Group management accountant

Group Management Accountant GBP44,411 - GBP49,551 per annum (Management Salary Scale, points 4-8) Permanent - 37 per week Middlesbrough Responsibilities * To support the Head of Finance and Vice Principal (Finance and Registry) by producing accurate and timely financial information and analysis for the production of the group management accounts pack. * Managing the departmental budget review and business partnering process for non-curriculum areas including production and circulation of monthly reports and review and challenge of performance against budget and forecast covering income, staffing expenditure and other non-pay costs. * Specific responsibility for maintaining the model which costs forward staffing commitments. This includes undertaking scenario analysis when required to evaluate changes in resource levels, rates of pay, pay awards/increments and changes to pension arrangements. * To complete monthly balance sheet control account reconciliations on a timely basis, overseeing all control reconciliations and checking for completeness, accuracy and reasonableness, including the entering, checking and posting of certain financial journals. * To operate as part of the finance management team including line management of three direct reports and responsibility for certain key finance authorisation activities such as payment runs. * Working alongside other senior members of the finance team to deliver the annual budgeting and planning cycle, liaising with budget holders across the organisation and compiling information and analysis. * Act as key point of contact for external auditors. Work alongside the Head of Finance to prepare year-end financial statements, reports and regulatory returns for all Group entities. * Preparation of VAT returns for the Group, ensuring accuracy and timely submission and payment of liabilities to HMRC. * To ensure all core funding is reconciled and received in line with allocations and monitor the payment profile for cash flow monitoring, ensuring accurate coding for management accounting purposes. * To build strong relationships across the organisation providing capacity to support ad-hoc commercial decision making as required. Undertaking data analysis and producing reports and financial forecasts to support strategic planning and scoping of new commercial/project opportunities. Provision of proactive information which identifies key issues and trends. * To contribute to the continuous development of the finance function, identifying areas for improvement, opportunities for increased financial efficiencies, improving reporting systems and reports, to ensure all information is captured and reported timely and accurately. Other Duties * To actively show a commitment to the Departmental Strategic Objectives. * To show an active commitment to the Equality and Diversity Policy, Quality Frameworks and Health Safety Procedures. * To actively participate in Continuous Professional Development including the introduction of new technologies to allow you to contribute effectively to the success of the organisation. * The organisation may, in consultation with you, need to vary these duties from time to time in order to respond to the changing requirements. Such other duties will be commensurate with your skills, knowledge and experience. Qualifications CCAB or CIMA Qualified Grade C or above in Maths and English (or equivalent). Experience Essential: Experience of producing accurate financial information for the production of the management accounts and year-end financial statements, including liaising with auditors. Experience of forecasting, scenario modelling and analysis. Experience of budget setting and planning. Experience of providing comprehensive management information to senior managers. Experience of producing and analysing financial data for VAT returns and reporting to HMRC. Experience of line and performance management and co-ordination of workloads. Experience of working to tight deadlines and providing accurate, timely financial information. Desirable: Experience of implementation and development of financial management information systems. Experience of working within education. Knowledge Skills Essential: To be able to develop positive working relationships with colleagues across the group. Proven ability to organise and prioritise workload to complete tasks within given timeframes, and work using own initiative. Ability to coordinate several activities at once, quickly analyse and resolve specific problems. Energy and drive to meet targets and demanding deadlines. Ability to work well under pressure. High level of analytical and numerical skills with an attention to detail. To have excellent communication and presentation skills. A detailed knowledge of accounting, budgeting and forecasting principles. Professional manner and ability to engage and communicate effectively with staff at all levels across the group. A positive, self-reliant, open-minded and enthusiastic attitude. Knowledge of financial reporting standards. Knowledge of Microsoft excel advanced functions to analyse data and produce charts and graphs. Knowledge of complex Management Information Systems