Management Accountant

Sharp Consultancy; Huddersfield; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

Sharp Consultancy is seeking a motivated Management Accountant to join an established education sector organisation in Huddersfield. You will support the production of management accounts, budgeting, and financial reporting, delivering insights for informed decision-making.

The role suits a part-qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA) or an experienced finance professional aiming to develop management accounting skills within a purpose-driven environment.

Qualifications

• Studying towards CIMA or ACCA (preferred).
• Experience in management accounting or assistant management accounting.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly management accounts, variance analysis and commentary
• Support budgeting and forecasting across departments
• Prepare balance sheet reconciliations and investigate variances
• Prepare accruals, prepayments and month-end journals
• Monitor expenditure against budgets and report to budget holders
• Assist with cash flow forecasting and financial planning
• Support statutory and management reporting
• Provide financial analysis to support decision-making
• Assist year-end and external audits
• Maintain accurate records and internal controls
• Collaborate with non-finance stakeholders on financial matters
• Identify opportunities to improve processes and reporting

Skills

Variance analysis

Budgeting

Cash flow forecasting

Financial reporting

Management accounting

Education

Part-qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA) or qualified by experience

Job description

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and proactive Management Accountant to join a well-established organisation within the education sector based in Huddersfield. With a strong commitment to delivering high-quality educational services and supporting positive outcomes for learners, the organisation plays a vital role within the local community and continues to invest in its people and resources.

This role is ideally suited to a Part-Qualified Accountant (CIMA/ACCA) or an experienced finance professional seeking to further develop their management accounting skills within a purpose-driven and rewarding environment.

Working as part of a supportive finance team and reporting directly to the Finance Manager, you will be responsible for assisting with the production of management accounts, budget monitoring, financial reporting, and providing meaningful financial insight to support effective decision-making across the organisation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary

• Supporting the budgeting and forecasting process across departments and cost centers

• Producing balance sheet reconciliations and investigating any variances identified

• Preparing accruals, prepayments, and month-end journals

• Monitoring departmental expenditure against budgets and providing regular financial reports to budget holders

• Assisting with cash flow forecasting and financial planning activities

• Supporting the production of statutory and management reporting requirements

• Providing financial analysis to support operational and strategic decision-making

• Assisting with year-end processes and external audit requirements

• Maintaining accurate financial records and ensuring compliance with internal controls and financial procedures

• Working closely with non-finance stakeholders to provide guidance and support on financial matters

• Identifying opportunities to improve financial processes, reporting accuracy, and operational efficiencies

This position offers excellent exposure to management accounting within a complex and varied organisation, providing opportunities to develop both technical and commercial finance skills. As your experience grows, you will have the chance to take on additional responsibilities and contribute to wider finance and business improvement projects.

The successful candidate will ideally be studying towards a professional accounting qualification such as CIMA or ACCA, although candidates who are qualified by experience will also be considered. Previous experience within a management accounting, assistant management accounting, or similar finance role is essential. Experience within the education, public sector, not-for-profit, or wider service sector would be advantageous but is not essential.

• In return, the organisation offers a supportive working environment, excellent work-life balance, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to contribute to an organisation that makes a meaningful difference within the community.