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, external audit, and the integration of acquisitions or new ventures.

• Deliver ad hoc analysis and project support as required by divisional and group finance leadership.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Qualifications

• Essential: Part-qualified or fully qualified ACA, ACCA, or CIMA (study support available for part-qualified candidates).

• Desirable: Qualified by experience (QBE) with equivalent technical depth considered.

Experience

• Essential:

  • Minimum 2 years of experience in a management accounting or equivalent role, with clear evidence of month-end ownership.

  • Strong technical accounting knowledge: accruals, prepayments, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analysis.

  • Experience working within a mature, structured finance function — you know what good looks like and can bring that knowledge to the organization.

  • Confident communicator: able to present financial information clearly to non-finance audiences and provide credible challenge.

  • Advanced Excel skills; competent user of finance systems with a high attention to detail.

• Desirable:

  • Experience with Sage Intacct or a comparable ERP system.

  • Experience in a multi-site or regulated environment.

  • Some exposure to line management, mentoring, or involvement in a finance system implementation.

Attributes

• Commercially Curious: Looks beyond the numbers to understand what they mean for the business.

• Proactive & Hands-On: Solutions-oriented — takes ownership and follows through.

• Continuous Improvement: Committed to excellence, with a growth mindset and the ability to help others develop.

• Dynamic: Able to work at pace, manage competing priorities with confidence, and thrive in a fast-paced environment.