Senior Management Accountant

About the role

Shape financial strategy. Influence decision-making. Make a difference. Are you a qualified finance professional looking for more than month-end reporting and routine accounting? Do you want to play a leading role in shaping the financial future of an ambitious, values-driven organisation that makes a genuine difference to people's lives? Here at the Isle of Wight College, we are seeking a Senior Management Accountant to become a key member of our Finance and Resources team and a trusted financial adviser to senior leaders across the College. This is a rare opportunity to combine technical accounting expertise with strategic influence. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Resources, you will be at the heart of financial decision-making, helping to drive performance, support investment, manage risk and ensure the College remains financially strong and sustainable for the future. As the most senior finance professional below Director level, you will provide insightful financial analysis, robust challenge and commercial thinking to support strategic planning and operational delivery. You will work closely with budget holders, senior leaders and governors, translating complex financial information into meaningful insight that supports informed decision-making. Whether reviewing/developing financial forecasts, leading budget-setting processes or advising on funding and compliance requirements, your expertise will directly influence the future success of the College.

Join Us and Make an Impact At the Isle of Wight College, finance is recognised as a strategic enabler of success. We are committed to investing in our people and creating a culture where talented professionals can thrive, develop and make a lasting contribution. If you're looking for a senior finance role where your expertise, insight and leadership will genuinely influence organisational success, we'd love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Leading the preparation of monthly management accounts and financial reporting.
• Supporting budget holders with financial planning, forecasting and decision-making.
• Preparing statutory accounts and managing year-end processes.
• Developing financial forecasts, business cases and cash flow models.
• Managing key financial controls, reconciliations and compliance activities.
• Coordinating audit requirements and regulatory returns.
• Supporting the continuous improvement of financial systems, processes and reporting.
• Providing financial advice, challenge and guidance across the College.
• Opportunities to lead projects and develop strategic leadership skills.
• Exposure to governors, auditors, regulators and senior stakeholders.
• A commitment to wellbeing, work-life balance and professional growth.

Requirements

• A full CCAB professional qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) or an equivalent recognised accountancy qualification.
• Significant experience in management accounting and financial accounting within a complex organisation.
• Proven experience of producing management accounts, financial forecasts, budgets and statutory accounts.
• Strong understanding of financial controls, governance and regulatory compliance.
• Experience of leading or supporting external audit and year