The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) helps ensure that the Further Education and Training sector develops world class leaders, teachers and trainers. We work across the whole FE sector and are funded by Government grant, commercial contracts, professional membership (The Society for Education and Training – SET) and accreditation fees and a variety of other business activities.

We are now looking to appoint an Interim Management Accountant who will be responsible for the delivery of monthly management accounts and forecasts for ETF, its programmes and departments. To help them to deliver their plans within budget.

The role will report into the Head of Finance and will be responsible for:

1.1 Management Accounts

• Prepare monthly management accounts and other financial reports for the ETF overall and for individual budget holders (ETF uses Sage 200 as its main financial software)
• Analyse variances and explore potential problems with budget holders on a monthly basis, making appropriate commentary, recommendations and advising of any impact on ETF.
• Ensure timely and accurate supply of financial information to the senior management team
• Assist budget holders in the preparation of the annual budget and re-forecasting when required
• Support with the implementation of improvements to the financial systems and processes

1.2 Project & Fund Accounting

• Ensure that ETF receives all of the funding that it is entitled, keeping a strong record of any timings and restrictions applicable
• Maintain an overview of grants receivable, commercial income etc receivable, ensuring that grants are applied for and returns, including auditing requirements, are submitted in a timely manner
• Assist in the preparation of business plans and forecasts, and prepare on-going reporting which helps budget holders to meet those plans and any specific grant/income requirements
• Liaise with budget holders to ensure that their purchase orders on the system accurately and completely reflect operating plans, including the timing of deliverables and expenditure
• Oversee and monitor the actual and forecast expenditure and cash flows in relation to each major programme, line of business and department.
• Attend meetings, liaising with key internal and external stakeholders and presenting the financial status of the projects
• Work with the Business Analyst and SMT in identifying new sources of income

1.3 Financial Management

• Ensure the management information is robust, accurate and available to Governors, managers, staff and stakeholders as required
• Assist with the year-end audit process to ensure the satisfactory completion of the annual audit and reporting to the DfE and external auditors are done in a timely manner
• Support the line manager and FD in developing and managing financial systems/models, carrying out business modelling, risk assessments, value for money studies and overseeing grant applications.
• Use a range of evidence/data to support, monitor, evaluate and benchmark the financial performance of the programmes and departments against each other and the broader community

The successful candidate will:

• Be educated to degree level or equivalent
• Be ACA/ ACCA/CIMA-fully qualified (PQ candidates in later stage of studies or with strong background will be considered)
• Be highly experienced in leading and developing management accounting services in previous role
• Have strong experience in budgeting and forecast for specific departments and organisation as a whole
• Have strong experience in business partnering senior management
• Be highly self-motivated and proactive, with excellent interpersonal skills
• Have the ability to prioritise workload to meet tight deadlines

If you are an exceptional candidate who would like to make an impact and enjoy working in a vibrant and cooperative environment, we will welcome your application.

Applicants should apply by submitting a CV and cover letter (600 words maximum), outlining how you fulfil the requirements of this role.

If you would like to receive a full job description for this role, please click here

Closing Date: Thursday 19th May at 12 pm

The Education and Training Foundation values diversity and is committed to making appointments on merit by fair and open processes, in accordance with its equal opportunities policy.

Our employees enjoy a generous benefits package