Junior Management Accountant

About the role

This full‑time, temp‑to‑permanent position supports a forward‑thinking Multi‑Academy Trust in delivering financial sustainability and value for money across its schools. Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will work closely with headteachers, trustees and senior leaders to provide high‑quality budgeting, forecasting and management reporting.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the annual and three‑year budget‑setting process for all schools in the Trust.
• Produce monthly forecasts, variance analysis and explain key differences.
• Prepare termly management reports for trustees and governor meetings.
• Benchmark financial metrics, conduct investment appraisals and monitor income/expenditure consistency.
• Manage salary, payroll and pension reconciliations, fixed‑asset accounting and capital grant monitoring.
• Support statutory accounts preparation and ESFA returns (BFR, BFRO, AAR).
• Deputise for the Director of Finance when required and line‑manage finance staff.

Required profile

• GCSE Mathematics and English (Grade C/4 or above).
• Part‑qualified CCAB accountant or fully qualified AAT.
• Minimum 5 years of accounting experience, including budgeting, management accounts and financial statements.
• Strong analytical ability, attention to detail and capacity to work under pressure.

Required skills

• Advanced Excel (pivot tables, lookups, logical and mathematical formulas).
• Budgeting and forecasting.
• Variance analysis.
• Fixed‑asset accounting and capital grant monitoring.
• Statutory accounts preparation.
• ESFA returns processing.
• Payroll and pension reconciliations.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a values‑driven education environment.
• Strategic role with real influence on organisational sustainability.
• Supportive senior leadership and collaborative finance team.