Management Accountant
at Fire Brigades UnionGeneral scope and purpose of role The Management Accountant will deliver key support to the Head of Finance in the day-to-day operations of the Finance function. He/she is responsible for providing accurate financial information, analysis, and insight to support effective decision-making across the organisation. The role delivers robust financial control, supports strategic planning, and helps drive organisational compliance and performance through budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Key accountabilities and duties Reporting and reconciliation § Assist the Head of Finance with the preparation of monthly management accounts up to trial balance, ensuring all entries are accurate, complete and processed within agreed deadlines. § Assist the Head of Finance with the monthly reconciliation of all balance sheet accounts (including, accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, investments, AIF, lottery, contributions), post all relevant journals and ensuring any variances are investigated and resolved promptly. § Assist the Head of Finance to perform monthly bank reconciliations across all accounts, ensuring all postings and allocations – both payments and receipts – are accurately recorded and fully reconciled. § Assist the Head of Finance with the monthly reconciliation of credit and debit cards on a monthly basis, reviewing all data entered by the Finance Administrator to ensure accuracy and completeness. § Work with the Head of Finance to carry out monthly period close for all ledgers in a timely and controlled manner, ensuring integrity of the financial records ahead of reporting. § Assist the Head of Finance in preparing and submitting quarterly VAT Returns, ensuring accuracy and compliance with HMRC requirements. § Regularly review modules within accounts software to ensure continuous and accurate flow of transactions, checking nominal codes and accounting periods for correctness. Purchase ledger § Work with the Head of Finance to process invoices when needed for head office and regional offices alongside the Finance Administrator, ensuring all invoices are coded correctly. § Maintain a clean and well-managed creditors ledger at all times, ensuring all balances are clearly explained and any anomalies are accompanied by a documented action plan developed in liaison with Finance Administrator. Banking and payments § Review invoices and payments processed by the Finance Administrator on a regular basis, ensuring transactions are accurate, appropriately coded and processed in a timely manner. § Monitor cash position to advise the Head of Finance on whether the bank is sufficiently funded ahead of all proposed payment runs. Payroll and expenses § Assist the Head of Finance in the accurate production and processing of monthly payroll and expenses in accordance with agreed timelines. § Assist the Head of Finance to process payroll changes, liabilities invoices and payments, ensuring all associated entries are posted correctly and relevant parties are notified by email in a timely manner. Budget and audit § Provide support during the annual budget exercise, assisting the Head of Finance with data gathering, analysis and preparation of relevant schedules. § Assist during annual audit exercise, preparing reconciliations, schedules and supporting documentation as required by external auditors. Administrative § Actively monitor accounts inbox, ensuring all incoming correspondence, invoices and queries are acknowledged and actioned promptly. § Provide support to Finance Administrator as required, offering guidance and assistance to ensure smooth day-to-day running of finance function. Essential Qualifications
- Professional accountancy qualification or part qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of financial accounting principles and management accounting practices. Essential Experience
- 2 years' experience in a Management Accountant or similar finance role.
- Experience of preparing monthly management accounts and financial reports.
- Budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning experience.
- Experience analysing financial performance and providing recommendations to improve profitability and efficiency.
- Experience supporting audits and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Knowledge and Skills
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong financial modelling and data analysis capability.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups, and financial reporting.
- Knowledge of accounting software and financial management systems.
- Understanding of budgeting, cash flow management, and variance analysis.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
- Ability to communicate complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders and senior colleagues.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to build effective working relationships across departments. Desirable Criteria
- Experience within a Trade Union and/or a membership environment.
- Experience of managing or mentoring junior finance staff.
- Knowledge of UK tax and regulatory requirements
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