Job Description
The Management and Financial Accountant will support the Finance Director in delivering both statutory and management accounting functions.This includes preparing financial statements, performing balance sheet reconciliations, compiling management accounts, monitoring cash flow, budgeting, submitting OfS returns, and VAT filings, as well as providing insights on key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform strategic decisions.
The role also contributes to the development and implementation of finance processes, systems, and policies, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
You will be working for a private education company. The role is three days in the office and two days from home.
Essential Qualifications & ExperienceUndergraduate degree and accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CIPA - part-qualified considered).Please only apply if you have excellent Excel Skills
Experience in higher education finance, management accounts, balance sheet reconciliation, budgeting, cash flow, and KPI reporting.Experience submitting OfS returns and VAT filings; knowledge of SLC regulations a plus. Advanced Excel skills; ability to use or learn Tableau BI software.
Experience with Student Management Systems (e.g., Oracle on Demand, SITS).
Grade 3 (£48,180 to £54,930)
Hours of Work:
37.5 hours per weekMonday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 Non-contractual flexible working scheme applies
Working from home:
At the line manager's discretion, the postholder may be permitted to work from home; this is subject to the postholder completing a satisfactory risk assessment of their home workstation and working environment.
Holidays (Paid):
Contributory pension scheme
Full details are available from the Finance Department
Main purpose of the role:
The Management and Financial Accountant will support the Finance Director in delivering both statutory and management accounting functions.This includes preparing financial statements, performing balance sheet reconciliations, compiling management accounts, monitoring cash flow, budgeting, submitting OfS returns, and VAT filings, as well as providing insights on key performance indicators (KPIs) to inform strategic decisions.
The role also contributes to the development and implementation of finance processes, systems, and policies, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Reporting to:
Finance Director
Location:
7 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3RA
Key Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & AccountingPrepare financial statements, perform balance sheet reconciliations, review accruals and prepayments, and submit VAT returns.
Compile and analyse management accounts, highlighting variances against budgets and forecasts, and provide insights on key performance indicators (KPIs).Support annual budget planning, monitoring, and cash flow management, including forecasts for submission to the Office for Students (OfS).
Grants & ComplianceLead the preparation and submission of OfS funding monitoring returns and the annual OfS Financial Return.
Ensure compliance with financial regulations, accounting standards, tax laws, grant conditions, and internal policies.Assist with audits, coordinating with external auditors to ensure accurate and transparent reporting.
Payroll & Journals
Oversee the outsourced payroll function, including review of payroll reports and posting of journals to the general ledger.Strategic & Operational Support
Support Finance team objectives and contribute to process improvements, systems implementation, and policy development under the direction of the Finance Director.Prepare financial analysis and reports to support the Finance Director in providing insights to internal and external stakeholders, including the Board and Senior Leadership Team.
Collaboration & ComplianceWork collaboratively across teams and departments to deliver financial and operational objectives.
Ensure duties comply with all relevant regulations, including OfS, JISC, equality, consumer protection, data protection, and health & safety.Maintain confidentiality of all personal and sensitive information.
The above is not an exhaustive list of tasks as the role may change to meet the Institute's overall objectives. These tasks are subject to amendment over time as priorities and requirements evolve and as such the job description may be amended at any time by the line manager following discussion with the post holder.
Person SpecificationEssential Qualifications & ExperienceUndergraduate degree and accounting qualification (CIMA, ACA, ACCA, CIPA - part-qualified considered).
Experience in higher education finance, management accounts, balance sheet reconciliation, budgeting, cash flow, and KPI reporting.Experience submitting OfS returns and VAT filings; knowledge of SLC regulations a plus. Advanced Excel skills; ability to use or learn Tableau BI software.
Experience with Student Management Systems (e.g., Oracle on Demand, SITS).
Skills & attributesFinancial expertise: Significant experience in higher education finance, able to prepare financial statements, perform balance sheet reconciliations, review accruals/prepayments, compile management accounts, and support audits.Budgeting & cash flow: Experience supporting budget planning, monitoring, and cash flow forecasting, including data preparation for OfS submissions.
Advanced Excel & data analysis: Proficient in advanced Excel (XLookup, Sumifs, pivot tables) and working with large datasets for analysis, reporting, and KPI tracking.Accounting and finance systems: Experience with Sage 50 and the ability to learn and adapt to new systems such as Xero or other finance software.
Student funding frameworks: Knowledge of OfS returns, grants, and SLC regulations.Communication and presentation: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; able to present financial information clearly to senior management and stakeholders.
Organisational and prioritisation skills: Ability to manage competing priorities, meet tight deadlines, and maintain high attention to detail.Collaboration and independence: Able to work independently, take direction from the Finance Director, and collaborate effectively across teams and departments.Adaptability and resilience: Able to manage change and operate effectively in a fast-paced environment. Commitment to ethics and inclusivity: Strong commitment to ethical practice, regulatory compliance,and supporting the Institute's values and Inclusive Learning Environment
Desirable: Experience supporting team objectives, contributing to training, coaching, or knowledge-sharing initiatives, and working collaboratively across teams to deliver projects. #
