Financial Accountant (Trainee)

We're on a mission to give our colleagues an amazing work/life balance!

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Job title:       Financial Accountant (Trainee)

Location:            Bolton – hybrid working 

Salary:                £25,000-£35,000 per annum depending on experience

Hours:                9-5 Monday-Friday

Reports to: Group Financial Accountant

Accountable to: Group Financial Controller, Group Financial Accountant, Director of Financial Controls

We have an exciting opportunity to join our team as a Trainee Financial Accountant.

About the role:

The role allows the trainee in the team to develop and learn through their role on the team, as well as working towards completing a relevant finance qualification.

To support the Group Financial Controller and Group Financial Accountant to perform accurate and timely financial accounting, tax accounting and compliance of the group’s monthly and annual reporting obligations. 

The role will work closely with the internal finance team to deliver the Group’s statutory accounts requirements and an efficient external audit process.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Statutory accounts and audit
• Assist with the production of statutory accounts for all legal entities in the Group.
• Assist with the production of corporation tax calculations and provisions for the statutory accounts.
• Provide supporting analysis and documentation for tax advisors for annual returns and other compliance.
• Work closely with the external auditors and internal finance teams to ensure the audit process runs as smoothly as possible in line with a strict timetable.

Financial reporting & controls

• Ensure all Shared Service Centre reports and Intercompany charges are reconciled and signed off monthly to month-end deadlines.
• Work closely with the Transaction Processes / SSC manager and wider team, to continually strive to improve processes, reporting and overall service to the Group.
• Continually work to develop and improve a strong control environment. 
• To assist with the production of Group VAT returns.

Compliance

• To assist with the filing of all tax & financial requirements within statutory deadlines. 
• Assist with the preparation and submission of Corporation Tax computations for subsidiaries and ensure ixbrl tagging is accurate and complete; and
• Ad-hoc compliance for Office of National Statistics.

Miscellaneous

• Undertake ad-hoc and unannounced internal audit checks of divisional files to ensure all divisional accounts are maintained up to date and reconciled at least monthly.
• Provide group cover as required.
• Communicate suggestions for increased efficiency within the department and/ or organisation.

Standard responsibilities:

There are several standard duties and responsibilities that all employees, irrespective of their role and level of seniority within OFG Group are expected to be familiar with and adhere to:

• Participates in an annual performance review programme
• Works, always, in accordance with the policies and procedures of the OFG Group and statutory regulations applicable to the Group.
• Observes, always, strict rules of confidentiality appropriate to the post.
• To always comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Regulations, to ensure their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.
• OFG Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all employees to work in accordance with this.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

Measures: 

• Measures against set objectives relevant to the role
• Set performance indicators
• Departmental Net Promoter Scores

Experience, Skills & Qualifications:

Essential

• Positive attitude as a trainee to learn and develop, contribute to the team and to work towards completing a professional finance qualification.
• Relevant financial accounting experience would be beneficial but not essential.
• Part-qualified finance qualification is also beneficial but not essential.
• Proven ability to priorities and manage workload.
• Ability to communicate and build relationships with people at different levels.
• Ability to review and change existing procedures to improve segregation of duties and internal controls.
• Advanced Excel.
• Experience of Access Dimensions would be advantageous, though not essential.
• Good system & analytical skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills

Why join Outcomes First Group? 

About the Group

Outcomes First Group is the leading provider of specialist education in the UK. We exist to give neurodivergent children and young people access to a great education that caters to their specific needs, abilities and aspirations.

There are three brands in our Outcomes First family: Acorn Education, Options Autism and Momenta Connect. Together, we educate, care for and support children, young people, and adults across the UK, empowering them to be happy and make their way in the world.

We are really proud to say that in 2024, Outcomes First Group were officially certified as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the fifth year running.

Our Vision

We believe that with a great education, every neurodivergent pupil can thrive and make their way in the world.

Our Mission

Every day we improve the lives of our pupils, their families, and local communities through a relentless focus on wellbeing and learning.

Our Promise

We are kind to ourselves and each other...We work together... and we make things happen.

Our Promise sits alongside our Vision and Mission. It describes the sort of people we are and our commitment to how we treat each other, work together, and behave. 

Benefits

Your health and wellbeing are important to us, so you’ll get an exceptional reward package including:

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme with options to increase your contributions
• “Your Wellbeing Matters” – access to a wide range of first-class mental health support services and physical health checks

And a market-leading benefit offering through our Flexible Benefits Platform, Vista, enables you to choose the package that’s right for you, including:

• A wide range of health, wellbeing, and insurance benefits
• 100’s of discount options valid in the UK and abroad
• Cycle to Work Schemes
• Electric Car Purchase Scheme
• Critical illness cover