Management Accountant

CRA Consulting; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

CRA Consulting in Wakefield is seeking an experienced Management Accountant to join a high-performing finance function. You will deliver management, statutory and financial reporting and provide insight to drive business performance.

The role requires ACA/ACCA/CGMA or equivalent, strong technical accounting skills, and proven leadership in management accounts, budgeting and balance sheet control. A hands-on, collaborative approach and ability to influence stakeholders are essential.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CGMA) with post-qualification experience.
• Experience across management accounts, statutory reporting, audit and taxation.
• Strong stakeholder management and commercial awareness.

Responsibilities

• Prepare full monthly management accounts and related schedules.
• Own balance sheet management including fixed assets and reconciliations.
• Partner with senior management to provide insightful reporting and forecast against budget.
• Support statutory accounts submission and year-end processes.
• Lead and develop the finance team to drive efficiency and automation.

Skills

Management accounts

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Accounting standards

Process improvement

Education

ACA/ACCA/CGMA or equivalent

Tools

MS Excel

ERP systems

Job description

We are delighted to be supporting a growing and highly successful organisation in the appointment of an experienced Management Accountant .
This is a key role within an efficient, well-controlled and high-performing finance function. Reporting into the Financial Controller , you will play an important part in delivering high-quality management, financial and statutory reporting, while providing meaningful insight to support business performance and strategic decision-making.
The successful candidate will combine strong technical accounting expertise with excellent commercial awareness and stakeholder management skills. This is an opportunity for a hands-on finance professional to make a genuine impact, support the continued development of the finance function and help drive greater efficiency through improved processes, automation and business partnering.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare full monthly management accounts, supporting schedules and the wider reporting suite.
• Take ownership of balance sheet management, including the fixed asset register and monthly balance sheet reconciliations.
• Partner with senior management and wider business stakeholders, providing insightful reporting and analysis, particularly against forecast.
• Analyse, interpret and present financial information clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Support the preparation and submission of statutory accounts and group reporting within agreed deadlines and in accordance with relevant accounting standards and legislation.
• Act as a key point of contact for external auditors, supporting an efficient and well-managed year-end audit process.
• Assist with the preparation and submission of corporate tax, statutory and government returns.
• Support the implementation of new finance systems and technology.
• Assist with annual budgeting, planning and reforecasting, with particular responsibility for staff costs, overheads, cash flow and balance sheet considerations.
• Ensure intercompany transactions, loans and associated interest are accurately accounted for.
• Oversee and understand income receipt and associated distribution and recharge processes across relevant business partners.
• Provide guidance and support to operational stakeholders on financial procedures, regulatory requirements and relevant accounting rules.
• Review and develop accounting processes and systems, identifying opportunities for automation, simplification and improved efficiency.
• Lead, coach and develop members of the finance team, fostering a high-performing and collaborative culture.
• Undertake other relevant and reasonable duties in support of the wider finance function and business.

About You

You will be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CGMA) with strong technical accounting experience and a proven track record of working across management accounts, statutory reporting, audit and taxation.
You will be commercially minded, confident working with senior stakeholders and comfortable challenging information where appropriate. A hands-on approach is essential, alongside the ability to operate effectively in a changing and sometimes challenging environment.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) with proven post-qualification experience.
• Strong experience preparing full management accounts and supporting financial information.
• Previous experience across statutory accounting, taxation and audit.
• Demonstrable leadership experience, including the ability to motivate, develop and inspire colleagues.
• Excellent analytical skills with a strong attention to detail.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to manage changing priorities and challenging situations while maintaining focus on objectives.
• Confident and assertive, with the ability to constructively challenge and question information.
• A proactive, hands-on approach with a willingness to get involved across the finance function.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to manage expectations and drive performance.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage effectively at all levels.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the legal or insurance sectors.
• Knowledge of Solicitors' Accounts Rules and associated regulatory requirements.
• Exposure to long-term contract accounting and/or work-in-progress.
• Experience working within a fast-paced environment with strict reporting deadlines.
• Strong ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgement and involve appropriate stakeholders when required.