Accounting Manager

T & W Civil Engineering; Northampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

T & W Civil Engineering in Northampton is seeking an Accounting Manager to oversee financial operations and ensure the accuracy of financial records. Responsibilities include managing the accounts payable function, maintaining financial controls, and supporting auditing processes.

The ideal candidate will possess strong accounting qualifications and experience, alongside skills in financial management, compliance, and process improvement. This role presents an opportunity to drive efficiency in financial operations within a growing organization.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in an Accounting Manager, Finance Operations Manager, or senior accounting role.
• Strong experience managing accounts payable and transactional finance functions.
• Experience managing and developing finance staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Manage the accounts payable function, reviewing supplier payment runs.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and prepare for audits.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Advanced Microsoft Excel

Organizational skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

Power BI knowledge

Education

Fully or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Accounting and ERP systems

Job description

The Accounting Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the organisation, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial records, maintaining strong financial controls, and managing the transactional finance functions. The role leads the accounts payable process, oversees key accounting activities, ensures compliance with financial policies and statutory requirements, and supports the wider finance team by providing accurate financial information.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day accounting operations, ensuring financial transactions are processed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain robust financial controls and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and strengthen financial controls.

Accounts Payable

• Manage the accounts payable function, ensuring supplier invoices are processed accurately and within agreed timescales.
• Review and approve supplier payment runs in accordance with delegated authority.
• Maintain positive supplier relationships and resolve invoice or payment queries promptly.
• Monitor aged creditors and ensure liabilities are managed effectively.
• Support the Accounts Payable department with invoice processing during busy periods or covering holidays.
• Review weekly subcontractor payments against time sheets to ensure accuracy is maintained.

Compliance and Audit

• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards, VAT regulations, and statutory requirements.
• Prepare information required for external audits and support the audit process.
• Ensure timely completion and submission of VAT returns and other statutory reporting obligations where applicable.
• Maintain appropriate documentation to support financial transactions and controls.
• Lead, coach, and develop members of the accounting team.
• Allocate workloads, monitor performance, and support professional development.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability within the finance function.

Business Support

• Provide accurate financial information and analysis to support the Finance Manager and wider business.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to resolve accounting issues and improve financial processes.

Key Requirements

Essential Qualifications

• Fully or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent), or qualified by experience.
• Previous experience in an Accounting Manager, Finance Operations Manager, or senior accounting role.
• Strong experience managing accounts payable and transactional finance functions.
• Experience of month-end accounting processes, reconciliations, journals, accruals, and prepayments.
• Experience managing and developing finance staff.
• Good knowledge of accounting principles, financial controls, VAT, and statutory compliance.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Experience using accounting and ERP systems.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive approach to improving processes and controls.
• Experience supporting external audits.Experience of process improvement projects.
• Knowledge of Power BI or other financial reporting tools.

Key Performance Indicators

• Timely and accurate completion of month-end accounting activities.
• Efficient and accurate accounts payable processing.
• Timely submission of VAT returns and statutory reporting.
• Successful audit outcomes with minimal audit adjustments.
• Continuous improvement in accounting processes and internal controls.