At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our finance team to support schools with budgeting and financial strategy.
- Company: Sussex Learning Trust, a forward-thinking educational organisation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's education while developing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Professional Accountancy Qualification or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 36560 - 38254 € per year.
Your Role
Location: Central Trust Hub (Cuckfield) with some travel to our academies.
Salary: Grade L £45,091 - £47,181 FTE (actual starting salary £36,560.27 - £38,254.86).
Contract: 30 hours per week (Permanent, All Year Round).
Flexible Working: Some flexibility to work more in term time and less in holidays.
The Role
Are you a finance professional who balances technical rigour with a people‑first approach? We are seeking a proactive Management Accountant to join our Central Finance team. As a senior member of the finance team, you will support the CFO in the delivery of the Trust's finance strategy and related activities. You will also be the lead financial partner for designated academies. You will ensure that Headteachers and Local Governing Bodies have the high‑quality data and professional advice they need to drive their schools forward.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Reporting: Produce accurate monthly management accounts and detailed variance analysis to facilitate informed decision‑making.
- Budgeting & Strategy: Lead on draft budget preparation and financial forecasting.
- Consultancy: Act as the key contact for Headteachers for budget management and financial activity.
- Process Improvement: Continuously seek ways to streamline internal operations and maximise efficiency across the Trust.
- Liaison: Proactively develop positive relationships with key stakeholders.
Experience & Qualifications
- Qualified: You hold a Professional Accountancy Qualification or possess equivalent high‑level experience.
- Proven Track Record: You have significant experience in budget setting, financial monitoring, and complex data manipulation using accounting software.
- Sector experience: While experience in a school or academy setting is desirable, the ability to produce clear, accurate, and well‑formatted financial documents is essential.
- Technical Proficiency: High‑level IT skills and the ability to work without direct supervision is essential.
About you
- Integrity & Diplomacy: You handle sensitive information with confidentiality and act with professionalism.
- Collaborative Spirit: A true team player who is flexible enough to assist the wider central team.
- Communication Expert: You have the interpersonal skills to influence senior leaders and the written skills to produce high‑standard reports.
- Pragmatic Thinker: You possess a systems‑based approach but can apply professional judgement and pragmatism when needed.
Why Sussex Learning Trust?
- A High‑Impact Culture: A forward‑thinking, supportive environment where you have the space to shine.
- Flexibility: We recognise your life outside of work and offer some flexibility in how you achieve success.
- Purpose: The chance to directly influence the educational experience and future of children across our region.
Ready to make a difference? If this feels like your next chapter and you would like further information please contact our Chief Financial Officer jenny.howard@sussexlearningtrust.co.uk. We look forward to receiving your application. Please note we cannot accept CVs.
Skills
- CPD / Training: Commitment to Continued Professional development essential.
- Experience: Excellent IT skills with a range of software essential.
- Proven ability to liaise with statutory agencies essential.
- Experience of liaising with Auditors, advisors and Trustees essential.
- Knowledge and experience of operating accounting software systems essential.
- Proven experience of preparing and presenting financial and management accounts, reports and data essential.
- Proven experience of budget preparation, setting, monitoring and financial forecasting essential.
- Experience of working in a school or academy.
Personal Attributes
- Systems based approach but coupled with the ability to be pragmatic within the bounds of appropriate professional judgement essential.
- Committed to abiding by and promoting the values and policies of the Trust including Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Child Protection and Safeguarding essential.
- Approachable and able to use their well‑developed interpersonal skills to work effectively in partnership with school leaders and central team colleagues to influence their finance related decision making essential.
- Considerable personal enthusiasm with high levels of integrity and professionalism essential.
- Able to ensure confidentiality essential.
- A team player who is collaborative and flexible to assist the wider team to deliver team priorities essential.
- Initiative and ability to work without direct supervision, taking responsibility for tasks, prioritising and scheduling your own work essential.
- Strong data manipulation and analytical skills essential.
- Thoroughness and excellent attention to detail essential.
- Ability to work under pressure to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines essential.
- Ability to work with tact, diplomacy and maintain confidentiality essential.
- Excellent communication skills, including high standards of written communication, grammar and spelling essential.
- Excellent time management, organisational and administrative skills essential.
- Ability to produce clear, accurate and well‑formatted documents essential.
Qualifications
- Professional Accountancy Qualification or equivalent experience essential.
Safeguarding Information
Sussex Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to the equality of opportunity. It expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a full disclosure and barring service check before appointment is confirmed, along with other relevant pre‑employment checks in line with Safer Recruitment and KCSIE.
Management Accountant in Haywards Heath employer: Sussex Learning Trust
At Sussex Learning Trust, we pride ourselves on fostering a high-impact culture that empowers our employees to thrive in a supportive and flexible environment. As a Management Accountant, you will play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for children in our region, while benefiting from opportunities for professional development and collaboration with dedicated colleagues. Join us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students and enjoy the unique advantages of working within a forward-thinking trust.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant in Haywards Heath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who have experience in education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to management accounting. Think about how you can showcase your budgeting and financial forecasting skills, as well as your ability to communicate complex data clearly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Management Accountant role. We love seeing applications directly from motivated candidates who are eager to make a difference in our Trust!
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant in Haywards Heath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the Management Accountant role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or produced financial reports in the past. We want to see your proven track record in action!
Keep It Professional:Since we’re looking for someone with excellent written communication skills, ensure your application is well-structured and free from errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people directly and you can keep track of your application status easily!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sussex Learning Trust
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Management Accountant, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decision-making in previous roles. Prepare examples of your experience with budgeting and forecasting.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role requires a people-first approach, so be prepared to talk about how you've built relationships with stakeholders. Think of specific instances where your communication skills helped influence decisions or improve processes within a team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your technical proficiency with accounting software and financial reporting. Familiarise yourself with the tools mentioned in the job description and be ready to explain how you've used them effectively in your past roles.
✨Demonstrate Your Pragmatic Thinking
The interviewers will want to see your ability to apply professional judgement in complex situations. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you had to balance technical requirements with practical solutions, showcasing your systems-based approach.
