Assistant Management Accountant

The WPO Group is an independent European platform of renewable energy expert-services. Our clients are asset owners, investors, lenders and insurers. By providing asset management services on 8 GW of wind and solar sites with a capital value of €11bn generating €1.7bn of electricity sales annually, WPO is the market leader in France, UK, Ireland and Sweden. Our integrated service offering also includes technical specialized SaaS, due-diligence, asset inspections, testing and insurance brokerage. WPO currently operates across 13 European countries through 48 offices or service points.

Due to client expansion, we have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Management Accountant to join our renewables team supporting the financial and commercial management of key wind and solar projects. This is an excellent opportunity to join a supportive team of skilled finance professionals where you will work towards assisting with all aspects of the financial reporting cycle alongside exposure to our senior client stakeholders.

The role

The Assistant Management Accountant works closely with a Management Accountant and have the opportunity to develop their skills so that they become responsible for financial, commercial and reporting aspects on clients’ renewable assets.

The person

To apply, you must be a part-qualified accountant with management reporting skills. Due to the nature of our work, candidates with experience in client-facing roles or who can demonstrate stakeholder management will be at a distinct advantage. As this position will work with a European portfolio, we are particularly interested in candidates who may have an additional European language for example, French, German or Swedish but this is not essential.

The package

The role offers benefits including employer pension contributions, life assurance, 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays and the option to buy more), private healthcare and onsite parking. Flexible arrangements are available regarding level of hybrid working, as well as working hours. This is a unique opportunity to be part of a friendly team of engineers and finance professionals who are passionate about renewables and the environment. Due to team location, candidates will be required to be on site in our office in Bramhall, Stockport a minimum of once per week. Exceptional arrangements may be available for candidates who have an additional language.

We are aware that this opportunity is likely to attract candidates who are currently studying professional finance qualifications. We welcome the opportunity to explore what support may be available at the interview stage.

Job purpose and primary objectives

• To assist in the provision of accounting and commercial services to a portfolio of client-owned renewables businesses;

Key tasks/ duties

• Prepare detailed monthly management accounts for clients
• Produce regular performance reports for client wind or solar farms
• Create periodic cash flow statements and regular cash/bank forecasts
• Assist with the annual budgeting and ongoing forecasting process
• Control and review sales, purchase ledgers and set up bank payments
• Produce monthly accruals/prepayments and general ledger journals
• Assist with year-end statutory accounts preparation for client wind farms
• Manage quarterly VAT returns
• Act as a key contact to clients and external parties (e.g. auditors, HMRC, Ofgem)

Key Requirements

• A minimum of 3 years working within a similar (ideally client-facing) finance role
• Experience in all aspects of accounting (from bookkeeping to management reporting)
• Part qualified CIMA/ACA/ACCA advantageous
• Intermediate or advanced Excel skills (including SUMIF, COUNTIF, SUMPRODUCT)
• Prior use of online accounting software e.g., Xero, QuickBooks or Sage is essential
• Strong attention to detail under pressure, and adherence to tight deadlines
• Candidates with an additional language such as French/German or Swedish would be at a distinct advantage