Group Accountant

ROLE SUMMARY:

We are looking for a newly qualified accountant to join our finance team in a broad Group Accountant role that offers a balanced mix of financial reporting and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A).

Approximately half of the role will focus on financial reporting, including month-end and year-end reporting, ensuring accurate and timely financial information. The remaining half will be dedicated to FP&A, involving budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, and partnering with business functions to understand performance drivers and support decision-making.

The individual will be a key part of the Group Finance team and will liaise with senior stakeholders within the Group executive management team, Group Finance, UK and overseas finance teams.

This role sits in our Mayfair head office, with a 4 day office, 1 day WFH work pattern. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Financial accounting:

• Preparation of monthly management accounts and supporting reconciliations for the Head Office entities, including P&L, Balance Sheet, Cashflow Statement and KPIs
• Liaising with business unit managers to review relevant P&L lines
• Maintenance of intercompany loan schedules, engaging with global finance teams to ensure accuracy of reconciliations
• Preparation of selected notes within annual group consolidated accounts in accordance with IFRS, including review and consolidation of year-end reporting packages and supporting schedules
• Key point of contact for external auditors to ensure any issues are resolved on a timely basis and year end reporting deadlines are achieved
• Preparation of UK holding company subsidiary accounts in accordance with FRS 101
• Supporting the accounts payable function

FP&A:

• Provide critical financial support and analysis for internal corporate functions, including IT, Marketing and Legal
• Support the annual budget and forecast preparations across IT, Marketing and Legal
• Support Capex expenditure tracking and budgeting
• Collaborate with department heads to develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and strategic initiatives.
• Conduct deep dives into departmental spend to identify cost-saving opportunities and efficiency gains.
• Present financial insights and recommendations to senior leadership and department heads to support business objectives.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE:

• Record of strong academic achievement
• Qualified accountant
• Experience working with, or for, a Group Finance function in a large, complex, global organisation
• Strong Excel skills
• Capability to understand accounting systems. Prior knowledge of JD Edwards, Cognos Controller or TM1 (Planning Analytics) would be advantageous.
• Ability to liaise across large geographically and culturally disparate groups.
• A proactive self-starter with the drive, determination and commitment to get things done
• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines with the capacity to multi-task over several on-going projects
• ‘Can do’ attitude with a willingness to solve problems and tackle new challenges
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, rapidly-growing environment
• Well organised and conscientious, with good attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT:

Inspired Education Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practices and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.