Management Accountant

WH Smith PLC; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK retail brand is seeking a talented Management Accountant for its Head Office in London. This role involves producing management accounts, managing budgets, and providing financial insights to key stakeholders. Ideal candidates are qualified accountants with strong analytical and communication skills. The position offers hybrid working and a competitive salary.

Benefits

Staff discount

Pension scheme

Hybrid working

Qualifications

• Experience in producing management accounts and variance analysis.
• Strong analytical skills to turn data into actionable insights.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare timely, accurate management accounts.
• Manage Head Office accruals and balance sheet reporting.
• Lead the budgeting and forecasting process for costs.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Organizational skills

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)

Job description

Overview

Management Accountant - WHSmith Travel Head Office

Location: Aldgate, London (Hybrid)

Contract: Full-time | Permanent

Are you a commercially minded accountant looking to make an impact at the heart of a dynamic retail business? WHSmith Travel is looking for a talented Management Accountant to join our Head Office Finance team in Aldgate, London.

In this high-profile role, you'll take ownership of Head Office Central Costs - producing monthly management accounts, driving budget accountability, and partnering closely with senior stakeholders, including Execs. If you enjoy digging into the numbers, telling the story behind them, and helping shape strategic decisions, this could be your next great move.

What you'll be doing

• Preparing timely, accurate management accounts with insightful commentary and variance analysis
• Managing Head Office accruals and balance sheet reporting, including payroll and overheads
• Leading the budgeting and forecasting process for Head Office costs
• Producing monthly cost centre reports to support budget holder accountability
• Acting as a business partner to key stakeholders—mainly Execs—through regular performance reviews and financial guidance
• Identifying and communicating risks and opportunities to the Finance Leadership Team
• Managing recharges for Travel UK and resolving queries efficiently

What we're looking for

• A qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to turn complex data into actionable insights
• Experience in producing management accounts and variance analysis
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with a commercial mindset
• Highly organised and confident in managing multiple priorities and deadlines

Why join us?

WHSmith is one of the UK's most iconic retail brands with a strong global Travel presence in airports, stations, and healthcare locations. At our Travel Head Office, you'll be part of a supportive, fast-paced team where your input is valued, and your career can grow.

We offer hybrid working, a competitive salary, and a range of benefits, including a staff discount, pension scheme, and more.