Financial Accountant

About Us

Supporting Education Group is the leading education services platform in the UK working with schools, learners, multi academy trusts, local authorities, nurseries, and government departments to help solve the biggest human capital challenges facing the sector. Our goal is to empower students, educators, schools and governments with technology, expertise and resources to ensure a high-quality education for all. The group is shaped into four practices covering qualifications and training, recruitment and supply, professional services and SEND and inclusion with a strong passion and collective purpose to make a positive impact on the education sector. About the Role

As a financial accountant within the central finance team, you'll be responsible for preparing the accounts for our SEND & Inclusion practice. The role includes, but is not limited to the following tasks. Management Accounting

• Prepare monthly management accounts and reporting packs.

• Deliver detailed variance analysis breakdown, financial commentary and KPI reporting.

• Support budgeting, forecasting and reforecasting processes.

• Provide insights into revenue , costs, provide historical trends to business partners Financial Accounting & Control

• Deliver month-end close activities, ensuring accurate and timely reporting.

• Prepare journals, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations.

• Maintain strong controls over financial transactions and reporting processes.

• Manage fixed asset accounting, including additions, disposals and depreciation.

• Ensure integrity of the general ledger and supporting schedules.

• Review and resolve balance sheet issues and aged outstanding items. Compliance & Statutory Reporting

• Support the preparation of statutory accounts and audit requirements.

• Assist with year-end audit processes and requests.

• Prepare VAT returns and support wider tax compliance activities.

• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, policies and financial controls.

• Support implementation of process improvements and governance initiatives. Process Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement across finance processes.

• Improve reporting automation, data quality and control environments.

• Support finance transformation initiatives and system enhancements.

• Contribute to standardisation of policies, processes and reporting across the Group. What You Can Offer

• ACCA or CIMA finalist / part-qualified, actively progressing towards qualification.

• Strong Practical experience of:

• • Monthly management accounts and reporting packs.
• • Month-end close - journals, accruals and prepayments.
• • Balance-sheet reconciliations and resolving aged items.
• • Variance analysis and financial commentary.
• • Supporting Budgeting and forecasting process.
• • Group and entity level VAT returns.
• • Fixed assets - additions, disposals and depreciation.
• • Supporting year-end accounts and external audit.

• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with finance systems.

• Able to work independently and meet tight month-end deadlines. This role would be ideally suited to candidates with:

• Around 3-5 years' relevant accounting experience

• Experience in a multi-entity / group environment.

• Experience improving processes, controls and reporting.

• Ability to explain financial results clearly to non-finance colleagues.

Our Benefits:

• Whilst we work in a hybrid way, with collaboration being one of our values, we'd expect you to regularly be in our Holborn office, at least three days per week.
• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays
• Health Cash Plan, once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn
• Learning and development opportunities
• Volunteer days - 3 paid volunteer days a year, with 2 dedicated to Education

By joining us, you will become part of a community that is dedicated to transforming lives and sustaining communities, where your voice is heard, your ideas are valued, and your individuality is celebrated. Together, we will continue to advance our passion for education and build brighter futures for all.

Employment offers are subject to satisfactory vetting checks. These checks will be run in line with the latest guidance and legislation. You will need to already have the right to work in the UK, as we are not able to offer any sponsorship(s) for visa applicants.