Financial Accountant (12 month FTC)

EA First; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

35 hour working week

28 days' holiday + bank holidays + con

Flexible working hours

Free lunch, refreshments when at the,

Job summary

EA First is partnering with an education provider in Birmingham to recruit a Financial Accountant on a 12-month fixed term contract. The role reports to the Head of Finance and leads core accounting processes, including management accounting, audit liaison, and balance sheet control.

The successful candidate will have CCAB qualifications (or PQ/QBE), prior experience in education/not-for-profit sectors, and a track record with year-end processes and audit coordination.

Qualifications

• Ideally CCAB (ACA/ACCA) or equivalent qualified; PQ or QBE considered.
• Experience in education, charity or not-for-profit setting.
• Track record working through year end and with auditors.
• Staff management experience.
• Understanding of property/investment accounting (desirable).
• Experience with PS Financials (desirable).
• Available to start November 2026.

Responsibilities

• Leading the management accounting cycle for central office budgets (budgeting, forecasting, monthly reporting).
• Line management of the purchase ledger team and regular one-to-one meetings.
• Acting as the primary contact for external auditors and managing audit queries.
• Ensuring robust balance sheet controls including bank reconciliations.
• Cash and treasury management including BACS checks and faster payments.
• Preparing quarterly VAT returns and managing HMRC relationships.
• Overseeing accounting for investment portfolios, property assets, special funds, endowments.
• Maintaining the fixed asset register and depreciation schedules.

Skills

Availability to start November 2026

Staff management experience

Auditing liaison

Education/not-for-profit experience

Education

CCAB (ACA/ACCA) or equivalent

Tools

PS Financials

Job description

We are working with an Education provider in Birmingham to recruit a Financial Accountant on a 12 month fixed term contract. The role is paying £45,000 - £50,000 per annum, plus hybrid working and an attractive holiday entitlement.

Our client is a large, high performing Education provider with a strong track record, operating from dedicated offices in Birmingham.

As Financial Accountant reporting to the Head of Finance, you will support and lead on key accounting processes, including:

• Leading the management accounting cycle for central office budgets (budgeting, forecasting, monthly reporting).
• Line management of the purchase ledger team including undertaking regular one to one meetings.
• Acting as the primary contact for external auditors and managing audit queries.
• Ensuring robust balance sheet controls, including bank and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Cash and treasury management, including BACS checks and faster payments.
• Preparing quarterly VAT returns and managing HMRC relationships.
• Overseeing accounting for investment portfolios, property assets, special funds and endowments.
• Maintaining the fixed asset register and depreciation schedules.

Financial Accountant (12 month FTC):

• Ideally you will be CCAB (e.g. ACA, ACCA) or equivalent qualified. Note, PQ or QBE will also be considered.
• Experience in education, charity or a not-for-profit setting.
• A track record working through year end and dealing with auditors.
• Staff management experience.
• Understanding of property / investment accounting (highly desirable).
• Experience with PS Financials (highly desirable).
• Available to start November 2026.

Financial Accountant (12 month FTC):

• £45,000 - £50,000 per annum.
• 35 hour working week.
• 28 days' holiday per year, plus 8 bank holidays and 4 concessionary days.
• Flexible working hours.
• Hybrid working.
• Access to training courses and funding towards role-related professional qualifications for eligible employees.
• Payment of professional fees for eligible employees.
• Free lunch, tea, coffee, and other refreshments when attending the office.
• Free on-site parking.
• Cycle to work scheme, for eligible employees.
• Free access to gym, pool, and yoga sessions.
• Free access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering free, 24-hour confidential assistance.
• Access to Birmingham Hospital Saturday Fund (BHSF) for cashback on health-related purchases.
• Membership of a regulated pension scheme.
• Death in service benefit: lump sum equal to twice basic salary at the time of death and a spouse's.
• UAC discounted summer camps for 4-14 year olds.