An established multi-site education organisation is seeking a Management Accountant to lead high-quality management accounting and consolidated reporting across a group of schools, working closely with the Chief Finance Officer (CFO). The post will strengthen financial insight, improve budget monitoring and variance analysis, and support effective treasury and compliance activity.

• Lead the monthly production of consolidated management accounts and reporting packs for senior leadership and governance.
• Deliver clear commentary on Income & Expenditure performance, including investigation and explanation of key variances.
• Partner with school/business teams to resolve queries and ensure local ownership of budget performance.
• Produce and maintain regular cashflow forecasts to support liquidity planning and financial decision-making.

• Oversee day-to-day treasury activity, including monitoring bank balances across multiple accounts.
• Identify surplus cash and support the placement of funds into approved short-term investments to maximise interest while protecting liquidity.
• Maintain appropriate controls and visibility over cash movements and balances.

• Take ownership of month-end and year-end processes, including preparation and posting of prepayments and accruals.
• Post payroll journals and reconcile key funding and staffing cost journals to ensure accurate reporting.
• Proactively identify, investigate and correct posting issues to maintain an accurate trial balance and strong data integrity.

• Coordinate schedules and information requests for external audit and statutory reporting.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns (where applicable), ensuring compliance with relevant guidance.
• Ensure finance activity aligns with internal financial regulations, delegated authorities, and sector financial compliance requirements.

• Maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection requirements.
• Contribute positively to organisational culture and work collaboratively with colleagues across multiple sites.
• Attend relevant meetings, engage in training, and support continuous improvement.
• Promote safeguarding and wellbeing standards in line with organisational policy.

• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, and the wellbeing of children and young people.
• Professional, proactive, solutions-focused approach; comfortable working in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong value-for-money mindset and curiosity to investigate discrepancies.

• GCSE (or equivalent) in Maths and English (Grade C/4 or above).
• Part-qualified or qualified accountant (e.g., CIMA/ACCA/ACA or equivalent) or AAT Level 4.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD.

Essential

• Production of management accounts and consolidated reporting.
• Budget monitoring and variance investigation.
• Journal preparation/posting (payroll, accruals, prepayments and relevant funding journals).
• Experience working in a complex, multi-site environment.
• Coordinating information for external auditors.

Desirable

• Treasury management / short-term cash investment exposure.
• Procurement / contract monitoring support.
• VAT return preparation.
• Knowledge of education-sector financial compliance frameworks.
• Experience within an education group / public sector environment.

• Ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders in schools / operational teams.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong planning and prioritisation skills with proven month-end delivery. xbpsjku
• Able to work independently, build credibility quickly, and maintain professional standards.