Management Accountant

Our client is seeking a qualified Management Accountant to join a growing and innovative business in a key finance role. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of the monthly management accounts process, provide valuable financial insight to support decision-making, and contribute to the ongoing development of a robust and forward-thinking finance function.

Management Accounts & Reporting

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts.
• Complete month-end journals, including accruals, prepayments, depreciation and payroll adjustments.
• Manage the month-end close process and reporting timetable.
• Produce management reports and meaningful financial analysis for senior stakeholders.
• Deliver variance analysis against budgets and forecasts, highlighting key trends, risks and opportunities.
• Ensure financial data is accurate, reliable and audit-ready.

Budgeting, Forecasting & Analysis

• Support the preparation of annual budgets and periodic forecasts.
• Maintain rolling forecasts and provide regular updates on business performance.
• Partner with department leaders to understand cost drivers and future spending requirements.
• Prepare financial models and analysis to support planning, investment decisions and business strategy.
• Contribute to long-term financial forecasting and performance improvement initiatives.

Business Partnering

• Develop strong relationships with stakeholders across operations, engineering, manufacturing, sales, HR and support functions.
• Provide financial guidance to support commercial and operational decision-making.
• Help managers understand financial performance, business risks and opportunities.
• Promote financial accountability and a culture of continuous improvement and cost control.

Financial Control & Compliance

• Complete detailed monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Ensure all journals and reconciliations are appropriately supported and documented.
• Manage accruals, prepayments, provisions and fixed asset accounting.
• Maintain depreciation schedules and support the enhancement of financial controls and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards, internal policies and governance requirements.

Operating Expenditure & Cash Flow

• Take ownership of operating expenditure reporting and analysis.
• Monitor departmental spending against budgets and forecasts.
• Work with budget holders to identify trends, risks and cost-saving opportunities.
• Support expenditure approvals, cost allocation and committed cost reporting.
• Assist with weekly and monthly cash flow forecasting, working capital reporting and supplier payment planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve cash flow and financial efficiency.

Audit, Payroll & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare audit schedules and support statutory accounts preparation.
• Assist with external audits, VAT reporting and other regulatory submissions.
• Support payroll processing, reconciliations, pension accounting and employee cost reporting.
• Analyse workforce costs and support payroll budgeting and forecasting.
• Drive improvements in finance processes, reporting, controls and system capabilities.
• Support ERP enhancements, automation initiatives and wider finance transformation projects.

Essential

• ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified.
• Previous experience in a Management Accountant or similar role.
• Strong knowledge of month-end and year-end accounting processes.
• Proven experience producing management accounts and financial reports.
• Excellent balance sheet reconciliation and financial control skills.
• Budgeting, forecasting and financial planning experience.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical ability.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.

Desirable

• Experience within manufacturing, engineering, aerospace or a similar industry.
• Experience working with ERP systems.
• Payroll accounting knowledge.
• Cash flow forecasting and working capital experience.
• Exposure to statutory reporting and external audits.
• Proven track record of improving finance processes, controls and reporting.