Financial Accountant

Financial Accountant

Salary: £41,050 per annumContract: Full Time, 37.5 hours per weekWorking Hours: 08:30 - 16:30Location: Central Services Team (Hybrid/Office-based) Head office based in Sheffield

About the Organisation

Reed Education are working with a well-established multi-academy trust committed to providing exceptional educational experiences for children and young people across a family of academies. Guided by high standards, strong governance, and a commitment to inclusion, the Trust works collaboratively to remove barriers to success and ensure every learner can thrive.

The Role

The trust is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Financial Accountant to join their Central Finance Team. Reporting to the Head of Finance, you will take the lead on financial accounting across the Trust, providing expert advice and robust financial reporting to support effective decision-making.

You will also line manage the Assistant Financial Accountant, ensuring strong financial controls, best practice processes, and high standards of compliance are maintained across all academies.

This is a key role within the organisation, offering both strategic influence and hands-on responsibility within a supportive and collaborative finance function.

Key Responsibilities

As Financial Accountant, you will:

• Line manage the Assistant Financial Accountant and support the identification and mitigation of financial risks
• Lead the annual accounts and external audit processes, supporting the Head of Finance on wider financial matters
• Manage in-year forecasting, capital monitoring, daily cashflow, investment strategy, and monthly payroll reviews, including posting journals
• Oversee balance sheet management, bank activity, and credit card processes
• Produce routine management reports, particularly relating to cashflow and capital expenditure
• Embed strong financial governance across academies, ensuring compliance with the financial scheme of delegation, regulatory returns, and grant requirements
• Act as lead for finance systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose
• Manage VAT and Corporation Tax submissions
• Build strong working relationships with academies, providing guidance and support as required
• Commit to ongoing professional development and mandatory training

What We're Looking For

You will bring:

• A recognised accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA or CIMA)
• Proven experience in financial management, statutory accounts, audit processes, and balance sheet management
• Advanced Excel skills and the ability to interpret and present complex financial data clearly
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to adapt your approach for a range of stakeholders
• A flexible, organised, and resilient mindset, with strong problem-solving skills
• A genuine interest in education and a commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience within an academy trust or education environment
• Familiarity with DfE returns, VAT, and capital funding

Safeguarding

Reed Education and the employing school are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All applicants will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and comply with safer recruitment procedures.

Ready to Apply?

If you're an enthusiastic finance manager who wants to bring meaningful change to the lives of young people, we'd love to hear from you. Click 'Apply Now' to start your journey!