Management Accountant

Celestra Limited; Bletchley; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary bonus

Private medical insurance

25 days holiday

Cycle to work

On-site facilities

Job summary

Celestra Limited in Milton Keynes is seeking a Management Accountant to ensure timely production of management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and VAT compliance. You will support the wider business with financial insight while maintaining robust controls and contribute during annual leave.

The role offers hands-on month-end responsibility, including variance analysis, intercompany reconciliations and potential audits, with cross-functional coverage and opportunities to improve

Qualifications

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant with experience in a management accounting role.
• Strong month-end and balance sheet reconciliation experience.
• Experience producing VAT returns and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts within deadlines.
• Perform month-end close activities including accruals, prepayments, and journal postings.
• Conduct fixed asset accounting, intercompany reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Support VAT returns and balance sheet reconciliations; assist with audits.
• Provide cross-functional support and cover during absences.
• Identify process improvements and contribute to internal controls.

Skills

Month-end accounting

Excel skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team player

Education

ACCA/CIMA/ACA or equivalent

Part-qualified / qualified by experience

Tools

Dynamics 365 BC

Job description

Milton Keynes | Monday to Friday | 8:30 to 17:30

About the Role:

The Management Accountant will play a key role within the finance team, ensuring the timely and accurate production of management accounts, financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, and VAT compliance. The role will support the wider business by providing financial insight and maintaining robust financial controls.

The successful candidate will also provide flexible support across the finance function, covering colleagues during periods of annual leave or absence to ensure continuity of service and adherence to key deadlines.

What you’ll do:

Management Accounts & Month End

• Assist in the preparation of monthly management accounts within agreed deadlines.
• Perform month-end close activities, including:
• Accruals and prepayments.
• Journal postings.
• Fixed asset accounting.
• Balance sheet reconciliations.
• Intercompany reconciliations.
• Revenue and cost analysis.
• Investigate and resolve accounting discrepancies.
• Produce variance analysis against prior periods.
• Assist in the year-end audit process and statutory reporting requirements.

VAT & Compliance

• Prepare accurate UK VAT returns within HMRC deadlines.
• Reconcile VAT control accounts and investigate variances.
• Ensure compliance with current VAT legislation and accounting standards.
• Consolidate information for Irish VAT return
• Support the maintenance and improvement of internal financial controls.

Financial Operations Support

• Assist with purchase ledger, sales ledger and cashbook activities when required.
• Support supplier payment runs.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and systems.
• Other ad hoc duties as needed

Team Support & Cross-Cover

• Provide cover for other finance team members during annual leave, sickness, or peak workload periods.
• Develop a broad understanding of all core finance processes to ensure resilience within the team.
• Assist colleagues in meeting reporting deadlines and maintaining service levels.
• Support training and knowledge sharing across the finance function.

What You’ll Bring:

• Part-qualified, qualified, or qualified by experience accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent).
• Previous experience in a Management Accountant or similar finance role.
• Strong month-end accounting and reconciliation experience.
• Experience preparing VAT returns.
• Credit control and cash collection experience.
• Excellent Excel skills and confidence working with large volumes of data.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships across the business.
• Experience of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central accounting system (desirable)
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Team player with a flexible and collaborative approach.
• Reliable and adaptable.
• Willingness to support colleagues and undertake cross-functional responsibilities.
• Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on efficiency and accuracy.

What We Offer:

• Discretionary Company Bonus Scheme (Paid twice yearly)
• Recognition & Rewards – From Star of the Month to Team Hug and spontaneous shout-outs
• Private Medical Insurance – Including 24/7 digital GP access, so you’re covered round the clock.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) – 24/7 confidential support, whatever life throws your way.
• 25 days holiday, increasing with service up to 28 days – plus all the UK bank holidays off.
• Holiday Trading – Fancy a bit more time off? You can buy extra holiday anytime through the year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Plus seasonal health perks like free flu jabs and eye tests on us.
• Tech Payment Scheme – In partnership with Curry’s, spread the cost of your next must-have gadget.
• Brilliant Discounts – Enjoy savings on the high street, in restaurants, and on your travels
• Fresh Fruit Delivery every week, plus breakfast and lunch on site
• Modern Offices – With parking, a pool table, ping pong, and our very own pub garden for a proper summer BBQ.
• On-Site Treats – A daily coffee van to perk you up, and an ice cream van when the sun’s out.
• Team Socials – From team parties to charity fundraisers, there’s always something going on.