Job title:	Management Accountant
Job type:	Permanent
Emp type:	Full-time
Salary type:	Annual
Salary from:	GBP £45,000.00
Salary to:	GBP £49,000.00
Job published:	24-03-2026
Job ID:	34650

Job Description

Post Title: Management/Project Accountant	Director/Service/Sector: Cheviot Learning Trust		Office Use: JD Ref: S1682
Grade: Band 9	Workplace: Central Services Team
Responsible to: CFOO & Lead Finance Business Partner	Date: April 2025 March 2026	Manager level: FD
Job Purpose - To ensure the financial effectiveness and performance of the Trust by: Preparation of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including balance reconciliation, and detailed variance analyses of school and Trust performance Complete year end, audit and statutory returns accurately and within deadlines (HMRC, DfE etc.) Promote the highest standards of business practice/integrity within the finance function of the Trust and Trust schools Ensure the most effective use of resources in support of the Trust’s stated aims and ethos, values and vision Implementing financial procedures as required Responsible for managing individual school budgets and KPI and overall Trust performance for the board Support new schools to integrate within the Trust, ensuring policies and procedures are followed
Resources Staff	Performance manage the Finance Team of 8 in the Central Finance Team and carry out appraisals. Direct Line Management of Finance Staff.
Finance	Setting and monitoring 18 school budgets including monthly reporting processes. Total value £40m
Physical	Accuracy and confidentiality of databases and financial records.
Clients	Providing relevant advice and information to the CEO, CFOO, Headteachers, Academy Committees, Three Rivers Trust Directors and government agencies such as DfE
Duties and Key results areas - Responsible for providing operational and strategic financial support for the Trust in conjunction with the Trust Executive Team. Responsible for providing a management accounts service, promoting best practice, value for money and strong financial health in all areas of responsibility. Responsibility for the financial reporting of a group of schools, including monthly management accounts, to the Board, Audit Committee, CEO, CFOO Headteachers and Local Governing Boards. Fulfil the financial accounting needs of the Trust as required, including preparation of VAT returns, control account reconciliations, cash flow reporting etc. Responsible for the month end processes within the Trust in line with the organisation’s deadlines, ensuring the reported position against budgets is accurate and in line with financial procedures. Work alongside the CFOO to support effective financial planning practices in the preparation of school budgets and forecasts. Hold school leaders to account, working with them to ensure they operate within budget and adapt positively to changes in funding. Responsible for completion of year end processes in partnership with the Trust Accountants and Auditors. Work with the Trust auditors to complete any internal or external audits and implement resulting recommendations Ensure whole Trust compliance with financial guidelines, statutory and DfE reporting requirements. Responsible for developing effective and robust policies, financial control environment, delivering value for money for the Trust. Lead on the planning and delivery of finance training, advice, guidance, support to the finance team, school/Trust leadership teams and business managers assisting them in financial management knowledge development. Responsible for the performance management of finance staff at the central location and those working remotely in schools. To support Trust procurement processes and including tenders. Responsible for promoting best practice regarding financial management. To be the first point of contact for the central Finance team on technical accounting matters. The above list of duties is not intended to be exhaustive and may not identify each individual task which may reasonably be requested of the post holder. Employees will be expected to comply with any reasonable request from a senior manager to undertake work of a similar level that is not specified in this job description.
Work Arrangements
Transport Requirements: Working patterns: Working conditions:		Required to use own transport to travel between Trust schools and attend meetings Normal hours but need to also work ‘out of hours’ as necessary Normally indoors

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Post Title: Management Accountant	Director/Service/Sector: Cheviot Learning Trust
Essential	Desirable
Knowledge and Qualifications
Recognised CCAB accountancy qualification e.g. CIMA, ACCA, CIPFA or equivalent or qualified by experience Educated to degree level in a business or finance related discipline e.g. degree in Business Studies or Accountancy Substantial knowledge and understanding of multi-year financial planning and budget management principles Understanding of the implications of government policies and educational trends and developments Extensive knowledge of accounting principles and budgetary processes Extensive knowledge of financial procedures, policies and accounting code structures.	Educated to postgraduate level in a business in a business or finance related discipline e.g. first degree in Business Studies or Accountancy Knowledge of the current developments in education/public sector/schools Knowledge of the requirements for managing public funds, the Academy Trust Handbook and producing statutory returns as required by the ESFA, and company/charity legislation.
Experience
Experience as a Management Accountant Trust and multiple schools budget preparation and planning Managing and reporting on budgets of significant financial value Experienced in a financial control environment Experience of management of systems for measuring performance, assuring quality linked to customer needs/organisational targets Preparation of high-level reports, including recommendations for improvement Experience of managing staff, budgets and physical resources	Knowledge/experience of the public/charitable sector Experience of supporting competitive tender process
Skills and competencies
Ability to provide accurate information, advice and guidance Ability to analyse varied and complex financial information and provide concise summaries Methodical/accurate/thorough but with ability to be innovative and creative, in order to inspire team members/partners Ability to problem solve to identify accounting errors, take corrective measures and ensure common errors are not repeated Excellent organisational skills and knowledge of systems which facilitate achievement of performance /quality goals Able to work under pressure, prioritise work and meet deadlines Ability to work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders Skilled at working independently or as part of a team Excellent communication, written and interpersonal skills Excellent IT skills Experience in the use of financial systems and Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite	Experience of PS Financials, asset management systems
Physical, mental and emotional demands
Lengthy periods of concentrated mental attention and pressures from conflicting deadlines and frequent interruptions Strong and robust constitution: Ability to prioritise own and team’s workload and manage own time effectively Enthusiastic, resilient, creative and flexible Minimal emotional demands, but may occasionally have to investigate situations that could be distressing
Other
Customer led - delivering to ensure that students are well served Ability to develop and deliver clear work programmes and targets Committed to a ‘quality first approach’. Assertive – able to communicate effectively at all levels Self-motivated – able to work alone with minimum supervision Team player

Job Description

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