Management Accountant

Central Employment Agency (North East) Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a skilled Management Accountant to drive financial performance in Greater London. The role involves producing accurate management information, conducting financial analysis, and utilizing Xero software to enhance reporting capabilities. Candidates should be part-qualified or newly qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA, with advanced Excel skills. Experience in budgeting and compliance with accounting standards is essential. This position offers an opportunity to shape financial strategies within a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience as a Management Accountant using Xero software.
• Strong knowledge of core accounting principles including accruals and prepayments.
• Advanced financial modelling and data analysis skills.

Responsibilities

• Produce timely and accurate management information to inform business decisions.
• Lead the annual budgeting process and conduct variance analysis.
• Support year-end financial statement preparation and liaise with auditors.

Skills

Xero software

Financial analysis

Advanced Excel

Budgeting

Communication

Education

Part-qualified or newly qualified CIMA / ACCA / ACA (or equivalent)

Tools

Xero

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Our client is seeking a skilled and proactive Management Accountant to play a key role in driving financial performance and supporting strategic decision‑making. This position places strong emphasis on leveraging modern accounting technology, particularly the Xero platform, to ensure accurate reporting and effective financial management.

Role Summary

The Management Accountant will be responsible for producing timely and accurate management information, conducting financial analysis, and preparing reports to inform business decisions. The role is central to maintaining the integrity of financial records, ensuring robust budgetary control, and delivering reliable forecasting.

Key Responsibilities

Xero System Management

• Act as a subject matter expert and advanced user of Xero and integrated add‑ons.
• Maintain data accuracy and integrity across the general ledger, fixed asset register, and nominal codes.
• Prepare and distribute monthly management accounts, including Profit & Loss, Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow statements.
• Continuously improve workflows, reconciliation processes, and reporting capabilities within Xero.

Financial Management and Analysis

• Lead the annual budgeting process and produce regular reforecasts in collaboration with senior stakeholders.
• Conduct variance analysis (actuals vs. budget / forecast) and provide clear, insightful commentary.
• Monitor cost drivers and implement effective cost control measures.
• Manage the month‑end close process, including posting journals such as accruals, prepayments, and depreciation.

Compliance and Other Duties

• Support year‑end financial statement preparation and liaise with external auditors.
• Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and legislation.
• Prepare and submit VAT returns accurately and on time.
• Provide financial input for ad‑hoc projects, investment appraisals, and business cases.

Essential Experience

• Part‑qualified or newly qualified CIMA / ACCA / ACA (or equivalent).
• Hands‑on experience as a Management Accountant using Xero software.
• Strong knowledge of core accounting principles, including accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and journal entries.
• Advanced financial modelling and data analysis skills, with high proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non‑finance colleagues.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience in hire / service or project management environments.
• Familiarity with advanced Xero features such as Projects.
• Experience integrating Xero with CRM or operational systems.
• A proactive, improvement‑focused mindset.