Group Management Accountant

We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Group Management Accountant to join our central finance team. This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely management accounts, supporting financial planning, and partnering with school Finance Business Partners and stakeholders across the Group.,

• Prepare monthly management accounts for all Group and individual schools/entities, enabling consolidated reporting by the Group Reporting Manager.
• Produce accurate month-end journals and balance sheet reconciliations for Group entities
• Take responsibility for the transactional processing, accounting and reporting of the Group, Holding, and Property companies
• Manage the accounting responsibilities for the Group's enterprise company and associated activities
• Oversee and administer intercompany accounting, cross-charging processes and monthly reconciliation of intercompany balances across the Group
• Provide detailed variance analysis and accompanying narrative commentary for senior leadership, working closely with the group Head of Finance Operations.
• Support annual budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial planning processes
• Produce KPI reporting for operational and academic leadership teams
• Oversee the payment of suppliers across Group companies, ensuring strong financial controls and timely processing
• Support annual audit processes and tax compliance requirements across the Group
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, accounting standards, and internal policies
• In time, assume responsibility for the preparation and submission of quarterly Group VAT returns
• Identify opportunities to improve financial systems, processes, and reporting efficiency
• Support acquisition integration, growth projects, and ad hoc financial analysis where required
• Responsible for managing and supporting one direct report
  
  Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)
• Previous experience in a management accounting or group finance role
• Strong technical accounting knowledge and attention to detail
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills
• Experience preparing management reporting across multiple entities
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Desirable
• Experience within the education, independent schools, or multi-site sector
• Experience with finance systems implementation or process improvement projects
• Experience with FP&A modelling and applications
• Experience managing or mentoring junior finance staff
  
  5% employer pension
• EV scheme with Octopus
• Cycle to work scheme and shopping discounts
• Means tested staff discount
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays per annum
• Access to the group's counselling scheme
• Access to fully funded apprenticeships
• Discretionary Christmas stand down
• Personal accident at work cover
• Flexible working patterns, hybrid working available, Opportunity to contribute to a growing and ambitious education group
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Professional development opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Hybrid working arrangements where appropriate