Trainee management accountant (cima)

Full Year (28 days annual leave + bank holidays), 37 hours per week (with time off for study)

This is a fixed term contract in the first instance with a view to becoming permanent upon completion of the qualification.

CIMA Finance Trainee

Are you looking to begin a career in finance whilst working towards a professional accounting qualification?

Yorkshire Learning Trust is seeking a motivated and ambitious individual to join our central finance team as a Trainee Management Accountant (CIMA).

This is an exciting opportunity to gain hands‑on experience across a large and growing multi‑academy trust whilst studying towards a full Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) qualification.

Working alongside experienced finance professionals, you will develop practical skills across:

• Financial accounting and transactional finance
• Management accounting and budget monitoring
• Financial planning and reporting
• Audit and compliance
• School finance and stakeholder support

This role offers genuine breadth and exposure, providing experience across both operational and strategic finance within a Trust managing approximately £50m of public funding across 17 schools.

About the Role

As part of our high‑performing central finance team, you will:

• Support day‑to‑day financial operations across the Trust
• Assist with management accounts, budgeting and forecasting
• Work with school leaders and budget managers
• Support financial systems and process improvement
• Develop knowledge of Integrated Curriculum and Financial Planning (ICFP)
• Build the skills and experience required to progress into a qualified finance role

Alongside your day‑to‑day role, you will undertake a structured programme leading to full CIMA qualification, supported by the Trust.

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Has a degree, preferably in Finance, Accounting, Business or a related field

• Has strong numerical and analytical skills
• Is organised, accurate and proactive
• Can communicate confidently with colleagues at all levels
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to successfully attaining a professional qualification
• Shares our values of aspiration, inclusion, collaboration and integrity

Previous finance experience is helpful but not essential.

We're dedicated to supporting our staff with a comprehensive package of opportunities, incentives, and benefits designed to enhance your well‑being and career growth. You could enjoy:

• Exclusive Savings and Experiences: Dive into our employee benefits website, your gateway to fantastic discounts on everything from everyday shopping to dream holidays and unforgettable days out.

• Your Well‑being Matters: Access our confidential Employee Assistance helpline for expert advice and support, empowering you to navigate life's challenges with confidence.

• Invest in Your Future: Embrace continuous training and development opportunities, fostering your professional growth and unlocking new possibilities.

A Safe and Inclusive Environment: At Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT), the safeguarding of children is paramount. We are committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for all. As part of our commitment, successful candidates will undergo DBS checks, pre‑employment checks, and online searches, all conducted with professionalism and respect for your privacy. We champion equality and ensure fair and equitable treatment for every member of our team.

At YLT we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We celebrate the unique contributions of each team member and are dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, where differences are not only embraced but are seen as a source of strength.

We understand that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we do business. We strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, unbiased, and inclusive, and we are continuously working to improve them. Visit the website for access to our recruitment policies.