At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce management accounts and support budget preparation for schools.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking Trust dedicated to educational excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for personal 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.
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 judgment 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.
Management Accountant in Cuckfield employer: Warden Park Secondary Academy
At Sussex Learning Trust, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a high-impact culture where finance professionals can thrive. Our Central Trust Hub in Cuckfield offers a supportive environment with flexible working arrangements, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while making a meaningful impact on the educational experience of children in our region. With opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative spirit, you'll find a rewarding career path as a Management Accountant here.
Contact Details:
Warden Park Secondary Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant in Cuckfield
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the finance sector! Attend industry events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching the Trust and its financial strategies. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs and be ready to discuss specific examples. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance, demonstrate your technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Bring along examples of your previous work, like reports or analyses, to show how you can add value. We love seeing candidates who can back up their claims with real-life evidence!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there, so keep an eye out for roles that match your skills and aspirations!
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant in Cuckfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Management Accountant role. Highlight your financial reporting and budgeting experience, as well as any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can bring value to our Central Finance team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed budgets or improved processes in the past. Remember, we love a people-first approach!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires high-level IT skills, don’t forget to mention your proficiency with accounting software and data manipulation. We’re looking for someone who can work independently and efficiently, so let us know how you’ve done this in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Sussex Learning Trust!
How to prepare for a job interview at Warden Park Secondary Academy
✨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 them in past roles. Prepare examples of your experience with budgeting and variance analysis to show you can deliver accurate management accounts.
✨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. Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with Headteachers and Local Governing Bodies.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Mindset
The Trust is looking for someone who can streamline operations. Come equipped with examples of how you've identified inefficiencies in previous roles and the steps you took to improve them. This shows you're proactive and committed to maximising efficiency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical proficiency required, expect questions about accounting software and data manipulation. Be ready to discuss your experience with specific tools and how you've used them to produce clear, accurate financial documents. This will showcase your capability to work independently and effectively.
