At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare management accounts and provide financial insights for strategic decisions.
- Company: Join MLA College, a leader in innovative distance learning for marine disciplines.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential for permanent role, and a chance to impact sustainability education.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a purpose-driven team making a difference in education and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with strong management accounting experience and ERP knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Company
MLA College Limited is part of the Global Education Group (GEDU) and is a leading provider of innovative, technology-enhanced distance learning programmes in marine and maritime disciplines. We offer degree-level programmes with a strong focus on Global Sustainability, proudly endorsed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), and delivered in partnership with the University of Plymouth. Our mission is to deliver a world‑class, student‑centred education while building strong national and international partnerships across education and industry.
About the Role
This role is offered as a 12-month fixed‑term contract to cover maternity leave, with the possibility of becoming permanent depending on business needs and organisational growth.
Overview
We are looking for an onsite Management Accountant to play a key role in delivering accurate, timely, and insightful financial information to support strategic and operational decision‑making. You will be responsible for producing management accounts, analysing performance, supporting budgeting and forecasting, and maintaining strong financial controls across the business. This role is based in London (Poplar), onsite.
Responsibilities
- Prepare monthly management accounts, including P&L, balance sheet, and variance analysis.
- Provide clear financial commentary that highlights risks, opportunities, and key performance drivers.
- Maintain accurate accounting records in line with group policies and FRS 102.
- Prepare month‑end journals (accruals, prepayments, provisions, intercompany charges) accurately and on time.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and ad‑hoc financial analysis for senior stakeholders.
- Assist with statutory audits and liaise with external auditors as required.
- Ensure compliance with internal controls, policies, and procedures.
- Apply revenue recognition principles and set up revenue models to ensure accurate accounting.
Qualifications
- Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent).
Required Skills
- Strong management accounting experience with solid knowledge of UK GAAP.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience working with ERP systems (Unit4/Agresso desirable; broader ERP experience essential).
Preferred Skills
- Exposure to finance transformation, process improvement, or automation projects.
- Experience bringing finance processes in‑house.
Equal Opportunity Statement
MLA College is committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
Why Join Us
You’ll be joining a purpose‑driven organisation operating at the intersection of education, sustainability, and innovation — with the opportunity to make a real impact as the business continues to grow and evolve.
Management Accountant – 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover, onsite, Poplar) in London employer: MLA College
MLA College Limited is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of innovation and sustainability, providing employees with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful educational initiatives in marine and maritime disciplines. Located in Poplar, London, we offer a collaborative work environment that fosters professional growth through diverse projects and strong support for career development, all while being part of a globally recognised organisation committed to making a positive impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant – 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover, onsite, Poplar) in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
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We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant – 12-Month FTC (Maternity Cover, onsite, Poplar) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at MLA College will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at MLA College. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give MLA College confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at MLA College
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with MLA College.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure MLA College that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
