Financial Accounting Manager

South West Water; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility group is seeking a Financial Accounting Manager to oversee financial control for SES Water. Responsibilities include managing financial reporting, ensuring compliance, and leading audits. Applicants should be ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified with extensive experience in financial reporting. The position is based in Bristol or Exeter, offering a competitive salary and a strong benefits package.

Benefits

Generous holiday allowance

Discretionary Bonus

Competitive Contributory Pension

Share-save Scheme

Various health benefits

Wellbeing support programmes

Cycle to Work Scheme

Financial support services

Qualifications

• Qualified Accountant with ACA/ACCA/CIMA.
• Experience in corporate financial reporting.
• Understanding of auditing and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Financial Control for SES Water.
• Manage financial reporting cycles.
• Support internal controls and compliance.

Skills

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified Accountant

Extensive experience in financial reporting

Strong accounting skills

Knowledge of IFRS reporting standards

Job description

At Pennon Group, we’re proud to be leading the way in the water and renewables industries. Alongside our subsidiaries - South West Water, Bristol Water, Bournemouth Water, SES Water, Pennon Water Services and Pennon Power - we’re committed to delivering a sustainable future of our region. Because we know that by continually driving up our standards today, we’ll build a better tomorrow for our communities.

About the role

Are you a qualified Accountant looking to take the next step in your career? Do you want to play a pivotal role in supporting the delivery of strong financial control and reporting for one of the UK’s leading water utility groups?

We have an excellent opportunity for a Financial Accounting Manager to join our Finance team, with a particular focus on SES Water, part of the Pennon Group. This role can be based out of either Exeter or Bristol on a full-time permanent basis. You will receive a competitive salary of £60,000 - £70,000 per annum plus excellent benefits.

You’ll be part of the management of the Financial Control team, where your technical expertise, leadership and insight will significantly contribute to the delivery of the Group’s results. This is a key role in ensuring the integrity of our financial reporting, strengthening internal controls and supporting regulatory compliance as the Group continues to grow.

What you’ll be doing:

• Lead Financial Control for SES Water
• Act as the key point of contact for SES Water financial control and the external auditors.
• Manage the provision of financial information for SES Water across monthly, half-yearly, and annual reporting cycles.
• Lead the preparation of statutory accounts for SES Water and support the Group’s consolidated reporting.

Deliver Internal Controls over Financial Reporting (ICoFR)

• Map processes and Risk and Controls Matrices (RACM) for SES Water and manage the annual control testing process.
• Support the roll-out of ICoFR frameworks across the wider Pennon Group, ensuring consistency and compliance.

Collaborate and Influence

• Work closely with finance and business stakeholders to ensure accounting treatments accurately reflect business activity.
• Support implementation of new accounting policies and standards across the Group.
• Provide analysis on the impact of new accounting developments and regulatory changes.
• Support the Head of Finance Control, Reporting & Accounting in producing necessary board papers on financial reporting and technical accounting issues.

Audit, Reporting & Regulatory Compliance

• Lead on the external audit process for SES Water, including planning, deliverables, and resolution of accounting issues.
• Support Group and subsidiary statutory accounts preparation.
• Deliver accurate financial information for inclusion in Ofwat’s Annual Performance Report.
• Review the VAT and Corporation Tax working papers to ensure compliance.

What we are looking for:

• ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified Accountant
• Extensive experience of preparing financial information in a corporate environment at Group and company level
• Fully conversant with reporting under IFRS and able to take technical lead on new standards/issues
• Strong accounting skills including consolidation and group restructuring
• Understanding of the water sector would be advantageous but not essential

What’s in it for you:

• We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition.

In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
• A discretionary Bonus
• Competitive Contributory Pension
• Share-save Scheme
• Various health benefits
• Wellbeing support programmes
• A range of Group Discounts
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Financial support services
• And plenty more!

Closing Date: Tuesday 12th November 2025

Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.

Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.

Our core values which are essential to our success are:

Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.

Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.

Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.