Group Financial Accountant in Manchester

We are really proud to say that in 2025, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a 'Great Place to Work' for the sixth year running. We're reimagining work/life balance - and you could be part of it. At OFG, we're proud to be part of the 4-Day Working Week trial - a bold step toward giving our teams more time to recharge, refresh, and enjoy life outside of work. That means you could be working 80% of your usual hours, while still earning 100% of your pay.

Location: Manchester - Hybrid working (2 days in the office)

Contract: Permanent

About Us

At Outcomes First Group, we believe every child can thrive when given the right environment for success. As one of the world's leading providers in our sector, we deliver exceptional, research‑led education tailored to each individual, with smaller class sizes and personalised learning plans. Our vision is to empower every child with a world‑class education that nurtures potential and inspires lifelong learning. Our mission is to unlock that potential through personalised learning and opportunity. And our promise is simple: we listen, we work together, and we are accountable to one another to make the remarkable happen.

The Role

We are seeking a skilled and detail‑oriented Group Financial Accountant to join our dynamic Finance team during an exciting period of international growth. You will play a key role in developing strong accounting practices across the Group. You will be responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, leading complex group consolidations, and providing high‑quality financial insight to support informed business decision‑making. This role is ideal for someone with a background in practice or group finance who is looking to move into, or further develop within, an industry role in a fast‑paced, private equity‑backed environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the consolidation of financial statements for a multi‑GAAP, multi‑currency group.
• Advise regional finance teams on the application and interpretation of accounting standards, liaising with external advisers where required.
• Oversee the transition of group accounts from UK GAAP to IFRS.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly management packs, with particular emphasis on group cash flow, balance sheet, capital expenditure, and exceptional items.
• Prepare annual statutory financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulations, and internal controls.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial data, records, and transactions.
• Work closely with the Group Tax Director and UK Tax Manager to support corporation tax calculations and provisions for statutory accounts.
• Provide supporting analysis and documentation to tax advisers for annual returns and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to provide financial insight and support strategic initiatives.
• Support the external audit process and act as a key point of contact for auditors.
• Provide expert support on complex accounting queries across the Group.

Experience & Skills

Essential

• Qualified accountant (ACCA or ACA strongly preferred).
• Previous experience in group financial accounting or a similar role.
• Strong experience of multi‑currency consolidations under UK GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across the business.

Desirable

• Experience supporting or leading a transition from UK GAAP to IFRS.
• Experience working in a private equity‑backed or high‑growth environment.
• Proficiency in financial systems and advanced MS Excel skills.
• Familiarity with Oracle consolidation systems.

Why join Outcomes First Group?

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you'll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• 'Your Wellbeing Matters' - access to a wide range of first‑class mental health support services and physical health checks
• Family Growth Support - inclusive benefits package covering enhanced maternity and paternity leave, along with paid fertility treatment support.
• A market‑leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that's right for you, including:
• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100's of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all employees to share this commitment and undertake appropriate checks. All applicants will be subject to social media checks and successful applicants to a fully enhanced DBS. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer.