Management Accountant (Qualified) in Stoke-on-Trent

Aspire People are working closely with a Trust who are seeking to appoint an experienced and motivated Management Accountant to support the Finance Director in delivering high-quality financial management, reporting, budgeting, forecasting and financial control across the Trust. The role is based at one site, with travel across the Trust needed as and when required. This is an exciting opportunity to join the Central Team and play a key role in supporting the financial sustainability and strategic development of the academies. Working closely with the Finance Director, Principals, budget holders and senior leaders, you will provide accurate financial information, analysis and advice to support effective decision-making.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a CCAB/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA Qualified Accountant
• Has strong management accounting, budgeting and forecasting experience
• Can analyse and present financial information clearly
• Has excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills
• Can build effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
• Ideally has experience within an Academy Trust, education, charity or public sector environment

The Trust has an amazing family of academies, and each has its own ethos and values that contribute to the wider Trust purpose. Our client are committed to delivering a first-class education to overcome inequality and as a member of the Trust Central Team, you will play a key part in helping to achieve that.

The Benefits of Working for our client include:

• A local government pension scheme
• Staffordshire Pension Fund
• A discounted gym membership for on-site gyms
• A 25% discount at Nuffield Health Stoke Fitness & Wellbeing Gym
• Free on-site parking
• Subsidised meals
• Cycle Scheme
• Annual leave entitlement starts from 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 5 years' service
• Employee Assistance Programme through Life and Progress including counselling services to ensure that their staff are looked after and supported

Our client are committed to staff development and all staff are encouraged to be members of the Chartered College of Teaching. This is financed by the Trust and colleagues are encouraged to access their resources and embark upon their qualifications.

The ability to converse at ease with members of the public, including staff and students in accurate spoken English is essential for the post, therefore postholders must be able to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English.

Skills Essential:

• Fully qualified CCAB/CIMA/ACCA/CIPFA accountant
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Minimum five years' experience working within a finance environment
• Preparation of budgeting, forecasting and financial reporting
• Experience of accounting systems and financial controls
• Preparation of management accounts and financial reports
• Budget preparation and monitoring
• Month end & Year-end accounts preparation
• VAT returns and taxation requirements
• Financial reconciliations and balance sheet management
• Internal and external audit processes
• Financial systems administration
• Developing and maintaining robust financial controls
• Producing financial information for senior leaders and stakeholders
• Experience of capital accounting and the management of fixed assets
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret and present complex financial information clearly
• Ability to challenge and influence constructively
• Strong organisational and project-management skills
• Ability to build effective working relationships with budget holders and senior leaders
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Commitment to continuous improvement
• Ability to present often complex information in a logical and systemic manner and to interpret figures with skill and understanding
• Ability to work successfully as part of a team and to prioritise own workload with minimum supervision
• Good networking skills and the ability to communicate and forge links with stakeholders
• Ability to train and motivate team members
• Capacity to work under pressure to tight deadlines on several different projects
• Willing to participate in development and training opportunities
• High level of personal integrity and confidentiality
• Strong attention to detail, with the ability to delegate without losing control of the detail
• Ability to initiate and manage change effectively
• Resourcefulness ability to manage a multitude of tasks and projects
• Ability to travel between Trust sites as required
• An ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence through the medium of English
• Ability to carry out the duties of the post with reasonable adjustments where necessary

Desired:

• Experience within an academy trust, education, public sector or charitable organisation
• Experience using PS Financials
• DfE funding arrangements
• Charity accounting and reporting requirements
• Grant funding management and reporting
• Procurement and contract management
• Understanding of the Academies financial reporting requirements
• An understanding of the Education environment
• Willingness to undertake any relevant training and development

The post holder is expected to work out of hours to attend relevant meetings. Holidays are expected to be taken during Academy holidays and not during term time or during the closure of accounts. The post holder is required to complete an enhanced DBS clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

If you are interested in the position, please apply above and I will be in touch.

Aspire People Limited provides services as an Education Agency and an Education Employment Business. Aspire People is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of pupils and expects every candidate to share this commitment. Placements are subject to appropriate Child Protection screening, including checks with former employers and the Disclosure and Barring Checks.