Senior Management Accountant

Job Posted: 22 September 2026

Contract Term: Permanent
Location: Isle of Wight
Contract Type: Full time
Salary: Up to £41279.00 per annum
Industries: Accounting Management & Executive Public Sector

Closing Date: 30/09/2026
Job Start Date: ASAP

Senior Management Accountant

Salary up to £41,279 per annum + Relocation Package Available

37 hours per week Monday to Friday (Hybrid working will be considered with the successful candidate)

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

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.

Your key duties ...................

You will be responsible for:

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.

Who we are looking for .....

We are seeking a technically strong, commercially aware and highly credible finance professional who enjoys building relationships, influencing decisions and creating value through financial insight.

You will be able to demonstrate:

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-end processes.
Advanced Excel, financial modelling and analytical skills.
The ability to interpret complex financial information and communicate it effectively to non-finance stakeholders.
Experience partnering with managers and senior leaders to support financial decision-making.
Excellent organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
A proactive, solution-focused approach with the confidence to provide constructive challenge where required.

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.

How to Apply .......

This is an exciting opportunity for a qualified accountant who wants to use their expertise in a role that combines technical excellence, strategic influence and meaningful contribution to education.

If you are looking for the next step in your career and want to be part of an organisation that values professional development, innovation and collaboration, we would love to hear from you. Please send your CV and covering letter to [email protected] by the closing date 30th September 2026.

Why our College ......

Staff at the Isle of Wight College enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that enhances their work-life balance and wellbeing. Staff are entitled to Christmas Shutdown Holiday Allowance. The college offers an excellent pension scheme under the Local Government Scheme, providing long-term financial security.

For those keen on environmental sustainability and fitness, there’s a Cycle to Work Scheme. Employees also enjoy Wightlink discounts for travel, discounted treatments in the Hair and Beauty departments, and free access to the on-site gym.

Convenience is provided with free onsite parking, and the campus boasts an on-site Starbucks & Restaurant for all your refreshment needs.Health and wellbeing are taken seriously, with an Eye Care Scheme for Display Screen Equipment users, access to the Bluelight Card, Public Benefit Scheme (Kaarp), and additional Maternity/Adoption and Sickness Benefit Schemes.

The college also provides Free Counselling and Wellbeing Support, ensuring employees have access to mental health resources. Professional growth is encouraged through CPD days, offering opportunities for mentorship and coaching, including staff development days. The college also promotes a healthy work environment with Well-being days & activities, ensuring that staff wellbeing is a priority.

The Isle of Wight College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to provide high-quality education and fosters a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Join us in our mission to promote equality and inclusivity in education.

Please be aware that the Isle of Wight College may close the vacancy earlier than anticipated if a sufficient number of applications are received. To ensure your application is considered, it is recommended to submit your CV promptly.

The Isle of Wight College is a Disability Confidential Employer.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. This is to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and staff. The Isle of Wight College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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The Isle of Wight College

Why work at The Isle of Wight College? The Isle of Wight College is the Island’s largest further education provider which places us at the heart of our community with a unique responsibility and privilege to support learners, employers and our local community to thrive. Working here means being part of a values-led organisation that puts students first, genuinely values its staff, and works in close partnership with employers to create real opportunities and life-changing outcomes. We believe education can transform lives, communities and futures and every role at the College plays a part in making that happen. Established in 1951, we have grown into a modern, forward-thinking institution recognised by Ofsted as Good and proud to hold Beacon College status. Our main campus in Newport is a vibrant hub of learning and collaboration, while our Whippingham site is home to the Centre of Excellence for Composites, Advanced Manufacturing and Marine (CECAMM) placing us at the forefront of specialist, industry-driven education. As part of the South Coast Institute of Technology, we work closely with industry to deliver cutting-edge courses that address skills gaps, drive innovation and support the economic growth of the region. Above all, we are proud of our people. Our staff are dedicated, supportive and passionate about creating an inclusive, respectful and dynamic environment where learners and colleagues can flourish. We actively support development, progression and wellbeing, and we believe that when our staff thrive, so do our students. With exciting new builds, investment in state-of-the-art facilities and a bold vision for the future, there has never been a better time to join us. Build a rewarding career at The Isle of Wight College where your work truly matters, your contribution is valued, and your impact will be felt across the Island for generations to come.

Senior Management Accountant