Accounts Manager

Howett Thorpe; Alton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is seeking an experienced Accounts Manager to lead the finance function in Alton, Hampshire. The role combines hands-on accounting with team leadership, process improvements and cross‑entity controls across UK and international ops.

Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, you will own day-to-day accounts, supervise junior staff, review ledgers, manage intercompany activity and ensure proper revenue recognition and VAT compliance for year-end reporting.

Qualifications

• Strong double-entry bookkeeping knowledge and understanding of accounting principles.
• Experience in manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or retail environments.
• Multi-currency accounting experience and exposure to international entities.
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation and ledger review expertise.
• Experience investigating and resolving complex accounting discrepancies.
• Knowledge of accruals, prepayments, revenue recognition and year-end accounting procedures.
• Good understanding of VAT accounting and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of bookkeeping and transactional accounting activities across the UK business and selected Group entities.
• Act as the first point of contact for Accounts Assistants, providing guidance and support on day-to-day finance queries.
• Conduct detailed reviews and health checks of general ledgers across UK and international operations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting anomalies, unexplained balances and unusual journal entries.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are accurately reconciled and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review intercompany transactions and multi-currency accounting entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes, working with the Group Finance Manager.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and appropriate accounting treatment during year-end reporting.
• Review VAT compliance processes and assist with VAT reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with finance teams across the Group to improve consistency and accounting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial controls, processes and procedures, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide support for external audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with internal policies and accounting standards.

Skills

Double-entry bookkeeping

Accounting principles

Multi-currency accounting

Balance sheet reconciliation

Ledger review

VAT accounting

Advanced Excel

Attention to detail

Problem solving

Education

AAT qualification

Tools

Excel

Job description

Our client is a long-established and highly successful international business with a reputation for quality, innovation and exceptional customer service. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Accounts Manager to join their Hampshire-based finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on accounting professional who enjoys combining day-to-day finance responsibilities with team leadership and process improvement.

Job Title: Accounts Manager

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Alton

Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 p.a.

Reference no: 16171

Accounts Manager About The Role

Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, the Accounts Manager will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, providing leadership and support to the accounts team whilst ensuring the accuracy, integrity and timely processing of financial information across the business. The role offers a blend of operational accounting, team management and financial control, supporting both UK and overseas entities. Responsibilities

• Take ownership of bookkeeping and transactional accounting activities across the UK business and selected Group entities.
• Act as the first point of contact for Accounts Assistants, providing guidance and support on day-to-day finance queries.
• Conduct detailed reviews and health checks of general ledgers across UK and international operations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting anomalies, unexplained balances and unusual journal entries.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are accurately reconciled and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review and validate intercompany transactions and multi-currency accounting entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes, working closely with the Group Finance Manager.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and appropriate accounting treatment during year-end reporting.
• Review VAT compliance processes and assist with VAT reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with finance teams across the Group to improve consistency and accounting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial controls, processes and procedures, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide support for external audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with internal policies and accounting standards.

The successful Accounts Manager will have:

Previous experience leading or supervising a finance team.

Strong double-entry bookkeeping knowledge and a solid understanding of accounting principles.

Experience within manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or retail environments.

Multi-currency accounting experience and exposure to international entities.

Strong balance sheet reconciliation and ledger review expertise.

Experience investigating and resolving complex accounting discrepancies.

Knowledge of accruals, prepayments, revenue recognition and year-end accounting procedures.

A good understanding of VAT accounting and compliance requirements.

Advanced Excel skills and confidence analysing large volumes of financial data.

Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and problem-solving abilities.

AAT qualified or qualified by experience