Group Accountant (12 Month Fixed Term)

Imperial Recruitment Group; Port Clarence; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a skilled Group Accountant to join the finance department of a prominent college in Port Clarence. The role involves managing a team, ensuring timely financial reporting, and supporting decision-making processes. Candidates should be CCAB or CIMA qualified with strong background in management accounts and financial analysis. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent pension scheme

Career progression opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience in management accounts, year-end reporting, and collaborating with auditors.
• Expertise in budget setting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of financial reporting standards and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the general accounts team.
• Drive budgeting, reforecasting, and scenario modelling.
• Produce and analyse VAT returns.

Skills

Budget setting

Financial analysis

Management accounts

Leadership

Communication

Education

CCAB or CIMA qualified

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Job description

Overview

Imperial Recruitment are delighted to be working with Middlesbrough College on an exclusive basis to recruit a skilled Group Accountant to join the College's Finance Department.

This is a key leadership role, reporting to the Executive Director of Finance and supporting the Vice Principal (Finance & Registry). You will manage the general accounts team, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting, budget setting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and year-end processes.

You will play a central role in helping the College meet its strategic objectives, directly supporting operational teams and senior leadership with financial analysis and reporting that drive decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the general accounts team, ensuring delivery of monthly management accounts and year-end statutory reporting.
• Drive budgeting, reforecasting, and scenario modelling across the College Group.
• Produce and analyse VAT returns and consult with HMRC.
• Manage staffing cost models, forecasting future commitments, and work closely with HR teams.
• Function as a key partner across non-curriculum areas, producing reports and supporting financial decision-making.
• Line manages a team of three and oversees finance authorisation processes (including BACS runs).
• Serve as a main point of contact for external auditors.
• Support ongoing process improvements within the finance function.

Person Specification

Essential

• CCAB or CIMA qualified accountant.
• Experience in management accounts, year-end reporting, and collaborating with auditors.
• Proven expertise in budget setting, forecasting, scenario modelling, and financial analysis.
• Knowledge of financial reporting standards and advanced Excel.
• Experience in VAT reporting and submissions.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and leadership skills.

Desirable

• Experience within the education sector.
• Knowledge of VAT rules, grant funding, and use of Power BI dashboards.
• Experience of process improvement and financial system development.

Why Join Middlesbrough College?

• Competitive salary with progression opportunities.
• Excellent pension scheme (LGPS).
• Opportunity to play a key role in shaping the financial future of a leading College.
• Work within a values-driven organisation committed to respect, responsibility, and excellence.
• Be part of a forward-thinking finance team driving real impact.

How to Apply

Interested in this opportunity?

Apply today through Imperial Recruitment Group to take the next step in your career with Middlesbrough College