Cost Accountant jobs in United Kingdom

Company Description

Global University Systems (GUS) owns and operates one of the world's most diverse networks of higher education institutions, with over 60,000 students in six countries and a global presence online. Leading UK-based institutions such as The University of Law, London School of Business and Finance (LSBF), Arden University, University Canada West, the University of Applied Sciences Europe and the Berlin-based GISMA Business School are part of the Group, which owns six universities and a wide network of language, business, and professional Schools. As well as the UK and Germany, the group operates institutions in Canada, Ireland, Israel, and Singapore.

Position

Senior Management Accountant

Role Type: Permanent

Location: London (hybrid)

Director Reports: Management Accountants (based in India)

Competitive Salary

Reporting into the Finance Director within growing Finance function, this is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in planning and analysis of activities across all entities within Colleges Division.

Core responsibilities include leading monthly management accounts production for all entities in the division, variance analysis, business partnering and supporting senior management with understanding their finances, month-end postings and balance sheet reconciliations. This is a high profile role which will interact with senior management teams within the head office and with colleagues in the subsidiary finance teams.

It is an ideal role for an ambitious, recently qualified accountant looking to build on their previous experience in a relevant role.

Requirements

Key Activities & Responsibilities

Under the guidance of the Finance Director:

Management accounts

• Lead month-end procedures and timely preparation of monthly management accounts for all entities in Colleges Division
• Partner with senior management and stakeholders to review management accounts and understand variances shown
• Partner with senior management and stakeholders to review and update FYF on a monthly basis. Question and challenge their assumptions.
• Raise issues and concerns to FD regarding performance of each entity
• Provides student number data and other KPIs
• Writes associated commentary
• Support the maintenance of systems and the collection and review of reporting from the subsidiary finance teams

Balance sheet reconciliations

• Lead monthly balance Sheet reconciliation process
• Balance Sheet reconciliations completed every month for all entities
• Maintain Fixed Asset Register
• Maintain intercompany accounts

Stakeholder relationship management

• Develops positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Communicates and gains commitment from internal and external stakeholders.
• Uses emerging technologies to collaborate and communicate effectively with stakeholders.
• Applies professional and ethical judgement when engaging with stakeholders.
• Aligns organisational strategic objectives with stakeholders' needs and manages expectations.

Strategy and innovation

• Use business and commercial acumen awareness to deliver business objectives.
• Can suggest appropriate strategic options where sustainable plans and objectives can be developed.
• Evaluates, justifies, and puts strategic options in place.
• Uses various innovative methods to implement strategy and manage change.

Team management

• Manage two Management Accountants in India.
• Distribute work accordingly to ensure management accounts are issued on time

Qualifications/Education

Essential

• Strong Academics
• Recently qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA)

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

• Exceptional Analytical skills and strong commercial acumen
• Highly organized, with the ability to take the initiative and prioritise work to meet deadlines; takes responsibility for tasks and their delivery
• Effective and proactive communicator with the ability to build relationships across the business
• Track record of delivery against tight timeframes in a fast-paced environment
• Skilled at managing large, complex data sets
• Enthusiastic, ambitious, and a natural team player

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as Management Accountant or similar for over 7 years.
• Advanced Excel Skills

Desirable

• Experience of Power BI
• Experience of Excel Macros

What we offer our Colleagues:

• 20 days annual leave
• Pension 5% personal contribution & 3% Company contribution
• Season Ticket Loan (T&C's apply)
• Vision Express Eye Care Vouchers
• Training & Development opportunities (T&C's apply)
• Staff Discount Scheme - via My Rewards Hub, from various retailers - Fashion, Grocery, Health & Beauty, Travel, Automotive, Furniture, Dining, Sports and Leisure, Electronics etc
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Refer a friend scheme for staff members (T&Cs apply).
• Social events on campus and through GUS Social Committee "GOSH - GUS on Staff Happiness".

Why join us?

We offer a competitive annual leave entitlement, a hybrid working policy which allows a healthy work-life balance, competitive pay & employee benefits, varied learning and development opportunities and a wide range of benefits that you can tailor to suit your lifestyle.

Please note: Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted.

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success.

Global University Systems is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion or belief.

• £64789.43 Per Annum £64,789.43 pa plus travel to work allowance up to £3800 pa
• £70000 - £75000 per annum + strong co bens and bonus scheme
• £64789.43 Per Annum £64,789.43 pa plus travel to work allowance up to £3800 pa
• £70000 - £75000 per annum + strong co bens and bonus scheme