At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial accounting and reporting for a large education organisation.
- Company: Dynamic multi-site education organisation with a commitment to professional development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity for UK-wide travel and exposure to complex financial initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA/CIPFA) with strong financial knowledge.
Location: Leicestershire - Hybrid
Working Pattern: 3 days office-based / 2 days working from home
Salary: £45,000-£55,000 per annum
Contract: 9-12 months
Start date: ASAP
The Financial Accountant will provide effective financial accounting, control and reporting across a large, multi-site education organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage month-end close, balance sheet reporting, reconciliations and financial controls.
- Ensure accurate accounting of income, expenditure, restricted funds, grants and donations.
- Maintain the fixed asset register and oversee depreciation accounting.
- Manage cash flow forecasting, treasury activity and cash reporting.
- Oversee billing, collections and debt management.
- Lead the preparation of statutory accounts and coordinate interim and year-end audits.
- Complete regulatory, government and grant reporting requirements.
- Maintain strong financial governance, compliance records and internal controls.
- Manage VAT, Corporation Tax and Gift Aid compliance, including HMRC queries.
- Provide technical accounting and tax guidance across the organisation.
- Manage and develop a team of part-qualified accountants and finance assistants, including appraisals, coaching and training.
- Support internal audit requirements and the implementation of agreed actions.
- Develop and improve finance processes, controls and systems.
- Work collaboratively across the organisation to drive continuous improvement in financial reporting and data quality.
Skills and Experience Required:
- Qualified Accountant - CIMA/ACCA/ACA/CIPFA
- Strong technical financial accounting knowledge and experience.
- Experience of month-end accounting, balance sheet reconciliations and financial controls.
- Experience preparing or supporting statutory financial accounts and external audits.
- Strong cash flow forecasting capabilities.
- Knowledge of VAT and wider tax compliance requirements.
- Experience working within a strong financial governance and control environment.
- Strong analytical skills and excellent attention to detail.
- The ability to communicate financial and technical information effectively to finance and non-finance stakeholders.
- Experience managing, coaching or developing finance team members.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- A proactive approach to improving financial processes, systems and controls.
Experience within education, the public sector, charities or another multi-site organisation would be advantageous, although candidates from other complex organisations are also encouraged to apply.
The organisation is committed to investing in its people and supporting ongoing professional development. The role provides an opportunity to broaden technical accounting expertise, gain exposure to a complex multi-site organisation and contribute to significant finance improvement initiatives.
Occasional UK-wide travel will be required to support the organisation's wider network.
Financial Accountant in Loughborough employer: SF Partners
SF Partners is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Swadlincote, Derbyshire, where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on professional development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while being part of a high-performing team dedicated to driving success. The company values operational excellence and provides a competitive salary, making it an attractive place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Financial Accountant in Loughborough
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like SF Partners.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like SF Partners might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Financial Accountant in Loughborough
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 SF Partners 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 SF Partners. 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 SF Partners confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Partners
✨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 SF Partners.
✨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 SF Partners 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.
