Management Accoutant
3 days ago
Birmingham
Interim Management Accountant for a 3-6 month assignment based in Birmingham Your new company Management Accountant - Multi-Academy Trust - 15+ SchoolsLocation: Flexible across Trust sites (with hybrid working options) Salary: Competitive, depending on experience Reporting to: Finance Director / Chief Finance Officer About the TrustOur Multi-Academy Trust consists of 19 schools across the region, serving diverse communities and committed to delivering exceptional educational outcomes. We are in a phase of continued growth and transformation, with a focus on robust financial stewardship, transparent reporting, and strategic investment to support school improvement.Role PurposeThe Management Accountant will play a pivotal role in supporting the financial sustainability of the Trust. You will provide high-quality financial reporting, insightful analysis, and expert advice to senior leaders and Principals to support effective decision-making across the 15+-school estate. This position is central to ensuring the Trust meets its statutory, regulatory, and strategic financial obligations. Work History Financial Reporting & Analysis • Prepare timely monthly management accounts for the Trust and individual schools, including variance analysis and commentary., • Produce consolidated Trust-level financial reports and Board packs., • Monitor and analyse key financial performance indicators, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities., • Support year-end processes, including audit preparation and liaison with external auditors.Budgeting & Forecasting, • Lead on the annual budget cycle for allocated schools, working closely with principals, school Business Managers, and central finance staff., • Produce in-year financial forecasts, cash-flow projections, and scenario modelling., • Provide challenge and strategic insight to ensure budgets are realistic, achievable, and aligned with Trust priorities.Business Partnering, • Act as a trusted adviser to school and trust leadership, providing clear, data-driven financial guidance., • Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, and operational teams., • Present financial information in an accessible format to non-finance colleagues., • Ensure adherence to the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA guidance, and relevant statutory obligations., • Support internal audit actions and continuous process improvement., • Maintain robust financial controls and ensure financial information is accurate, complete, and compliant.Systems & Process Improvement, • Contribute to the effective use and development of the Trust’s finance systems (e.g. PS Financials / IRIS / Access / other MAT systems)., • Streamline reporting processes to enhance efficiency and reliability., • Part-qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent)., • Strong experience in management accounting within a complex, multi-site organisation., • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills., • Advanced Excel skills and experience working with financial systems., • Ability to interpret financial information for non-finance colleagues., • Excellent communication, relationship-building, and organisational skills., • Experience working within the education sector, public sector, or charities., • Knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook and ESFA regulatory environment., • Experience producing consolidated accounts or working within a centralised finance function.Personal Attributes, • Proactive, solutions-focused, and commercially astute., • A collaborative team player with a professional approach., • Committed to the Trust’s values, educational mission, and public-sector ethos., • A supportive, values-driven Trust environment., • Professional development and study support where relevant., • Opportunities for career progression within a growing MAT.