Management Accountant

Management Accountant
Location: Near Durham (on-site role)
Contract: Permanent, full-time

Newman Stewart is partnering with a manufacturing organisation near Durham to recruit a Management Accountant.

Our client is a world-leading manufacturer and a market leader in its field. They are growing, well backed and ambitious.

Job Summary
We are looking for a detail-oriented and commercially aware Management Accountant to join the finance team. In this key role, you will provide accurate financial insights, support strategic decision-making, and help drive cost efficiency and profitability in manufacturing operations. You will prepare timely management accounts, analyse variances, support budgeting and forecasting, and work closely with the senior leadership team in a fast-paced, engineering-led manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate monthly management accounts, including profit & loss statements, balance sheet reconciliations, and detailed variance analysis with meaningful commentary.
  Support the annual budgeting process and produce regular forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Analyse manufacturing costs, including direct materials, labour, and overheads, to support accurate product costing and margin analysis.
• Provide commercial financial support to operational teams on production efficiency, project costing, and capital expenditure appraisals.
• Monitor cash flow, working capital, and inventory levels, producing regular cash flow forecasts.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end statutory accounts and liaison with external auditors.
• Develop and maintain robust financial controls and reporting systems tailored to a manufacturing business.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives by identifying cost-saving opportunities and process efficiencies.
• Produce ad-hoc financial reports and analysis for senior management to aid strategic decision-making.
• Ensure compliance with UK GAAP, tax regulations, and internal policies.

Essential Requirements

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or equivalent) or finalist with significant progress towards qualification.
• Strong experience working as a Management Accountant, ideally within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Excellent understanding of manufacturing cost accounting, variance analysis, and inventory valuation.
• Advanced Excel skills and experience with accounting/ERP systems (experience with manufacturing-specific systems is advantageous).
• ability to produce clear, insightful management reporting and present findings to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience in a precision engineering, metal fabrication, or similar heavy manufacturing business.
• Knowledge of inventory management in a project/manufacture-to-order environment.
• Familiarity with grant funding, R&D tax credits, or export-related financial matters.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience and qualifications).
• Company pension scheme.
• days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Opportunity to work for a well-established, innovative manufacturing business.
• Support for ongoing professional development.
• Friendly, collaborative working environment.