Assistant Management Accountant
RESPONSIBLE TO: Head of Finance
LIAISON WITH: Finance Assistant/CEO/Group Financial Director
JOB PURPOSE
To support the Finance Team in delivering accurate, timely financial information to enable effective decision-making across Prosperity Children’s Services and Branches Education Group. The role will contribute to financial control, budget monitoring, and performance reporting across multiple residential children’s homes and special educational needs schools, ensuring compliance with regulatory and safeguarding expectations.
FINANCIAL REPORTING & MONTH END
- Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts for all residential homes, schools and central functions, supported by Head of Finance
- Support month-end processes including accruals, prepayments, and journal postings
- Reconcile balance sheet accounts and resolve discrepancies promptly
- Produce variance analysis against budgets and forecasts
BUDGETING AND FORECASTING
- Assist in the preparation of annual budgets for homes, schools, and head office supported by Head of Finance
- Support reforecasting processes in line with occupancy levels and staffing models, supported by Head of Finance
COST CONTROL AND ANALYSIS
- Analyse staffing and other costs with flexed budget comparison
- Identify trends, risks, and opportunities to improve financial performance
OPERATIONAL FINANCE SUPPORT
- Support budget holders in understanding financial performance
- Field questions from key stakeholders regarding financial performance
- Assist with occupancy tracking and income reconciliation
- Provide financial data to support Ofsted inspections where required
COMPLIANCE AND GOVERNANANCE
- Ensure adherence to internal financial controls and procedures
- Support audits (internal and external) and regulatory reporting requirements
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive financial, staff, and young people’s information
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding principles in handling financial data
TRANSACTIONAL OVERSIGHT
- Support purchase ledger and sales ledger processes where required
- Monitor invoice coding accuracy across multiple cost centres
- Assist with payroll reconciliations
SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES IMPROVEMENT
- Maintain and improve finance systems and reporting tools
- Support implementation of new systems and robust, future-proof processes as the organisation grows
- Contribute to continuous improvement in reporting efficiency and accuracy
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
- Month-end close completed within agreed timeframe
- Accuracy of management accounts and minimal post-close adjustments
- Budget variance reports produced on-time
- Reduction in unallocated or mis-coded costs
- Timely and accurate balance sheet reconciliations
- Improved visibility of staffing cost drivers and agency usage
- Positive feedback from operational managers on financial support
- Contribution to audit readiness and minimal audit findings
SAFEGUARDING
This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check.
Prosperity Children’s Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. As part of the selection process we will undertake checks to ensure that you do not pose a risk of harm to children and young people.
The post-holder will be expected to contribute to safeguarding children and young people and promoting their welfare in accordance with the agreed Child Protection Policy for the setting. Any issues or concerns are reported to their Designated Safeguarding Lead or any Deputy Safeguarding Lead. In the Children’s homes, where the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead is not available, it would be reported to the senior on duty.
REVIEW
This job description will be reviewed at least once per year and may be subject to amendment or modification at any time after consultation with the post holder. It is not a comprehensive statement of procedures and tasks but sets out the main expectations of the establishment in relation to the post holder’s professional responsibilities, duties and grading.
Assistant Management Accountant employer: Prosperity Children
At Prosperity Children's Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to the growth and well-being of our staff and the young people we support. Our innovative Reflect & Reset Program not only offers a unique opportunity to work in beautiful rural settings but also fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture where every day is meaningful and impactful. With a focus on professional development and a commitment to providing trauma-informed care, we empower our Residential Support Workers to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children and young people.
