Full job descriptionMANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT - EDUCATION DIVISION*Location: North Leicester (3-4 days office based)

*Reports to: Financial Controller / Business Partner

*Direct Reports: Scope to develop (minimum 1 junior finance team member)

*Hours of Work: 37.5 hours per week

*Travel Required: Occasional travel to other operational sites

*Salary: £40,000 - £45,000 DPE plus study support

ROLE PURPOSEThe Management Accountant is the engine room of the Education Division finance function, owning the end-to-end month-end close process and the production of accurate, timely management accounts.
Working closely with the Divisional Financial Controller & Business Partner, the role is responsible for the integrity of the divisional numbers, the quality of financial reporting, and the strength of controls - freeing the Financial Controller to focus on strategic business partnering and senior stakeholder engagement.
This is a newly defined role representing a genuine step up for the right candidate. The Education Division is a high-growth area and a key focus for future investment - this is not a steady-state position. The successful candidate will bring strong technical skills from a mature finance environment, the confidence to engage commercially, and the drive to improve the way finance works. There is a clear pathway to Financial Controller level for the right person.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIESMonth-End & Reporting*Own the full month-end close process for the Education Division, ensuring the timetable is adhered to, and all deliverables are produced accurately and on time.

*Prepare and post all month-end journals including accruals, prepayments, and any required adjustments.

*Produce and maintain all balance sheet reconciliations to a high standard, ready for Financial Controller review.

*Draft the monthly management information (MI) pack including Profit & Loss (P&L) commentary, variance analysis, and supporting schedules for review by the Financial Controller.

*Prepare variance analysis with factual explanations, developing over time towards providing fuller operational context and commentary.

*Manage division-specific reporting including government funding grants, pupil premium equivalents, and other ring-fenced finance processes.

Supporting Business Partnering & Forecasting*Provide accurate and well-presented financial information to the Financial Controller to support operational and strategic decision-making.

*Assist in gathering and compiling forecasting inputs, supporting the Financial Controller in producing the monthly divisional forecast.

*Respond to data and reporting queries from operational colleagues clearly and promptly, with the Financial Controller leading on deeper analysis and challenge.

Control & Compliance*Maintain strong financial controls across all divisional processes, escalating issues promptly and appropriately.

*Review and approve transactional postings prepared by junior team members.

*Lead the preparation and submission of quarterly VAT returns for the division.

*Support payroll, accounts payable and receivable, and other divisional compliance requirements.

Leadership & Development*Line manage at least one junior finance team member, providing structured coaching, feedback, and development.

*Deputise for the Divisional Financial Controller in their absence.

*Act as a role model for professional excellence within a high-performing finance function.

Finance Transformation & Other*Play an active role in the ongoing finance transformation programme, including optimization of core accounting software (e.g., Sage Intacct) and wider process improvement.

*Support statutory accounts preparation, extern