Jobs, fresher vacancy - Management Accoutant • West Midlands

Company: HAYS

West Midlands

Interim Management Accountant for a 3-6 month assignment based in Birmingham Your new company Management Accountant – Multi‑Academy Trust - 15+ SchoolsLocation: Flexible across Trust sites (with hybrid working options) Salary: Competitive, depending on experience Reporting to: Finance Director / Chief Finance Officer About the TrustOur Multi‑Academy Trust consists of 19 schools across the region, serving diverse communities and committed to delivering exceptional educational outcomes. We are in a phase of continued growth and transformation, with a focus on robust financial stewardship, transparent reporting, and strategic investment to support school improvement.Role PurposeThe Management Accountant will play a pivotal role in supporting the financial sustainability of the Trust. You will provide high‑quality financial reporting, insightful analysis, and expert advice to senior leaders and Principals to support effective decision‑making across the 15+‑school estate. This position is central to ensuring the Trust meets its statutory, regulatory, and strategic financial obligations.Work History Financial Reporting & AnalysisPrepare timely monthly management accounts for the Trust and individual schools, including variance analysis and commentary.Produce consolidated Trust-level financial reports and Board packs.Monitor and analyse key financial performance indicators, identifying risks, trends, and opportunities.Support year‑end processes, including audit preparation and liaison with external auditors.Budgeting & ForecastingLead on the annual budget cycle for allocated schools, working closely with principals, school Business Managers, and central finance staff.Produce in‑year financial forecasts, cash-flow projections, and scenario modelling.Provide challenge and strategic insight to ensure budgets are realistic, achievable, and aligned with Trust priorities.Business PartneringAct as a trusted adviser to school and trust leadership, providing clear, data‑driven financial guidance.Build strong relationships with Headteachers, budget holders, and operational teams.Present financial information in an accessible format to non-finance colleagues.Ensure adherence to the Academy Trust Handbook, ESFA guidance, and relevant statutory obligations.Support internal audit actions and continuous process improvement.Maintain robust financial controls and ensure financial information is accurate, complete, and compliant.Systems & Process ImprovementContribute to the effective use and development of the Trust’s finance systems (e.g. PS Financials / IRIS / Access / other MAT systems).Streamline reporting processes to enhance efficiency and reliability.Champion best practice across the central and school finance teams.Essential Qualifications, Skills & ExperiencePart‑qualified or fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent).Strong experience in management accounting within a complex, multi‑site organisation.Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills.Advanced Excel skills and experience working with financial systems.Ability to interpret financial information for non‑finance colleagues.Excellent communication, relationship‑building, and organisational skills.High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to work to tight deadlines.Experience RequiredExperience working within the education sector, public sector, or charities.Knowledge of the Academy Trust Handbook and ESFA regulatory environment.Experience producing consolidated accounts or working within a centralised finance function.Personal AttributesProactive, solutions‑focused, and commercially astute.A collaborative team player with a professional approach.Committed to the Trust’s values, educational mission, and public‑sector ethos.Ability to challenge constructively and drive continuous improvement.What We OfferA supportive, values‑driven Trust environment.Professional development and study support where relevant.Opportunities for career progression within a growing MAT.Hybrid working arrangements - 2 days office and 3 days WFHWhat you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career. # 4772029