Financial Reporting Accountant
High Wycombe | Permanent | Full-time | £45,000–£55,000 (DOE)
Immediate start available
Join one of the UK’s leading independent school groups.
Alpha Schools is seeking a talented and driven Financial Reporting Accountant to join our Head Office team in High Wycombe. This is a key role within a fast-growing organisation, offering the opportunity to shape financial processes, influence operational improvements, and work closely with senior leadership.
About the role :
Reporting directly to the CFO, the Financial Reporting Accountant will lead on financial control, audit coordination, technical accounting, and the delivery of accurate and insightful group reporting. You will also drive process improvements, enhance systems, and support ongoing operational transformation projects across the organisation.
This role is office-based, with occasional UK travel to our schools.
Key Responsibilities :
Financial Reporting
* Oversee full transactional finance operations and deliver monthly, quarterly and annual financial reporting, ensuring accuracy and compliance with relevant accounting standards.
* Manage statutory reporting for all legal entities within the group, and preparation of consolidated financial statements for internal and external stakeholders.
* Manage risk and improve the cash operating cycle through enforcing policies on purchasing, expenses, and credit control and lead the short-term cash flow forecasting.
Financial Control & Governance
* Lead and continuously improve a strong financial control environment, driving process efficiency, automation and best practice policies across the group.
* Oversee balance sheet integrity and risk management, including reconciliations and provisioning (e.g., bad debts, accruals).
* Manage the audit process, acting as a key point of contact for external auditors.
Process Improvement & Systems
* Act as the Finance Operations lead for company-wide projects, providing subject-matter expertise.
* Drive automation and efficiency improvements in reporting processes, using financial systems and tools (e.g., ERP, consolidation systems).
* Any other duties as directed by the CFO.
Management & Leadership
* Work with the team of Finance Assistants and Controllers in each school in a matrix structure (~19 schools) to ensure group-wide alignment on controls and reporting standards.
* Partner with FP&A to help deliver timely and accurate reporting to the Board and senior stakeholders.
* Occasional travel within the UK to schools may be required.
Skills, Experience & Behaviours Required:
* Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA), with strong post-qualification experience in a senior finance role.
* Strong technical knowledge of IFRS and UK GAAP.
* High proficiency in financial systems (e.g., ERP, consolidation tools) and Excel.
* Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* Experience in group financial reporting, controls, and compliance in a multi-entity environment.
* Experience leading audits and working with external auditors.
* Demonstrated leadership and team management capabilities.
* A positive attitude, an eagerness to learn on the job, act on own initiative and continuously improve processes and outputs.
* A collaborative nature with the ability to work as part of a team, in person and in satellite offices.
* Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines
* Hands-on, proactive, and solutions-driven approach.
Why Join Us?
Professional Growth: We value your development and offer opportunities for continuous learning.
Collaborative Environment: Join a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to maintaining the highest standards of compliance.
Competitive Compensation: We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, reflecting your skills and experience.
Innovation and impact: Join a forward-thinking organisation where your ideas and contributions truly matter.
Alpha Schools is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants for ALL jobs will undergo appropriate child-protection screening including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to enhanced level, with costs covered by the company. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020. All candidates applying for this role must have obtained the right to work and live in the UK. Documented evidence of eligibility will be required from candidates as part of the recruitment process.