Interim Management Accountant

Robertson Bell; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading education provider in Milton Keynes is looking for an interim Management Accountant for an initial three-month contract. This high-impact role requires a qualified accountant with experience in the education sector. Responsibilities include leading management accounts, budgeting, and forecasting, while building relationships with stakeholders. The role is office-based, requiring presence on-site five days a week, and offers the chance to contribute to meaningful changes within the trust's financial operations.

Qualifications

• Be a qualified accountant or qualified by experience.
• Experience working in the education sector (MAT's, Academies or Schools).
• Confident in working with non-financial stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead monthly management accounts, budgeting, and forecasting for multiple schools.
• Build strong relationships with Headteachers and budget holders.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives and ensure compliance with DfE guidance.

Skills

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or qualified by experience

Experience in the education sector

Strong Excel skills

Ability to influence senior leaders

Job description

Location: Buckinghamshire, Milton Keynes

Robertson Bell is supporting a sizeable Education provider based in Milton Keynes to recruit an interim Management Accountant on an initial three-month contract.

This is a high-impact role offering real variety, visibility, and the chance to make a measurable difference across the trust’s operations.

The Management Accountant will:

• Lead monthly management accounts, budgeting and forecasting for multiple schools
• Build strong relationships with Headteachers and budget holders, offering challenge and support.
• Present financial information to senior leaders and governors in an accessible, non-technical way.
• Drive cost-saving initiatives and ensure all financial decisions reflect value for money.
• Support year-end processes, internal/external audits, and ensure compliance with DfE guidance.

This role is office-based, with five days per week required on site in Milton Keynes.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA), or qualified by experience
• Have experience of working in the education sector (MAT's, Academies or Schools), in a similar role
• Be confident working with non-financial stakeholders and able to influence senior leaders
• Possess strong Excel skills and a proactive, solutions-focused approach

This role offers the chance to join a forward-thinking and supportive central team at a time of meaningful change. You’ll be trusted to take ownership, bring ideas, and help shape the way finance supports the trust’s educational mission.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis with interviews taking place as soon as suitable candidates are identified. Early application is highly encouraged.