Management Accountant

EA First; Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS

Free onsite parking

Subsidised meals

Gym membership

Cycle to work

Employee assistance

Job summary

EA First is recruiting a Management Accountant for a Not-for-Profit in the education sector, based onsite in Stoke-on-Trent. The role combines management accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and business partnering.

You will lead monthly management accounts, support statutory reporting and audits, monitor cash flow and grants, and provide financial insight to senior stakeholders. The role offers a collaborative finance team with Local Government Pension Scheme access and

Qualifications

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).
• Part-qualified will also be considered.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts with variance analysis.
• Prepare annual budgets, forecasts and medium-term financial plans.
• Business partner with budget holders and senior leaders, providing financial advice and challenge.
• Complete month-end and year-end processes including reconciliations and journals.
• Support statutory accounts, audit schedules and regulatory returns.
• Monitor cash flow, grant funding and expenditure to support sustainability.
• Oversee VAT, fixed assets and capital expenditure.
• Assist development and improvement of financial systems and internal controls.
• Support internal/external audits and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide guidance to finance colleagues including line management responsibilities.
• Produce financial reports and analyses to support strategic decisions.

Job description

EA First is delighted to be recruiting a Management Accountant to join a Not-for-Profit within the education sector, this role is based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an excellent opportunity for a accountant to take on a varied role, combining management accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and business partnering. The role is paying £43,000 - £46,000 per annum, plus access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Our client is an Not-for-Profit organisation operating within the education sector, committed to delivering high quality services and making a positive difference to the communities it supports. With a strong focus on financial sustainability, continuous improvement and professional development, the organisation offers a collaborative working environment where finance plays a key role in supporting operational and strategic decisions. The successful candidate will join a dedicated finance team, with the opportunity to influence financial processes, strengthen reporting and work closely with senior stakeholders.

Management Accountant:

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Prepare annual budgets, financial forecasts and medium term financial plans.
• Business partner with budget holders and senior leaders, providing financial advice, analysis and constructive challenge.
• Complete month end and year end accounting processes, including balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and journals.
• Support the preparation of statutory accounts, audit schedules and regulatory returns.
• Monitor cash flow, grant funding and expenditure to support financial sustainability.
• Maintain oversight of VAT, fixed assets and capital expenditure.
• Support the development and improvement of financial systems, processes and internal controls.
• Assist with internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to finance colleagues, including line management responsibilities.
• Produce financial reports, business cases and analysis to support strategic decision making.

Management Accountant:

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent recognised qualification). Part-qualified will also be considered.
• At least five years' experience working within a finance environment.
• Strong experience preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reports.
• Confident completing month-end and year-end processes, including balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience supporting statutory accounts preparation, audit processes and financial controls.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, with strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to work alongside and challenge senior stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to identifying improvements and developing more efficient financial processes.
• Experience within education, charities, the public sector or another Not-for-Profit environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Knowledge of PS Financials would be beneficial, although not essential.

• £43,000 to £46,000 per annum.
• Permanent.
• 37 hours per week.
• Annual leave entitlement starts from 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 5 years' service.
• This role is based fully onsite (Stoke-on-Trent), with working hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:00am to 3:30pm on Friday.
• Local Government Pension Scheme, Staffordshire Pension Fund.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free onsite parking.
• Subsidised meals.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.