Management Accountant

Role Title: Management Accountant

Line Manager: Financial Controller

Role purpose: To provide timely, accurate financial management information for Gilcrest Manufacturing. Proactively manage and report on cashflow and perform regular bank reconciliations. Manage Finance Officer Apprentice.

Role Background: Gilcrest Manufacturing is a specialist manufacturing business based in Bristol with a core focus on producing high-specification cleanroom systems for a global pharmaceutical market and other specialist areas. As an industry-leader in composite panel manufacturing, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, bespoke solutions tailored to meet project specifications. Established in 2002 we have two highly developed manufacturing sites in Avonmouth, where our office is based, and Newport distributing products through key partnerships to a growing Global Market. Our success is built on exceptional customer focus, industry expertise and continuous innovation

Key Accountabilities:

Work effectively to meet finance department deadlines.

Manage the Finance Officer to ensure timely and accurate processing of the sales ledger, purchase ledger, credit cards, expenses, and payroll information.

Prepare draft monthly management accounts and management information for review by the Financial Controller.

Prepare and post journal entries.

Maintain accurate financial records and prepare working files for audit.

Monitor and manage cashflow, including preparing weekly forecasts and conducting weekly review every Tuesday.

Ensure cashflow forecasts align with the sales forecast and reflect updates from weekly production and sales meetings.

Ensure bank reconciliations are completed weekly.

Prepare supplier payment runs for approval and ensure creditors are paid according to agreed terms.

Ensure all monies owed to the business are collected in line with agreed payment terms.

Identify and escalate problem payers or credit risks where required.

Carry out credit checks before confirming orders and ensure deposits or payment plans are in place where necessary.

Maintain schedules of key customers and suppliers, including monitoring credit limits,exposure levels, invoices, and orders placed.

Liaise with customers and suppliers to address potential issues and reduce financial risk.

Recommend and manage foreign exchange approaches for key overseas orders.

Administer HMRC requirements relating to salaries, PAYE, and NI.

Manage petty cash administration.

Maintain vehicle records and insurance documentation.

Act as the key finance contact for the external payroll provider (Azets).

Support the preparation of annual budgets by setting up draft spreadsheets and financial data.

Key Performance Indicators

Debtor Days: Target 50 days at month end

Overdue Debtors: Maximum 5% of total debtors

Weekly receipts vs forecast: Target 95%

Creditor Days: Target 60 days

Invoice queries: Maximum 10 invoices or 10k

Payments vs forecast: Target 95%

Supplier accounts on stop: Target zero

Core skills and experience required

Previous experience in a similar accounting role, ideally part-qualified (AAT or equivalent).

Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Ability to manage workload and meet deadlines.

Experience working in an SME environment is preferred.

Experience with ERP systems and manufacturing environments would be beneficial.

Strong Excel skills are essential.

Experience with Sage Line 200 would be advantageous but is not essential.

Personal Attributes

Professional and able to maintain confidentiality.

Confident and proactive approach to work.

Self-motivated with a positive attitude.

Well organised and structured.

Flexible and able to adapt in a fast-paced environment.

Strong communication skills, both written and verbal