Group Finance Manager

Job Title:

Group Finance Manager

Location:

Manchester - Hybrid working (2 days in the office)

Contract:

Permanent

Salary:
Up to £95,000 per annum

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.

Our divisional brands include Acorn Education, Options Autism, Blenheim Schools and Momenta Connect.

Our Vision
:
Empower every child, whatever their ability, with a world‑class education that nurtures potential, inspires lifelong learning, and equips them to thrive in a diverse and evolving world.

Our Mission
:
We commit to unlocking our pupils’ potential through personalised learning, innovation, and opportunity, supporting growth and aspirations.

Our Promise
:
We listen. We never assume. We work together. To make the remarkable happen. We are accountable to each other and for one another.

We are seeking a skilled and detail‑oriented Group Financial Accountant to join our dynamic Finance team during an exciting period of international growth.

You will play a key role in developing strong accounting practices across the Group, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, leading complex group consolidations, and providing high‑quality financial insight to support informed business decision‑making.

This role is ideal for someone with a background in practice or group finance who is looking to move into, or further develop within, an industry role in a fast‑paced, private equity‑backed environment.

• Manage the consolidation of financial statements for a multi‑GAAP, multi‑currency group.
• Advise regional finance teams on the application and interpretation of accounting standards, liaising with external advisers where required.
• Oversee the transition of group accounts from UK GAAP to IFRS.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly management packs, with particular emphasis on group cash flow, balance sheet, capital expenditure, and exceptional items.
• Prepare annual statutory financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with applicable accounting standards, regulations, and internal controls.
• Ensure the accuracy, completeness, and integrity of financial data, records, and transactions.
• Work closely with the Group Tax Director and UK Tax Manager to support corporation tax calculations and provisions for statutory accounts.
• Provide supporting analysis and documentation to tax advisers for annual returns and compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to provide financial insight and support strategic initiatives.
• Support the external audit process and act as a key point of contact for auditors.
• Provide expert support on complex accounting queries across the Group.

• Qualified accountant (ACCA or ACA strongly preferred).
• Previous experience in group financial accounting or a similar role.
• Strong experience of multi‑currency consolidations under UK GAAP and/or IFRS.
• Solid understanding of accounting principles, practices, and regulatory requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders across the business.

• Experience supporting or leading a transition from UK GAAP to IFRS.
• Experience working in a private equity‑backed or high‑growth environment.
• Proficiency in financial systems and advanced MS Excel skills.
• Familiarity with Oracle consolidation systems.

Outcomes First Group is the largest independent provider of high quality special needs education and care. We are a vital part of local communities in England, Scotland and Wales with a renowned reputation for quality and positive outcomes for the people we educate and care for.

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

• Life Assurance
• Pension scheme…