Accounting Manager (Mat Cover)

Lagardère Travel Retail; Greater London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading travel retail company is seeking an Accounting Manager to oversee a team of accountants. This role is crucial for managing daily accounting operations, ensuring accurate financial reporting, and compliance with tax regulations. The successful candidate will be part-qualified in accounting, possess strong SAP and Excel skills, and demonstrate the ability to lead and develop a team effectively. Located in Greater London, this position offers opportunities for growth in a dynamic environment.

Benefits

Simplyhealth cash plan

Retail Trust

Life insurance

Up to 25% in-store discounts

Qualifications

• Part qualified accountant studying towards qualification.
• Knowledge of working in an accounts department desirable.
• Sound and up to date knowledge of UKGAAP and IFRS.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of accountants across various accounting functions.
• Manage daily accounting operations and month-end close.
• Prepare accurate financial statements in compliance with regulations.
• Oversee compliance with tax regulations and financial audits.
• Identify process improvements for accounting operations.

Skills

Excellent communication

Strong relationship building

Planning and organizing

Ability to deliver under pressure

Influencing and motivational skills

Education

Part qualified accountant (CA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA)

Knowledge of UKGAAP and IFRS

Tools

SAP system

Excel modelling

Job description

Exciting new opportunity in travel retail, supporting a fast‑paced retail and food service business, where every day brings new opportunities to grow and make an impact!

Job purpose:

The Accounting Manager leads a team of seven accountants and is responsible for overseeing the company’s daily accounting operations, month‑end close, financial reporting and compliance processes. This role ensures accuracy, timeliness, and integrity of financial data while driving operational excellence, team development, and cross‑functional collaboration. The Accounting Manager plays a key role in supporting business decisions and contributing to continuous improvement within the finance function.

Benefits

Simplyhealth cash plan, Retail Trust, life insurance, and up to 25% in‑store discounts

Key Responsibilities

1) Leadership & Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of seven accountants across general accounting, tax, VAT, treasury, AP/AR, and reporting.
• Oversee workload allocation, performance management.
• Conduct regular 1:1s and mid‑year/annual performance reviews.
• Foster a collaborative, high‑performing, and accountable finance culture

2) Accounting Operations & Month‑End Close

• Manage all daily accounting operations, ensuring accuracy and adherence to deadlines.
• Oversee and review journal entries, account reconciliations, and supporting schedules.
• Ensure timely and accurate month‑end, hard close and year‑end close.
• Monitor the balance sheet for accuracy and completeness, resolving discrepancies.
• Supervise AP/AR processes while ensuring compliance with internal policies.

3) Financial Reporting, Consolidation & Audit Management

• Prepare and/or review accurate financial statements in accordance with UKGAAP/ IFRS.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of the monthly reporting package for corporate consolidation, ensuring completeness, accuracy, and adherence to group deadlines.
• Ensure timely submission of consolidation schedules, management reporting templates, and supporting documentation to the corporate finance team.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls, accounting policies, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Lead preparation for internal and external audits, including audit schedules and supporting documentation.

4) Tax, VAT, Customs & Excise Compliance

• Manage periodic VAT/GST returns, ensuring compliance with local and international requirements.
• Ensure full compliance with Customs & Excise regulations, including import/export documentation, duties, and declarations.
• Maintain accurate tax records and documentation to support audits and regulatory inspections.
• Monitor changes in VAT, and excise legislation and assess impacts on the company.
• Partner with operations and supply chain to ensure customs processes are efficient and compliant.
• Oversee tax reconciliations, payments, and related balance sheet accounts.

5) Treasury & Cash Management

• Oversee daily cash management, including cash flow monitoring and reporting.
• Manage banking relationships and ensure efficient operation of cash, credit, and payment processes.
• Ensure accurate reconciliation of bank and treasury accounts.
• Ensure proper governance of payment approvals, signatories, and banking platforms.

6) Process Improvement & Accounting Excellence

• Identify and drive improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy across accounting processes.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and ensure consistent execution.
• Leverage technology and automation tools to reduce manual processing.
• Lead root cause analysis of recurring accounting issues and implement corrective actions.

Qualifications

• Part qualified accountant studying towards qualification including (CA, ACA, ACCA or CIMA)
• Knowledge of working in an accounts department desirable
• SAP system knowledge essential
• Previous experience in a similar position,
• Sound and up to date knowledge of UKGAAP and International Financial Report Standards (IFRS)
• Experience of managing staff within the Accounts department
• Excellent Excel modelling skills.

Key Skills

• Able to build strong internal and external relationships
• Excellent communicator
• To be able to deliver under pressure
• Good planning and Organising skill
• Accountable for own work
• Influence and motivate people

Our values: Can you feel the HEAT?

HONESTY

• Working ethically
• Fostering a culture of openness
• Treating each other fairly
• Being considerate

EXCELLENCE

• Delivering first class customer service
• Upholding high store standards
• Showcasing prestigious brands

AGILITY

• Working in a fast‑paced environment
• Adapting well to change
• Always striving to improve

TEAM SPIRIT

• Working together as one team
• Supporting each other
• Being active partners in our wider communities

Lagardère Travel Retail

At Lagardère Travel Retail, we don't just operate in airports and stations - we transform them. We turn everyday travel moments into extraordinary experiences, helping passengers discover something new, delightful, and memorable along the way.

Whether it's a quick coffee before takeoff or a last‑minute gift that sparks joy, we create spaces that inspire wonder, celebrate individuality, and make waiting time feel like part of the adventure.

With our unique blend of global expertise and local insight, we craft tailor‑made offers that benefit both travelers and landlords - bringing value, vibrancy, and a touch of magic to every corner of the journey.