Your Role
Management Accountant
Location: Central Trust Hub (Cuckfield) with some travel to our academies.
Salary: Grade L £45,091 - £47,181 FTE (actual starting salary £36,560.27 - £38,254.86).
Contract: 30 hours per week (Permanent, All Year Round).
Flexible Working: Some flexibility to work more in term time and less in holidays.
The Role
Are you a finance professional who balances technical rigour with a people‑first approach? We are seeking a proactive Management Accountant to join our Central Finance team.
As a senior member of the finance team, you will support the CFO in the delivery of the Trust's finance strategy and related activities. You will also be the lead financial partner for designated academies. You will ensure that Headteachers and Local Governing Bodies have the high‑quality data and professional advice they need to drive their schools forward.
Key Responsibilities
* Financial Reporting: Produce accurate monthly management accounts and detailed variance analysis to facilitate informed decision‑making.
* Budgeting & Strategy: Lead on draft budget preparation and financial forecasting.
* Consultancy: Act as the key contact for Headteachers for budget management and financial activity.
* Process Improvement: Continuously seek ways to streamline internal operations and maximise efficiency across the Trust.
* Liaison: Proactively develop positive relationships with key stakeholders.
Experience & Qualifications
* Qualified: You hold a Professional Accountancy Qualification or possess equivalent high‑level experience.
* Proven Track Record: You have significant experience in budget setting, financial monitoring, and complex data manipulation using accounting software.
* Sector experience: While experience in a school or academy setting is desirable, the ability to produce clear, accurate, and well‑formatted financial documents is essential.
* Technical Proficiency: High‑level IT skills and the ability to work without direct supervision is essential.
About you
* Integrity & Diplomacy: You handle sensitive information with confidentiality and act with professionalism.
* Collaborative Spirit: A true team player who is flexible enough to assist the wider central team.
* Communication Expert: You have the interpersonal skills to influence senior leaders and the written skills to produce high‑standard reports.
* Pragmatic Thinker: You possess a systems‑based approach but can apply professional judgement and pragmatism when needed.
Why Sussex Learning Trust?
In return for your hard work and commitment to our communities, we offer:
* A High‑Impact Culture: A forward‑thinking, supportive environment where you have the space to shine.
* Flexibility: We recognise your life outside of work and offer some flexibility in how you achieve success.
* Purpose: The chance to directly influence the educational experience and future of children across our region.
Ready to make a difference?
If this feels like your next chapter and you would like further information please contact our Chief Financial Officer jenny.howard@sussexlearningtrust.co.uk. We look forward to receiving your application. Please note we cannot except CVs.
Skills
CPD / Training:
* Commitment to Continued Professional development essential
Experience:
* Excellent IT skills with a range of software essential
* Proven ability to liaise with statutory agencies essential
* Experience of liaising with Auditors, advisors and Trustees essential
* Knowledge and experience of operating accounting software systems essential
* Proven experience of preparing and presenting financial and management accounts, reports and data essential
* Proven experience of budget preparation, setting, monitoring and financial forecasting essential
* Experience of working in a school or academy
Personal Attributes
* Systems based approach but coupled with the ability to be pragmatic within the bounds of appropriate professional judgement essential
* Committed to abiding by and promoting the values and policies of the Trust including Equal Opportunities, Health and Safety and Child Protection and Safeguarding essential
* Approachable and able to use their well‑developed interpersonal skills to work effectively in partnership with school leaders and central team colleagues to influence their finance related decision making essential
* Considerable personal enthusiasm with high levels of integrity and professionalism essential
* Able to ensure confidentiality essentialA team player who is collaborative and flexible to assist the wider team to deliver team priorities essential
* Initiative and ability to work without direct supervision, taking responsibility for tasks, prioritising and scheduling your own work essential
* Strong data manipulation and analytical skills essential
* Thoroughness and excellent attention to detail essential
* Ability to work under pressure to prioritise effectively to meet deadlines essential
* Ability to work with tact, diplomacy and maintain confidentiality essential
* Excellent communication skills, including high standards of written communication, grammar and spelling essential
* Excellent time management, organisational and administrative skills essential
* Ability to produce clear, accurate and well‑formatted documents essential
Qualifications
* Professional Accountancy Qualification or equivalent experience essential
Safeguarding Information
Sussex Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and to the equality of opportunity. It expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a full disclosure and barring service check before appointment is confirmed, along with other relevant pre‑employment checks in line with Safer Recruitment and KCSIE.
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