Management Accountant - 12 Month FTC

Zenith Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading vehicle solutions provider is seeking a Management Accountant for a 12-month maternity cover role in Leeds. You will oversee key financial activities and support a transformative finance program, contributing significantly to process improvements and stakeholder engagement. Join a company recognized for its commitment to sustainability and employee wellbeing, and take the opportunity to innovate within a supportive environment.

Benefits

Private Medical Cover

Life Insurance

Dental and Health Cash Plans

Flexible working arrangements

Access to wellness support

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with experience in finance roles.
• Strong technical accounting and Excel skills.
• Proactive and detail-oriented with good stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Manage month-end processes, ensuring timely management accounts.
• Prepare and review balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support budgeting and forecasting, delivering insights for senior managers.

Skills

Technical accounting

Advanced Excel skills

Stakeholder management

Continuous improvement

Communication

Education

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA qualification

Job description

As the UK's largest independent vehicle solutions provider, Zenith is at the forefront of the transition to sustainable vehicle solutions. With ambitious growth plans and a transformative £25 million programme underway, this is a unique opportunity for a Management Accountant to play a pivotal role at the heart of a business embracing innovation and change.

In this 12-month (maternity cover) contract, you'll join our Group Management Accounts team at a pivotal time of transformation. You'll take full ownership of management accounts for a key division, with the flexibility to support other areas as we evolve. This includes overseeing end-to-end month-end processes, and contributing to team-wide transition activities, while having the opportunity to make a real impact on broader business projects.

At Zenith, we value fresh perspectives and empower our Management Accountants to innovate. You'll have the autonomy to drive process improvements, deliver ad hoc projects, and implement best practice as we introduce a new asset platform and undertake a major finance transformation. This role offers the chance to embed new systems, processes, and governance frameworks, while partnering with senior stakeholders to deliver actionable insights on financial performance, variances, and trends.

Your Impact

• Own the complete month-end process – deliver a proactive management accounting and reporting service, ensuring monthly management accounts are prepared in an accurate and timely manner.
• Prepare and review clear balance sheet reconciliations; identify and resolve reconciling items and highlight any risks or opportunities
• Reporting financial results, including both margin and performance, offering insightful variance analysis and commentary.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and contribute to reporting for senior managers and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with accounting standards and other regulatory requirements, which includes maintaining robust audit trails and completion of relevant returns
• Liaise with external auditors and assist during the annual audit process, providing analysis and explanations.
• Drive continuous improvement in finance processes and actively participate in our Finance Transformation programme.
• Champion change across the team, support transition activities, and deliver ad hoc reporting and projects.
• Share knowledge, support the development of junior team members, and act as an ambassador for innovation within finance.

Why Zenith?

At Zenith, we're incredibly proud of what we've achieved over the past 35 years. We're committed to our People Promise, investing in our teams, systems, and culture to create an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and succeed. Here's why we're a great place to work:

• Sustainability Leaders: With 41% of our fleet now Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), we're driving the transition to net zero as a carbon-neutral organisation. We're also proud issuers of the UK leasing sector's largest-ever green bond.

• Award-Winning Business: Recognised as Leasing Company of the Year (Fleet News 2023), Large Business of the Year Award (Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards) and winners of the Diversity and Inclusion Award (Yorkshire Post Excellence in Business Awards).
• Commitment to Innovation: With a thriving fleet of 169,910 vehicles and consistent revenue growth, we're at the forefront of industry transformation.
• Inclusive Culture: Powered by six colleague-led diversity groups, we're committed to creating an outstanding employee experience for everyone.
• Career Development: Our MyGPS personal development framework empowers our people to grow, thrive, and shape their careers in a business built for the future.

What You'll Bring

You're a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA) with a proactive mindset and experience in a finance role, ideally within a multi-divisional group. Key strengths include:

• Strong technical accounting and advanced Excel skills, including handling large data sets
• Forward-thinking, adaptable, and comfortable navigating change and ambiguity
• Excellent communicator who builds relationships and confidently influences decision-makers
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a proactive approach to managing risks and deadlines
• Committed to continuous improvement and championing a culture of excellence
• Stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively
• A strong controls mindset, ensuring robust processes and outputs
• Passionate about delivering exceptional service to high professional standards
• Collaborative, supportive team player who mentors and develops junior colleagues

SALARY & BENEFITS

• Competitive Salary: up to £55,000 per annum (depending on experience) & Annual bonus
• 24 days annual leave & 1 day for your birthday, with the option to buy more
• Health & wellbeing: Private Medical Cover, Life Insurance, Critical Illness Cover, Dental and Health Cash Plans, Funded HRT Treatment, and more.
• Financial Benefits: Tech Scheme, Car Sacrifice Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme, Season Ticket Loans, breakdown cover
• Career Development: Opportunities for professional growth and access to our MyGPS personal development framework.
• Perks at Work – save money on everyday essentials with access to a shopping discounts site
• Support for your wellbeing – onsite GP & Masseuse, Employee Assistance Programme, Pensions advice, Funded HRT Treatment, and Mental Health First Aiders
• Agile Working: Flexible working arrangements to suit you, with free parking onsite.
• Social Activities: Sports and social clubs, company activities, and team events.
• Inclusive Culture: colleague-led equality groups and be part of a company committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Sound Like the Right Opportunity for You? Apply Now!

When you join Zenith, you're becoming part of a team that's driving innovation, sustainability, and success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from people who want to be part of a business that's shaping the future of vehicle mobility, delivering for customers, and making a difference for the environment and society.