Defence Mess Finance Lead

Chartwells Independent; Swindon; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension

Digital GP & broader healthcare

Travel discounts

Cinema discounts

Wellness & fitness programs

Cashback rewards

Family discounts

Job summary

Compass Group UK&I Defence division seeks a Mess Accounts Manager to oversee financial operations across multiple military messes, ensuring accurate accounting and robust controls. You will lead the accounts team, manage billing, VAT, budgeting, and reporting for key stakeholders, while upholding regulatory standards.

The role requires experience in finance within defence or government sectors, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to drive improvements in a fast-paced environment.

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.
• Strong stakeholder management and customer service skills.
• Organised, proactive, and confident working in a fast-paced environment.

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 development

Financial controls

Customer service

Organised

Proactive

Fast-paced environment

Tools

Visual One

Agilysys

InfoGenesis

Job description

Compass Group UK&I Defence division seeks a Mess Accounts Manager to oversee financial operations across multiple military messes, ensuring accurate accounting and robust controls. You will lead the accounts team, manage billing, VAT, budgeting, and reporting for key stakeholders, while upholding regulatory standards.

The role requires experience in finance within defence or government sectors, strong stakeholder management, and the ability to drive improvements in a fast-paced environment.