Trust Accountant

MERIDIAN TRUST; Cookham Dean; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities

Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to work scheme

Pension (local government/teacher)

Healthcare benefits including eyewear

Free on-site parking

Discounts on benefits

Job summary

Meridian Trust is seeking a Finance professional to ensure compliance with financial regulations, oversee month-end processes, and drive common financial systems across the Trust. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will provide key financial information to academy leaders to ensure best value and effective budgeting.

The role involves travel between multiple school sites within the Trust and offers opportunities for training and development within a values-led organisation.

Qualifications

• Professional qualification in accountancy (ACA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Experience with budgeting and forecasting
• Proficient in data management

Responsibilities

• Lead month-end checks for school accounts
• Line manage the finance team with regular training and development
• Support budget tracking and planning with leadership teams
• Travel between school sites within the Trust as required

Skills

Accountancy qualification knowledge

Budgeting & forecasting

Data management

Payroll knowledge

Attention to detail

Travel willingness

Education

ACA/CIMA/CIPFA/ACCA or equivalent

Tools

Payroll systems

Financial management systems

Job description

You will play an important role in ensuring the finance team comply with all internal and external financial regulations, the completion and submission of month end reports and development of common financial systems across the Trust. Reporting to the Director of Finance, the postholder will ensure the executive board, academy leaders and other key business leaders have the financial information to ensure best value in meeting the objects of the trust. Our Trust Accountants are based largely in the schools they serve, schools will be allocated to the successful candidate likely within the North of Cambridgeshire. Please note this role will require travel between these sites within these areas or other areas within the trust where required. The opportunity

• To join a growing Trust with a breadth of opportunities
• To successfully line manage a strong, fun and enthusiastic finance team through regular training and development
• Work closely with members of the leadership team to support budget tracking and planning processes
• Play a key role in month end checks for all school accounts
  Good educational background including a professional qualification in accountancy (ACA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACCA or equivalent)
• Knowledge of Financial management processes and systems
• Experience of ownership of budgetary and forecasting management
• Proficient in data management
• Knowledge of payroll
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Will be prepared to travel to work across a small group of schools
  Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.
  Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to -
• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher's pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays