At a Glance
- Tasks: Support financial management and reporting while leading budgeting and forecasting activities.
- Company: Join a dynamic Trust focused on integrity, teamwork, and excellence.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in finance with opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial management while supporting the welfare of young people.
- Qualifications: Studying towards a finance qualification with relevant experience in accounting.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To support the Financial Controller in delivering effective financial management, reporting and control across the Trust. The postholder will lead on management accounting, budgeting, forecasting, balance sheet control and financial reporting activities, while overseeing transactional finance processes and supporting continuous improvement across the finance function.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
- Financial Management & Reporting
- Support month-end and year-end processes, ensuring integrity of the ledgers and timely close down.
- Prepare monthly management accounts, variance analysis and supporting commentary.
- Post routine journals including accruals, prepayments, payroll and recharges.
- Monitor budgets and investigate material variances, providing analysis and insight to support decision-making.
- Financial Control, Treasury & Compliance
- Prepare and review reconciliations including bank, debtors, creditors and control accounts, resolving discrepancies promptly.
- Support cash flow forecasting, bank monitoring and inter-account transfers.
- Support VAT returns and compliance with Trust Financial Regulations, the Academies Financial Handbook and audit requirements.
- Assist with implementing recommendations arising from internal and external audits.
- Finance Operations
- Support the day-to-day operation of the finance function, ensuring transactional processes operate effectively and in accordance with Trust procedures.
- Work closely with Purchase Ledger and Sales Ledger staff to support timely and accurate processing.
- Adopt a hands-on approach during peak periods including month-end, audit and budget setting.
- Promote consistency, accuracy and adherence to Trust procedures across finance processes.
- Purchase Ledger & Sales Ledger
- Oversee purchase ledger activities, ensuring invoices, payments and purchase orders are processed accurately and authorised appropriately.
- Ensure supplier reconciliations are completed and outstanding issues resolved promptly.
- Oversee sales ledger processes, ensuring income is recorded accurately and outstanding debts are actively monitored.
- Assist with preparation of annual budgets and periodic re-forecasts for non-salary other expenditure.
- Fixed Assets, Audit & Systems
- Assist with maintaining the fixed asset register, ensuring additions, disposals and depreciation are accurately recorded.
- Take responsibility for designated balance sheet reconciliations.
- Support external audit processes, including preparation of schedules and responses to audit queries.
- Contribute to finance projects, process improvements and development of finance systems and procedures.
- Safeguarding & General Duties
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of children and young people in line with Trust policies.
- Uphold the Trust's values of integrity, respect, diversity, teamwork and excellence.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role and grade.
- Other Duties
- You may be required to perform other duties as directed by your line manager or any member of the Trust's Leadership team.
Qualifications
- Studying towards a professional qualification (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, CIPFA or equivalent experience).
- Significant finance experience, ideally within education, academy trusts, public sector or not-for-profit organisations.
- Experience preparing management accounts, reconciliations, budgets and forecasts.
- Experience working closely with transactional finance processes including purchase ledger, sales ledger and reconciliations.
- Experience maintaining effective financial controls and supporting audit processes.
- Knowledge of procurement, VAT, and cash flow management.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong technical accounting knowledge including reconciliations, accruals/prepayments and month-end processes.
- Strong Excel and finance systems skills.
- Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills.
- Ability to explain financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- High levels of accuracy, professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively to deadlines.
- Positive, proactive and solution-focused approach.
Management Accountant employer: Wembley High Technology College
As a Management Accountant at our Trust, you will be part of a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises integrity, respect, and teamwork. We offer excellent employee growth opportunities through professional development and training, ensuring you can advance your career while making a meaningful impact in the education sector. Located in a vibrant community, our Trust provides a fulfilling environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
Contact Details:
Wembley High Technology College Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Wembley High Technology College. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Wembley High Technology College.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Wembley High Technology College's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wembley High Technology College
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Wembley High Technology College.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Wembley High Technology College will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Wembley High Technology College employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
