Senior Accountant

The Finance Department is looking for a motivated and proactive individual to fill the role of Senior Accountant.

In this key role, you''ll produce accurate monthly management accounts, VAT returns, and financial reports, while supporting budgeting, forecasting, and audits.

Ideal for a part-qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA, ACA) with 3-4 years'' management accounting experience, you''ll need strong systems knowledge, advanced Excel skills, and a collaborative approach.

You''ll own the month-end process, strengthen financial controls, and deliver insights to guide strategic decisions. You''ll also develop forecasting models and ensure compliance with statutory requirements. A strong grasp of finance operations and the rationale behind key controls is essential.

Job Purpose

The Senior Accountant plays a key role in delivering a high-performing finance function. The postholder is accountable for the coordination and completion of the monthly management accounts process, VAT returns, and financial reporting. The role requires strong systems knowledge (including SUN and Proactis), intermediate/advanced Excel capability, and the ability to work collaboratively across the organisation.

This role is ideal for a proactive and goal-oriented individual, with a strong background in management accounting. The Senior Accountant will support budgeting, forecasting, audit preparation, and year-end reporting, including microentity accounts. This is a hands-on role requiring attention to detail, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities to strict deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Month-End Close & Financial Reporting

* Lead and coordinate the monthly close process, ensuring all journals, reconciliations, and schedules are completed accurately and on time.

* Prepare draft monthly management accounts, including variance analysis, for review with the Finance Manager.

* Present the final monthly management accounts to the Director of Finance following internal review.

* Collaborate with the Management Accountant to ensure consistency and alignment across financial reporting.

* Identify and mitigate financial risks and issues proactively.

* Lead implementation and monitoring of internal financial controls.

Systems & Transactional Oversight

* Manage the interface and use of financial systems (SUN and Proactis) to ensure accurate and timely recording of financial data.

* Identify opportunities to improve system usage, reporting, and automation in collaboration with finance colleagues.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Planning

* Support the annual budgeting process by providing timely data, guidance to budget holders, and consolidating inputs.

* Assist with in-year forecasting and scenario modelling, ensuring assumptions are evidence-based and documented.

* Work collaboratively with budget holders and managers across the site to improve financial understanding and accountability.

* Develop and manage dynamic, scenario-based models for income forecasting and curriculum costing.

Statutory & Regulatory Reporting

* Prepare and submit accurate VAT returns in compliance with HMRC requirements and deadlines.

* Support the production of year-end financial statements, including working papers and reconciliations.

* Deep understanding of Apprenticeship guidance and costings.

* Prepare micro-entity accounts where required and support compliance with relevant financial reporting standards.

* Assist with audit planning and coordination, responding to queries and providing required documentation.

* Ensure robust financial controls are in place across all managed processes, aligned with audit requirements and funding body regulations.

* Assist the Finance manager on Corporation Tax submissions.

Team Collaboration & Leadership

* Work closely with the Management Accountant and finance colleagues to ensure seamless delivery of financial processes.

* Provide technical guidance and support to junior finance staff as needed.

* Promote a culture of continuous improvement, accuracy, and accountability within the finance team.

General Responsibilities

* Participate in site-wide activities and events as required.

* Engage in continuous professional development to maintain up-to-date financial knowledge and system skills.

* Ensure compliance with site policies on Health & Safety, Safeguarding, and Equality & Diversity.

* Undertake other duties as required by the Finance Manager or Director of Finance, appropriate to the role''s scope and level.

Connect2Employment is a trading style of Luton & Kent Commercial Services LLP - A joint venture between Luton Borough Council & Commercial Services Kent Ltd. Connect2Employment is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business. It positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.