience of working within the education finance sector would be a significant advantage but demonstration of the ability to transfer skills from other sectors would be equally advantageous. Full training around finances in the education sector will be provided.

• Experience of producing management accounts
• Experience of budget preparation
• Experience of balance sheet and year‑end reconciliations
• AAT status or working towards AAT status.
• Excellent IT and Excel skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, whether written or oral.
• Motivational and striving attitude.
• Accurate and diligent work.
• Works well in a fast‑paced and high‑volume role.
• Passion for learning and development.
• A passion for Finance and supporting the provision of excellent education

• Fully or part ACA/ACCA qualified
• Degree or equivalent level of education
• Experience of working within the education sector

At Inspiration Trust, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. You’ll be joining a supportive, forward‑thinking organisation that values professional development, collaboration, and innovation. We provide opportunities for growth and empower you to make a real impact in schools across Norfolk and north Suffolk. As part of our thriving network of talented teachers, leaders, and support staff, you’ll receive a varied professional development programme designed to help you be the best you can be.

• Generous annual leave, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with excellent employer contributions
• Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 virtual GP access, mental health support and claim‑back options for healthcare costs *
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, retail and theatre discounts (including discounted shopping vouchers, dentist and gym memberships), and salary sacrifice options (including home technology). *
• Free parking at most sites
• Personalised CPD and development programmes
• A structured and specific induction programme.
• Terms and conditions apply. Some benefits are only available following successfully passing probation.

Inspiration Trust is a thriving family of…