Accounts Manager

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services; Swindon; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Career development programs

Healthcare benefits

Travel discounts

Cinema discounts

Job summary

ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services is seeking a Mess Accounts Manager at Defence Academy, Shrivenham to oversee accounting operations across multiple messes and ensure robust financial controls and accurate reporting.

You will manage all aspects of mess accounting, produce key financial reports, oversee cash management, and lead a skilled accounts team while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a finance, accounts, or mess accounting environment.
• Defence, MOD, military, or government sector experience.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Knowledge of financial reporting, reconciliations, and budgeting.
• Experience with systems such as Visual One, Agilysys, InfoGenesis, or similar.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of mess accounting, including billing, reconciliations, VAT reporting, and month-end accounts.
• Produce financial reports, balance sheets, profit analysis, and budgeting information for key stakeholders.
• Oversee cash management, banking, debt recovery, and financial compliance procedures.
• Manage and maintain financial systems, including member accounts, direct debits, and event billing.
• Build strong relationships with Mess Committees, Treasurers, military personnel, and site management teams.
• Monitor stock, sales, and profitability, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Lead, coach, and develop the accounts team, ensuring high standards of performance and compliance.
• Ensure all financial processes are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with company and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Cash management

VAT reporting

Tools

Visual One

Agilysys

InfoGenesis

Job description

Defence Academy, Shrivenham

Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a role with real variety and responsibility? We’re seeking a Mess Accounts Manager to oversee financial operations across multiple military messes, ensuring accurate accounting, robust financial controls, and exceptional service for our customers and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of mess accounting, including billing, reconciliations, VAT reporting, and month-end accounts.
• Produce financial reports, balance sheets, profit analysis, and budgeting information for key stakeholders.
• Oversee cash management, banking, debt recovery, and financial compliance procedures.
• Manage and maintain financial systems, including member accounts, direct debits, and event billing.
• Build strong relationships with Mess Committees, Treasurers, military personnel, and site management teams.
• Monitor stock, sales, and profitability, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
• Lead, coach, and develop the accounts team, ensuring high standards of performance and compliance.
• Ensure all financial processes are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with company and regulatory requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a finance, accounts, or mess accounting environment.
• Defence, MOD, military, or government sector experience.
• Experience managing and developing teams.
• Knowledge of financial reporting, reconciliations, and budgeting.
• Experience with systems such as Visual One, Agilysys, InfoGenesis, or similar.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer service skills.
• Organised, proactive, and confident working in a fast-paced environment.

Join a unique Defence environment where your financial expertise will directly support the successful operation of a high-profile site.

Benefits

We ensure you’re rewarded for all your hard work, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes but is not limited to:

• Contributory pension scheme
• Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
• Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
• Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
• Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
• Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
• Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
• Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
• You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families

About Us

Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.

Job Reference: com/1208/78080005/52183289/SU #Defence

Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!