Job Title: Management Accountant

Location: Central Trust Office, Guildford.  This is an office based role, with travel to schools within the Trust as needed.

Grade /Salary:   GST Grade I (£46,770 - £51,705 FTE) (6 scale points within banding for progression)

Hours / Working Pattern: 36 hours, All Year Round – part time hours and job share would be considered

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting to: Financial Controller

Responsible for: no direct reports

It is an exciting time to join the Good Shepherd Trust, with growth bringing structural changes, and a Finance team who are keen to streamline processes, improve controls, and bring efficiencies across all aspects of MAT finance.  Part of the strategy includes expanding the team, adding capacity in Management Accounting, which is why we are now looking for two Management Accountants to join the team. 

This is a true business‑partnering role, working closely with Headteachers and School Business Managers to support financial decision‑making, challenge assumptions, and improve financial sustainability across the Trust. You will have responsibility for timely and accurate Management Accounts production for the Trustees.  You will be an excellent communicator, and confident in explaining financial information to non-finance staff.  To be successful in this post you will have an inquisitive nature, willing to persevere to get to the bottom of a problem and find a resolution.

You will be a qualified accountant (or nearly/qualified by experience) with broad experience of accounting packages (we transitioned to Xero for Education (XFE) in April 2026), excellent Excel, strong IT skills, and experience of adopting new systems/platforms.  Experience of working within a MAT environment would be beneficial but not crucial.  More important is the ability to effectively manage your time on multiple tasks whilst achieving deadlines; willingness to learn and understand the multi-faceted pressures of the school environment; strong communication skills (both internal and external); attention to detail; and a positive outlook.

There is an opportunity for the right candidate to influence outcomes and enact real improvements in forthcoming projects within the department.

Key Tasks and responsibilities 

You will provide professional capacity to the Finance Team and support our Academies in a varied and wide-ranging role, ensuring effective financial management and reporting to our Trust Board.  You will provide support in the resolution of financial issues to ensure the best outcomes for our pupils. 

·         Preparation of monthly management accounts, including income statements, balance sheets, cash flows, and commentary for key stakeholders, posting standard journals (accruals/prepayments/deferred income/accrued income), reforecasting outturn against budget as necessary.

·         Develop strong relationships with key stakeholders to support effective financial discussions

·         Reconcile control accounts regularly and remedy any discrepancies in a timely manner

·         Assist with preparation and submission of VAT Returns to HMRC

·         Assist with preparation and submission of other statutory reports and returns as required

·         Ensure payroll costs are accurately recorded in the finance system, including cross‑school recharges, working closely with the payroll provider and HR colleagues

·         Review and approve BACS payments in line with delegated authorities

·         Carry out bank reconciliations within the finance system

·         Support both internal and external audit processes

·         Ensure that Trust’s financial procedures are followed, and consistently applied for both the delegated School budget and the unofficial fund accounts.

·         Continuous improvement of finance processes and controls

·         Carry out projects or other cross-Trust initiatives or functions as required

Person Specification (D – Desirable, E – Essential)

Qualifications / Experience

·         Part Qualified CCAB e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIPFA or CIMA, or Qualified by Experience (E)

·         Experience of working in the education sector (D)

Knowledge & Skills

·         Works accurately possessing great attention to detail (E)

·         Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate financial and contractual information to both technical and non-technical audiences (E)

·         Ability to manage a complex set of priorities and tasks accordingly (E)

·         Able to adapt to new software systems and requirements (E)

·         Advanced Excel skills and experience of financial systems such as Xero for Education and IMP Planner (D)

Personal Attributes

·         Able to seek out information, advice and guidance when required (E)

·         High-level interpersonal skills, sense of humour, and ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders (E)

·         Able to operate to the highest standards of personal/professional conduct and integrity (E)

·         Excellent problem-solving skills – ability to work through complex scenarios and provide a range of solutions (E)

·         The ability to remain calm under pressure and meet deadlines (E)

·         A willingness, where necessary, to support/coach colleagues (E)

·         Flexible in terms of working hours and duties (E)

·         A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people (E)