At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and ensure compliance while making a difference in children's lives.
- Company: Join Magic Breakfast, a charity dedicated to ending child hunger in the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fully remote work, and the chance to impact children's futures.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Use your accounting skills for a meaningful cause that helps over 300,000 children daily.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with experience in statutory accounts and financial controls.
The predicted salary is between 43500 - 50500 £ per year.
Magic Breakfast is on a mission to ensure that no child is too hungry to learn. Every school day, we provide nutritious breakfasts to over 300,000 children and young people across England and Scotland, working with schools in areas of greatest disadvantage. The latest research shows that 2.7 million children are at risk of hunger, meaning one in five arrive at school without enough to eat. Hunger affects concentration, behaviour and attainment and that’s why our work matters.
We are now entering an exciting next phase as we launch Nourishing Futures, our long-term strategy to scale our impact, strengthen partnerships and redefine breakfast spaces as places where children can thrive, not just eat. To support this growth, we are looking for an experienced and technically strong Financial Accountant to safeguard the integrity of our financial reporting and provide assurance across our finance function.
Reporting to the Head of Finance, the Financial Accountant is the technical cornerstone of Magic Breakfast’s finance function. You will lead on statutory accounting, financial controls and compliance, acting as the guardian of the general ledger, balance sheet integrity and finance systems. This role provides trusted technical expertise to senior leadership, ensuring that our financial reporting, governance and regulatory obligations are met to the highest standard.
This is an excellent opportunity for a qualified accountant with a strong technical background whether from audit, charity or complex organisations who wants to apply their expertise in a purpose-led organisation making a real difference to children’s lives. The role is fully remote, with occasional travel within the UK as required (for example, key meetings or audits).
Key Responsibilities
- Statutory Accounts & External Reporting
- Lead the preparation of statutory annual accounts in line with Charities SORP, Companies Act and relevant accounting standards
- Exercise professional judgement on complex accounting matters, estimates and disclosures
- Support and coordinate the annual audit, acting as the main liaison with external auditors
- Ensure clear reconciliation between statutory accounts, management accounts and ledger data
- Present and explain statutory results and accounting judgements to senior leaders and governance committees
- Financial Controls, Ledger & Balance Sheet Integrity
- Own the general ledger, approving journals and maintaining high standards of accuracy
- Lead month-end and year-end close processes
- Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are robust, timely and resolved
- Strengthen and maintain effective financial controls across finance processes
- Technical Accounting Leadership
- Act as the technical accounting lead across the organisation
- Provide guidance on restricted funds, income recognition, reserves, capitalisation and consolidation
- Review funding and partnership agreements to ensure correct accounting treatment and compliance
- Maintain and implement financial policies, staying ahead of regulatory and accounting changes
- Tax, Payroll & Regulatory Compliance
- Prepare VAT returns and optimise Magic Breakfast’s VAT position where possible
- Oversee payroll data accuracy in partnership with People & Culture and external payroll providers
- Ensure full compliance with VAT, PAYE, pensions and other statutory requirements
About You
We’re looking for someone who brings strong technical expertise, sound judgement and a collaborative mindset. You will ideally have:
- A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) (Part-qualified or qualified by experience will also be considered)
- Strong experience preparing statutory accounts and working with external auditors
- Excellent knowledge of accounting standards, Charities SORP and regulatory requirements
- Experience overseeing VAT, payroll and statutory compliance
- A strong understanding of financial controls and governance
- Experience using ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central desirable) and Excel
- The confidence to explain complex financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues
How to Apply
Magic Breakfast are partnering exclusively with Allen Lane on this appointment. To find out more about the role or to discuss your suitability, please contact Iain Slinn at Allen Lane to arrange an informal conversation.
Financial Accountant in Glasgow employer: Magic Breakfast UK
Magic Breakfast is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact on children's lives by ensuring they have access to nutritious breakfasts. With a fully remote work environment, employees enjoy flexibility while contributing to a vital mission, alongside opportunities for professional growth and collaboration within a passionate team. Joining Magic Breakfast means being part of a purpose-driven organisation that values integrity, innovation, and the well-being of both its staff and the communities it serves.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Glasgow
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
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We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Magic Breakfast UK.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Magic Breakfast UK's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Magic Breakfast UK
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Magic Breakfast UK.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Magic Breakfast UK will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Magic Breakfast UK employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
