Management Accountant – Part/Fully Qualified

Job description

Management Accountant – Civil Service/Public Sector | Hybrid Working

Location: Milton Keynes

Salary: £35,824 - £40,205

£1,750 location allowance

Up to £3,000 dependent on professional qualifications

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Security Clearance: Subject to SC (Security Check) clearance

Make Your Mark Where It Matters

Join a secure government organisation with a global footprint. You'll apply your financial skills in an operational environment where finance underpins everything-from infrastructure and technology to strategic transformation projects. You'll contribute to public value by helping teams deliver smarter, more efficient, and more transparent outcomes.

Whether you're part-qualified or newly qualified (CIMA, ACCA or equivalent), this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership in a dynamic environment and gain exposure to project work, forecasting, and monthly reporting cycles-all while developing under experienced finance leadership.

What You'll Be Doing

This is a broad and engaging Management Accounting role, split 50/50 between general and project accounting responsibilities. You will:

• Prepare and present monthly MI reports and ad-hoc analysis to support operational decision-making

• Ensure labour costs are recovered accurately across corporate functions, and adapt charging models as needed

• Review compliance controls monthly and recommend corrective actions where required

• Build and support business cases for Opex and Capex proposals

• Track financial benefits against plans and provide ongoing reporting for corporate planning

• Assist with financial forecasting and budgeting, including project revenue stream analysis from internal CRM and PM tools

• Liaise directly with Project and Business Managers on new initiatives and monthly cycles

Who We're Looking For

This role is well-suited to part-qualified or recently qualified accountants who are looking to build experience in both operational and project finance. Prior project accounting exposure is helpful but not essential-full training and support will be provided.

• CIMA, ACCA, ACA or equivalent - either part-qualified, newly qualified, or with up to 2 years' PQE

• Experience in management accounting

• Confidence in Excel and financial modelling (Power BI desirable)

• Familiarity with Oracle Cloud, ERP systems, Salesforce, and/or MS Project tools

• Strong analytical, reporting, and data manipulation skills

• An understanding of working with public money and NAO frameworks (training is provided)

• A willingness to learn in a secure, complex environment where not all project data is visible due to confidentiality

This is not a business partnering role, but you'll gain regular exposure to stakeholders and project teams, giving you the chance to develop your influencing skills and commercial awareness.

A Typical Monthly Cycle

• Week 1: Month-end journal preparation and account closure

• Week 2: MI reporting and analysis

• Weeks 3-4: Budget tracking, forecasting and planning for the next cycle

You'll need to pick up the month-end process within your first 3-6 months. Strong time management and attention to detail are essential to meet tight reporting deadlines (5-day window).

Career Development & Support

• Study support (funding and leave) is available after probation via an internal accreditation scheme

• Annual subscriptions to professional bodies are reimbursed

• Induction and training provided for public sector standards and financial governance frameworks

• Future opportunities to progress into Finance Business Partnering or other roles within a 16-person operational finance team

Benefits at a Glance

Total Reward Package worth up to 37% above base salary includes:

• 25-30 days annual leave (plus 9 public/privilege holidays)

• Defined benefit Civil Service Pension (26.6%-30.3% employer contribution)

• Performance-related bonus (£700-£3,150) corporate bonus (e.g., £950 in 2023)

• Study leave (after probation) and paid exam support

• Interest-free season ticket and cycle-to-work loans

• On-site gym, nursery, staff restaurant and café

• Flexible hybrid working - typically 60% on-site (more during induction)

• Enhanced maternity/paternity/shared parental leave

• Special leave options for compassionate, adoption, marriage, and study reasons

• Leave trading (buy or sell up to 10 days annually)

• Enhanced Employee Assistance Programme and staff discount scheme (MyLifestyle)

Security Clearance & Eligibility

This role is reserved for British citizens only and requires SC security clearance.

Candidates must have lived in the UK for 5 of the last 10 years (with at least 12 consecutive months in the UK unless covered by government service abroad). Clearance typically takes 6 weeks but may vary. If you already hold valid SC clearance, it may be transferred.

Please send your CV, quoting reference LX 3314493