Management Accountant - Schools Division in Grantham

About The Role

Are you a Life Changer? Do you want to lean in and transform the life of a child? Compass Community puts children first through our therapeutic, innovative approach. Integrity, Courage and Care shape how we work. We listen deeply, challenge each other and fix what needs fixing, together.

This is the work. And we'd like you to be part of it.

We're looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Management Accountant to join our Schools Division. Based in Syston, this is a hybrid role requiring 3-4 days per week in the office. This is a newly created role and an exciting opportunity to take ownership of the month-end process, management reporting and financial controls within one of Compass Community's key growth areas. Working closely with the Divisional Financial Controller, you'll play a central role in ensuring accurate financial reporting, supporting operational decision-making and driving continuous improvement across the finance function.

As the Schools Division continues to grow, you'll have the opportunity to influence how finance operates, contribute to transformation projects and develop your career within a business that is investing in the future. For the right person, there is a clear pathway towards a future Financial Controller role.

What you'll be doing

• Owning the full month-end close process for the Schools Division
• Preparing and posting accruals, prepayments and other month-end journals
• Producing and maintaining balance sheet reconciliations
• Preparing monthly management accounts, MI packs and variance analysis
• Supporting forecasting and budgeting processes
• Managing divisional reporting requirements, including pupil premium and other ring-fenced funding
• Leading quarterly VAT returns
• Supporting payroll, accounts payable and receivable activities where required
• Reviewing work completed by junior finance team members
• Supporting audits, statutory accounts preparation and finance projects
• Playing an active role in finance transformation initiatives, including optimisation of Sage Intacct
• Line managing and developing at least one junior member of the finance team
• Depising for the Financial Controller when required

About you

You'll be part-qualified or fully qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA (or qualified by experience with equivalent technical expertise), with experience in a Management Accountant or similar role.

You'll also bring:

• Experience owning or leading month-end processes
• Strong technical accounting knowledge, including accruals, prepayments, balance sheet reconciliations and variance analysis
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence using finance systems
• The ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a focus on continuous improvement

Desirable experience includes:

• Sage Intacct or a similar ERP system
• Multi-site organisations
• Education, social care or other regulated sectors
• Line management, mentoring or coaching experience

What we offer

• Salary of £41,000 - £45,000 DOE
• Study support for part-qualified candidates
• Hybrid working
• Career progression opportunities
• Ongoing professional development
• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• The opportunity to contribute to a growing, purpose-led organisation

Why Compass Community?

At Compass Community, every role contributes to better outcomes for children and young people. While this position sits within our finance team, the work you do will help ensure our schools have the resources, insight and support they need to deliver outstanding services.

If you're looking for a role where you can take ownership, develop your career and make a meaningful impact within a growing division, we'd love to hear from you.