Leyton Orient Trust Management Accountant

EFL; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused charity is looking for a Management Accountant to oversee financial governance, reporting, and strategic planning. This pivotal role supports compliance and facilitates sustainable growth. Key responsibilities include advising on financial strategies, delivering management accounts, and ensuring accurate audits. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, knowledge of charity financial legislation, and experience with Xero software.

Qualifications

• Experience with financial legislation related to charities is essential.
• Ability to interpret financial statements and provide guidance.
• Strong adaptability and readiness to support diverse financial activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead financial operations ensuring compliance and accurate reporting.
• Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with Trust's goals.
• Oversee financial transactions and maintain robust internal controls.
• Coordinate annual external audits and respond to auditor inquiries.

Skills

Experience of preparing SOFA and year-end charity financial statements

Excellent communicator (written and verbal)

Knowledge of payroll and PAYE

Able to self-motivate, good time management and meet deadlines

Knowledge of Xero software

Tools

Xero

Job description

About The Role

The Management Accountant will lead and deliver all aspects of the financial operations of Leyton Orient Trust, ensuring strong financial governance, accurate reporting, and strategic financial planning. This role is central to maintaining compliance, supporting growth, and enabling long-term sustainability across the Trust's activities.

Strategic & Financial Leadership

• Advise and support the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team and Trustees with financial insights, real‑time planning and recommendations
• Develop, shape and implement financial strategies aligned with the Trust's long‑term goals
• Lead forecasting, cash‑flow planning and financial scenario modelling
• Guide policy on reserves, risk management and financial resilience

Financial Management & Controls

• Maintain robust financial systems and internal controls
• Deliver monthly management accounts with clear narrative analysis
• Oversee all financial transactions, including grant compliance and restricted funding

Reporting & Compliance

• Provide monthly departmental financial analysis to the CEO
• Prepare quarterly and annual reports for the Board of Trustees
• Lead the annual budgeting cycle and support departmental budget planning
• Ensure adherence to Charity SORP, VAT regulations and audit standards

Operational Financial Responsibility

• Process payroll, pensions and HMRC submissions on a monthly basis
• Manage aged creditors, prepare supplier payments and conduct account reconciliations
• Manage aged debtors, code and raise invoices and manage overdue debtors
• Monitor monthly reconciliations for bank accounts, control accounts and restricted funds

Systems & Process Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the finance system (e.g. Xero)
• Champion digital tools and process improvements
• Support procurement, asset management and cost efficiency
• Maintain all related finance systems including funding contracts and employee records

Staff & Departmental Support

• Help managers interpret and manage their budgets
• Contribute financial input to funding bids, contracts and project planning
• Line‑manage related staff, if applicable

Audit & Governance

• Coordinate the annual external audit, including preparation of audit documentation
• Serve as the primary contact for auditors
• Keep financial policies current and ensure effective implementation
• Attend Trustee meetings to present financial updates and respond to queries

Other Duties

• Carry out other tasks in line with the role and organisational needs, including supporting Club Finance operations as and when required

About The Candidate

• Experience of preparing SOFA and year‑end charity financial statements
• Knowledge of financial legislation in respect of charities
• Excellent communicator (written and verbal)
• Knowledge of Xero software
• Knowledge of payroll and PAYE
• Able to self‑motivate, good time management and meet deadlines

About The Club

Leyton Orient Trust operates as a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Trust delivers a range of engagement and development programmes to communities based in Waltham Forest, Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Redbridge.

Its mission is to deliver and develop Health, Well‑Being, Educational Attainment and Employability programmes that are relevant, engaging and inspiring. Since its creation in 1989 Leyton Orient Trust has invested over £32 million in North and East London, touching the lives of over 110,000 people.

The vision of Leyton Orient Trust is: "Using the power of sport to improve life chances".

Leyton Orient Trust aligns itself with the aims and objectives of local, regional and national government, their agencies and the third sector where appropriate and of mutual benefit, particularly in the London Boroughs of Hackney, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest.