Management Accountant

Ivy Rock Partners is thrilled to be working with a fabulous school in Kent to recruit a new Management Accountant.

The Role

The Management Accountant will report to the Director of Finance and work closely with staff in all academic and support departments within the School, playing a critical role in the financial planning and decision making of the School. Main Duties and Responsibilities Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Financial reporting

• Preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and financial commentary.
• Analysis of financial information to provide insights to drive business strategy and operational efficiencies.
• Preparation of statutory accounts and liaising with external auditors during the audit process. Budgeting and forecasting
• Play a key role in the preparation of annual budgets and forecasts, working closely with departmental managers to ensure accurate and achievable budgets.
• Prepare updated forecasts to reflect changes in the business environment.
• Monitor budget performance and provide updates.
• Collaborate with budget holders to understand their financial needs and support them in achieving their objectives, providing insights and recommendations. Cost analysis and controls
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce business costs and improve efficiency.
• Assist in the identification and management of financial risks, implementing controls to mitigate them where possible. Ad hoc responsibilities
• Manage the implementation of VAT and filing of VAT returns, including developing processes for the introduction of VAT.
• Oversee the preparation of VAT returns ensuring compliance with VAT laws and regulations.

• Maintain up to date knowledge with latest VAT regulations and ensure the finance team is updated regularly.

Person specification

The successful candidate will possess the following attributes:

• Be ACCA, ACA or CIMA/CIPFA qualified, or suitably qualified by experience with financial acumen and strong relevant experience.
• The ability to meet strict deadlines and deliver results.
• Strong ownership and accountability along with a "can-do" attitude. Willing to contribute and take responsibility.
• Strong analysis and problem solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to explain complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Experienced in financial accounting, preferably gained within the educational sector or similar organisations.

• Possess a good understanding of VAT and payroll regulations.
• Excellent IT skills with experience of WCBS PASS and iSAMS desirable.
• Resilient and tenacious, able to work calmly and effectively under pressure within a complex and busy environment.

Hours

The basic hours are 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, all year round, although flexibility in these working hours will be required to meet the demands of the role during peak times.

Salary and Benefits

Salary A salary of circa £50,000 per year is available for this post, depending on the qualifications, skills and experience of the successful candidate.

Benefits

• Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum excluding bank holidays.
• School lunch.
• Free parking.
• Membership of the school’s defined contribution pension scheme is available.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Membership of the school’s fitness centre.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Free or reduced price tickets to events in The Space, our Performing Arts Centre.