Management Accountant

Job description

Company & Business Overview Our client is a well-established and growing technology services provider supporting the education sector across England. As part of a wider group of complementary businesses, the organisation delivers IT, MIS, GDPR support, consultancy, and training services to schools, academies, and Multi Academy Trusts. With a turnover of approximately £20m and a headcount of over 200 employees, the business is the largest entity within its group.   Job Overview You will act as the finance lead for a key operating division, reporting both to local management and to the wider group finance function. You will also serve as a finance business partner to operational and sales teams, helping the business make informed and commercially sound financial decisions. The successful candidate will be expected to integrate quickly into a highly effective team while also demonstrating the ability to work independently and deliver to deadlines. This is a hybrid role based at the company’s head office in Oxfordshire, with a minimum expectation of three days per week in the office.   Responsibilities Management Accounts As the Management Accountant, your duties will include:

• Production of monthly management accounts, including preparation of:
• Monthly P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow statements
• Detailed monthly P&Ls for all operational teams
• Detailed balance sheet reconciliations, including deferred and accrued income to ensure recurring contract revenue is recognised in line with group accounting standards
• Close management of WIP (IT equipment and project sales) to ensure gross margins are accurate and recognised in a timely manner
• Service and product revenue and margin analysis
• Reconciliation of all intercompany balances
• Monthly commentary for group and senior management on performance versus budget

Budgeting & Forecasting

• Business partner with the Managing Director, operational teams, and CFO/FD to build the annual budget, including P&L, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow forecasts, as well as any formal reforecasts during the financial year
• Regularly present financial reports to the Managing Director, highlighting key trends, financial opportunities, and areas of concern
• Act as a finance partner and advisor to the Managing Director, participating in monthly senior leadership meetings to provide financial insight on business matters
• Provide financial analysis to support strategic decision-making, ensuring alignment with overall company objectives

Other Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit quarterly VAT returns
• Maintain the Fixed Asset Register
• Support the annual audit process, including preparation of audit schedules and liaison with external auditors
• Contribute to continuous improvement of finance systems and processes
• Complete ad hoc tasks as required to support business needs
• Act as backup for the Group Payroll Manager

Skills & Experience The Management Accountant must:

• Have experience producing full monthly management accounts, including P&L, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements
• Possess strong bookkeeping skills
• Be comfortable liaising with external advisors and auditors
• Have experience recording VAT and submitting quarterly/monthly returns to HMRC
• Demonstrate strong Excel skills
• Be proactive in improving and simplifying processes to enable a more efficient and accurate month-end close
• Be comfortable operating in a fast-paced, growing organisation
• Have a hands-on, problem-solving mindset
• Be a strong team player

Ideally, you will:

• Be a qualified or part-qualified accountant
• Have experience with Access Dimensions or a similar ERP system
• Be keen to initiate and support system and process improvements

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