At a Glance
- Tasks: Own monthly cost reporting and drive automation in a dynamic finance team.
- Company: Join a socially conscious organisation making a real impact in education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with a focus on process improvement and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting evolution towards becoming an AI-native finance function.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with management accounting experience and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
9 month fixed term contract £40,000 to £45,000 per year Hybrid, London
Are you looking for a Management Accountant role in a fast-growing business where people are at the heart of everything we do? Would you like to work within a socially conscious organisation that is making a real impact in the education sector?
The Company
The Key Group serves school leaders and trusts across the UK providing authoritative guidance and intuitive tools that support school leadership. We work across the full diversity of schools and locations, from small rural and coastal primaries to the largest trusts and local authorities in the country. We recognise that each school and trust is on a journey and school leaders need to identify their specific context, their own path and the next step in that journey. This process requires more than just shared values in a school, it requires the knowledge, data, context and confidence to bring others with you in effecting change. That's why we're here. We put the power back in the hands of those leading our schools and trusts, by equipping them with remarkable products & services. The Key Group is home to 5 brands, each the leading provider in its category including Arbor, ScholarPack, Integris, The Key and GovernorHub. Nearly 600 colleagues deliver our award-winning services and serve 19,000 schools.
The Role
This is a fantastic opportunity for an enthusiastic, process-driven accountant to join a finance team at an exciting point in its evolution. As our Management Accountant, you will take ownership of our monthly cost reporting and play an active role in shaping how we work as we become an AI-native organisation. This is a role for someone who doesn't just want to do the job — they want to make it better. Given the nature of the data they'll be working with, including payroll, we're looking for someone who handles sensitive information with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
- Month-End & Management Accounts
- Take ownership of monthly cost reporting as part of the management accounts process
- Prepare and post payroll journals, ensuring accuracy and timely processing
- Own balance sheet reconciliations, maintaining a clean and accurate ledger
- Drive automation and continuous improvement of month-end processes, reducing manual effort and increasing the reliability of outputs
- Complete ONS statistical surveys accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements
- Assist with the year-end audit, preparing supporting documentation and responding to auditor queries as required
- Variance Analysis & Reporting
- Perform variance analysis against budget and forecast, investigating and explaining key movements
- Present findings clearly and concisely to relevant stakeholders, with a focus on building reporting that is slick, repeatable, and easy to maintain
- Business Partnering
- Build a strong working relationship with the FP&A team to ensure reported results are accurate and well-understood
- Support non-finance stakeholders with financial insight and analysis where needed
- AI & Process Improvement
- Actively contribute to our journey to become an AI-native finance function
- Work collaboratively with the wider management accounts team to identify and implement opportunities to automate routine tasks and use AI tools to free up time for higher-value work
- Bring ideas, take initiative, and help shape how the finance team operates
The ideal person
- Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
- Prior experience in a management accounting role
- Solid understanding of month-end processes including journals, reconciliations, and variance analysis
- A high degree of integrity and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive or confidential data
- Confident communicator — able to present financial information clearly to both finance and non-finance audiences
- Highly organised with the ability to manage competing deadlines and work autonomously
- Enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to get stuck in — someone who takes ownership and drives things forward
- A genuine curiosity for process improvement and emerging technology, including AI, with a willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-moving environment
- Desirable
- Experience with NetSuite
- Exposure to FP&A or business partnering activities
- Experience working in a fast-paced or high-growth environment
Management Accountant - 9 month FTC employer: The Key Support Services
The Key Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we empower our team members to take ownership of their roles while contributing to meaningful change in the education sector. Our hybrid working model, commitment to social impact, and innovative approach to finance make us an attractive choice for those seeking a rewarding career as a Management Accountant.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant - 9 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who work in management accounting. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Since The Key Group is all about making an impact in education, think about how your skills can contribute to their mission and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your enthusiasm for process improvement! In your conversations, highlight any past experiences where you’ve driven automation or enhanced efficiency. This aligns perfectly with the role's focus on becoming an AI-native organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at The Key Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant - 9 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Management Accountant role. Highlight your experience with month-end processes, variance analysis, and any relevant qualifications like ACA, ACCA, or CIMA. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to showcase your enthusiasm for the role and the impact you can make at The Key Group. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes in previous roles — we love a proactive approach!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Management Accountant, you'll need to present financial information clearly. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate complex data simply. Whether it's in your CV or cover letter, let us know how you've successfully engaged with non-finance stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates about your application status. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Key Support Services
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Management Accountant, you'll be expected to handle financial data with ease. Brush up on your month-end processes, journals, and reconciliations before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed these tasks in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to present financial information to both finance and non-finance audiences. Prepare to explain complex financial concepts in simple terms. Think of examples where you've successfully communicated insights to stakeholders and how it impacted decision-making.
✨Emphasise Process Improvement
The role requires a genuine curiosity for process improvement and emerging technology. Come prepared with ideas on how you could automate routine tasks or improve existing processes. This shows you're proactive and ready to contribute to the team's evolution.
✨Demonstrate Integrity and Discretion
Handling sensitive information is crucial in this role. Be ready to discuss how you've maintained confidentiality in past positions. Highlight your understanding of the importance of integrity in financial reporting and how it affects the organisation's credibility.
