Job Description

Job Advert

Take the lead in shaping financial performance and driving commercial insight at one of the UK's most dynamic education partners. This is a high-visibility role where you'll combine technical excellence with strategic impact.

We're seeking a Senior Accountant to take ownership of Northchild Education Ltd's financial operations and reporting. You'll oversee the full month-end and year-end process, ensure accuracy and compliance, and provide the financial analysis that supports confident decision-making at senior level.



This is a hands-on, influential role where you'll lead key accounting cycles, strengthen financial controls, streamline processes, and provide commercial insight to leadership.



If you're looking for a role where your technical expertise, commercial understanding, and skills will make a measurable difference, this is it.

Why work for Northchild Education?

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At Northchild Education, we combine commercial acumen with a strong sense of purpose. Our work connects education, enterprise, and innovation and our finance function sits at the heart of that success.



You'll be part of a professional, forward-thinking environment that values expertise, accountability, and continuous improvement. We're ambitious, collaborative, and focused on results, creating an environment where your ideas and contributions genuinely influence strategy.



Join Northchild Education and make finance a true business partner. Here, you'll be trusted to deliver commercial insight, drive efficiency, and support growth in a complex, multi-entity environment. We'll give you the autonomy, visibility, and professional stretch that allows high performers to excel.

About you:

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You're a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with solid technical expertise and strong business sense. You thrive in fast-paced, commercially focused environments where accuracy, insight, and accountability matter. You're confident managing stakeholders, improving processes, and using data to influence decisions at senior level.

Key Responsibilities:

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Lead monthly management accounts, variance analysis, and commentary.


Deliver accurate balance sheet reconciliations and maintain robust controls.


Manage year-end close, audit preparation, and statutory accounts.


Drive budgeting and forecasting cycles with senior stakeholders.


Oversee AP, AR, payroll journals, fixed assets, and cashflow management.


Ensure compliance with VAT, CIS, and other tax obligations.


Identify and implement process improvements and automation.


Liaise with the University Partner to monitor fee income and revenue allocation.


Support business planning through financial modelling and analysis.


Line manage and develop junior team members.

Essential Requirements:

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Batchelor Degree in relevant field


Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA)


Strong technical accounting knowledge (UK GAAP, IFRS desirable)


Advanced Excel and ERP experience


Strong analytical, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills


Proven track record in financial reporting and process improvement


Experience mentoring or managing others

Desirable Requirements:

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Experience in multi-entity or project-based environments


Mandarin Chinese language skills


Experience within higher or further education


Knowledge of IFRS, corporation tax basics, and VAT in complex scenarios


Familiarity with systems such as NetSuite, Sage Intacct, or Xero

Application Process:

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To apply, please submit your CV and a short covering statement outlining how your experience aligns with the key requirements of the role



We are a Disability Confident employer and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.



If you require the application process in an alternative format (for example, large print or phone application), please let us know and we will be happy to accommodate.



At Northchild Education, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all sections of the community and are dedicated to eliminating discrimination through fair and supportive policies and practices. Our goal is to create a vibrant academic community that reflects the diversity of society and enables all staff and students to achieve their full potential.

If you're ready to take ownership, influence decisions, and build a career where commercial thinking and professional excellence are valued, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and take the next step in your finance career with Northchild Education.

For any questions, please reach out to our recruitment team at talent@northchild.com