Senior Management Accountant in Cambridge

Company Description St Catharine’s College, founded in 1473, is a welcoming community of students, staff, and Fellows located in the heart of Cambridge. As part of the University of Cambridge, the College is committed to academic excellence and to attracting talented students from all backgrounds. The College supports a vibrant teaching and research environment grounded in collaboration and intellectual curiosity. Prospective employees join a diverse, collegiate setting where professional staff play a key role in enabling the academic mission.

Role Description The Senior Management Accountant is a full-time, on-site role based in Cambridge, responsible for providing high-quality financial insight and support to College leadership. Day-to-day duties include preparing and reviewing management accounts, financial statements, budgets, and forecasts; monitoring accruals and prepayments; and ensuring accurate and timely month-end and year-end reporting.

The role involves analyzing financial data to support strategic decision-making, identifying trends and variances, and recommending actions to improve financial performance and resource allocation.

The Senior Management Accountant collaborates with departments across the College, supports the annual planning and budgeting process, and assists with compliance, audit preparation, and continuous improvement of financial processes and controls.

Qualifications

• Strong Accounting and Finance skills, including experience with management accounts and budgeting.
• Well-developed Analytical Skills, with the ability to interpret complex financial data and present clear insights to stakeholders.
• Experience of ERP design and implementation - to assist with a new finance system implementation in 2027.
• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA) and experience in a similar senior finance role.
• Confidence using accounting software and advanced Excel skills, including reporting and data analysis tools.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across academic and professional services teams.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Experience in the education or not-for-profit sector, and familiarity with UK charity or higher education financial frameworks, is advantageous.