Defence Mess Finance Manager

ACCA Careers; Swindon; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Contributory pension scheme

Digital GP & wider healthcare benefits

Exclusive travel discounts

Job summary

Defence Academy, Shrivenham invites an experienced finance professional to join as Mess Accounts Manager, overseeing financial operations across multiple messes. You will ensure accurate accounting, robust controls, and high-quality service for customers and stakeholders.

The role leads the accounts team, drives month-end processes, and collaborates with Mess Committees, Treasurers, and site management to maintain compliance and performance in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in a finance 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

• Oversee all mess accounting activities 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

Mess accounting

Stakeholder management

People management

Financial reporting

Budgeting

Tools

Visual One

Agilysys

InfoGenesis

Job description

Defence Academy, Shrivenham invites an experienced finance professional to join as Mess Accounts Manager, overseeing financial operations across multiple messes. You will ensure accurate accounting, robust controls, and high-quality service for customers and stakeholders.

The role leads the accounts team, drives month-end processes, and collaborates with Mess Committees, Treasurers, and site management to maintain compliance and performance in a dynamic environment.