Management Accountant - Lostock, Bolton

We Are Swim; Bolton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading swimming education organization in Bolton is seeking an experienced Management Accountant to prepare accurate management accounts and support financial processes. This role involves significant interaction with internal stakeholders and requires strong accounting skills. Ideal candidates will have experience in an SME and possess a relevant accounting qualification. The company emphasizes a dynamic work environment and impactful contributions.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a management accountant role, ideally within an SME.
• Experience in a fast-paced business environment.
• Experience preparing management accounts for multiple sites/entities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for all sites.
• Perform variance analysis and provide commentary on financial performance.
• Support the Head of Finance with annual budgeting and reforecasts.

Skills

Management accounting

Variance analysis

Financial reporting

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

Part Qualified/Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)

Tools

Microsoft Business Central

Job description

To underpin our growth, we are looking for an experienced Management accountant. Reporting directly to the Head of Finance, you'll lead the preparation of accurate and timely management accounts, support budgeting and forecasting processes, and provide financial insights to drive business performance. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and enjoys making a real impact.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts for all sites within the Group, including P&L and Balance Sheets.
• Perform variance analysis and provide insightful commentary on financial performance.
• Own balance sheet reconciliations (incl. accruals, prepayments, fixed assets) ensuring timely reconciliation in line with month-end deadlines.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders (property, operations, HR, etc.).
• Support the Head of Finance with annual budgeting and quarterly reforecasts.
• Support the Head of Finance with cash flow monitoring, working capital and covenant compliance.
• Assist with the preparation of year-end accounts, tax and audit.
• Assist with continuous improvement of financial controls, systems, and processes.
• Undertake ad-hoc projects to assist the Head of Finance in commercial/strategic decision making.
• Manage HMRC compliance (VAT, PAYE).

• Part Qualified/Qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a management accountant role, ideally within an SME.
• Experience in a fast-paced business environment.
• Experience preparing management accounts for multiple sites/entities.
• Confident and strong communication skills; ability to build strong relationships.
• Strong technical finance background.
• High level of integrity, attention to detail and accuracy.

Desirable qualifications

• Experience in the leisure, health, or sports sectors or businesses with a recurring monthly member base / Direct Debit management.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Business Central (or similar cloud-based finance software).
• Experience of working in rapidly growing businesses.

At We Are Swim, we believe every child should have the opportunity to learn to swim and love to swim. We build and operate pools nationwide, and we deliver a best-in-class learn to swim experience for 0-11 year olds on a recurring monthly membership basis.

Founded by Olympians, Becky Adlington OBE & Steve Parry MBE, we currently have 28 venues nationwide under our Swim! and Swim@ brands, with a strong pipeline of further growth this year. We have a range of sites from Kent to Edinburgh which are self built and wholly operated by us or in partnership with schools, colleges or universities and private health clubs.