Management Accountant @ EA FIRST LTD

EA First is delighted to be recruiting a Management Accountant to join a Not-for-Profit within the education sector, this role is based in Stoke-on-Trent. This is an excellent opportunity for a accountant to take on a varied role, combining management accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and business partnering. The role is paying £43,000 - £46,000 per annum, plus access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Our client is an Not-for-Profit organisation operating within the education sector, committed to delivering high quality services and making a positive difference to the communities it supports. With a strong focus on financial sustainability, continuous improvement and professional development, the organisation offers a collaborative working environment where finance plays a key role in supporting operational and strategic decisions. The successful candidate will join a dedicated finance team, with the opportunity to influence financial processes, strengthen reporting and work closely with senior stakeholders.

Management Accountant

• Lead the preparation of monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and commentary.
• Prepare annual budgets, financial forecasts and medium term financial plans.
• Business partner with budget holders and senior leaders, providing financial advice, analysis and constructive challenge.
• Complete month end and year end accounting processes, including balance sheet reconciliations, accruals, prepayments and journals.
• Support the preparation of statutory accounts, audit schedules and regulatory returns.
• Monitor cash flow, grant funding and expenditure to support financial sustainability.
• Maintain oversight of VAT, fixed assets and capital expenditure.
• Support the development and improvement of financial systems, processes and internal controls.
• Assist with internal and external audits, ensuring compliance with relevant financial regulations.
• Provide guidance and support to finance colleagues, including line management responsibilities.
• Produce financial reports, business cases and analysis to support strategic decision making.

Management Accountant

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent recognised qualification). Part-qualified will also be considered.
• At least five years' experience working within a finance environment.
• Strong experience preparing management accounts, budgets, forecasts and financial reports.
• Confident completing month-end and year-end processes, including balance sheet reconciliations.
• Experience supporting statutory accounts preparation, audit processes and financial controls.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, with strong analytical and financial modelling capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to work alongside and challenge senior stakeholders.
• A proactive approach to identifying improvements and developing more efficient financial processes.
• Experience within education, charities, the public sector or another Not-for-Profit environment would be advantageous but is not essential.
• Knowledge of PS Financials would be beneficial, although not essential.
• £43,000 to £46,000 per annum.
• Permanent.
• 37 hours per week.
• Annual leave entitlement starts from 28 days, increasing to 33 days after 5 years' service.
• This role is based fully onsite (Stoke-on-Trent), with working hours of 8:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Thursday, and 8:00am to 3:30pm on Friday.
• Local Government Pension Scheme, Staffordshire Pension Fund.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Free onsite parking.
• Subsidised meals.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.

EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.