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Management Accountant - Civil Service/Public Sector | Hybrid Working
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid)
Salary: 35,824
+ 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 caf
* 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 (phone number removed)
