At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage property-related accounts, analyse expenditure, and produce insightful financial reports.
- Company: Cognita, a global leader in independent education with 90 schools worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, 25 days leave, and professional development support.
- Other info: Remote work with occasional travel to London; commitment to safeguarding children.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on financial processes in education.
- Qualifications: Qualified or part-qualified Accountant with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About Cognita
Cognita is a global leader in independent education. Founded in 2004, we are a growing community of 90 schools in 21 countries - in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East - serving more than 100,000 students. Each of our schools are proudly unique, however our collective purpose is to create an environment where everyone can, "Thrive in a rapidly evolving world".
About the Role
As a Property Management Accountant, you will play a key role in ensuring the accurate accounting, analysis, and reporting of property-related expenditure across the business. Working closely with stakeholders including School Finance Managers, Procurement, Property, Legal, and FP&A teams, you will prepare balance sheet reconciliations, manage lease accounting in line with IFRS 16, and produce insightful reporting on property costs and capital expenditure. You will identify trends, risks, and opportunities within property spend, support effective decision-making through meaningful analysis, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance financial processes and reporting. With a strong focus on controls, compliance, and customer service, you will help ensure standard operating procedures are embedded across the UK business while delivering timely and professional support to both internal and external stakeholders.
Who We Are Looking For
We are looking for a proactive and detail-oriented Accountant who is qualified, part-qualified, or qualified by experience (QBE). The successful candidate will be an excellent communicator with a proven ability to build strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. They will have experience working to strict deadlines, managing competing priorities, and delivering high-quality, accurate work in a fast-paced environment. With strong planning and organisational skills, they will demonstrate initiative, a continuous improvement mindset, and experience contributing to cross-functional projects and implementing change. An empathetic and collaborative approach is essential, enabling them to work effectively with colleagues across our diverse school communities while maintaining a keen eye for detail and numerical accuracy.
Benefits at Cognita
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Private Medical Insurance & Healthcare Cash Plan
- GPP Pension
- Life Assurance
- 25 days annual leave allowance (plus Bank Holidays)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee Discounts
- Site Professional Subscriptions reimbursement
This role is primarily remote, with occasional travel required to our London Office. Cognita Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check. Our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. Details on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders is included within the Application Guidance.
The Closing Date for Applications is: Sunday 6th September 2026. We are an equal opportunities employer committed to diversity and treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of background.
Management Accountant (Property) employer: Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd
Cognita is an exceptional employer, offering a nurturing and supportive work environment at King's School and Nursery in Plymouth. With a strong emphasis on professional development and a commitment to safeguarding, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive while making a meaningful impact on the lives of young children. The inclusive culture, competitive benefits, and community-focused ethos make it a rewarding place to work for passionate early years professionals.
Contact Details:
Cognita Asia Holdings Pte Ltd Recruitment Team
