Senior Management Accountant

Central England Coop; Lichfield; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Generous holiday entitlement

Colleague benefits

Learning & development opportunities

Paid volunteering time

Family-friendly policies

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Central England Co-operative Limited is seeking an experienced finance leader to own our Management Accounts function during a period of transformation and integration. You will shape financial reporting, governance and controls across multiple trading groups while overseeing consolidated results for the merged entity.

The role combines operational leadership with strategic influence, working closely with senior stakeholders to deliver high-quality management reporting, automation and process

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
• Strong financial expertise with ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Management Accounts function and drive consolidation of financial results.
• Oversee P&L, cash flow and balance sheet reporting for the merged entity.
• Develop governance, controls and a consistent management accounts framework.
• Support the Finance Transformation Programme and system/process improvements.

Skills

Relationship-building

Senior stakeholder engagement

Advanced Excel

Data analysis

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent

Tools

Excel

Job description

What will you be doing?

As we continue to create and grow OurCoop, we're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking finance leader to take ownership of our Management Accounts function during a truly exciting period of transformation and integration.

In this highly visible role, which combines operational leaderships with strategic influence, you’ll have the opportunity to shape how financial reporting, governance and controls are delivered across a diverse and growing Society.

Whilst you'll have direct responsibility for the Management Accounts function within our Food Retail business, you'll also provide leadership, direction and governance across our Specialist Businesses, including Early Years, Funeral, Travel, Utilities and Support functions.

Working closely with senior stakeholders across the Society, you'll ensure the delivery of high-quality, insightful management reporting, while driving consistency, robust financial controls and best practice across multiple trading groups.

A key part of the role will be overseeing the production of consolidated financial results, including the Profit & Loss, Cash Flow and Balance Sheet for the merged entity. You'll work collaboratively with Finance colleagues to ensure reporting supports business planning, budgeting and forecasting requirements, while developing a consistent management accounts framework, reporting standards and governance structure across all areas of the function.

Alongside leading a team through a period of integration and transition, you'll play a central role in our ambitious Finance Transformation Programme. Working closely with project teams and senior leaders, you'll help shape the future of finance by supporting the implementation of new systems, processes and ways of working, ensuring that management accounting requirements are embedded throughout each phase of the programme.

We're looking for someone who thrives in a changing environment and enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands‑on leadership.

From leading a talented team and strengthening financial controls, to driving automation, continuous improvement and smarter ways of working, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future direction of our finance function and the wider Society.

How will I know if I am right for this role?

We're looking for a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) who combines strong financial expertise with outstanding relationship-building skills.

You’ll be confident engaging and influencing senior stakeholders, balancing competing priorities, while maintaining a strong focus on delivering excellent outcomes for customers and colleagues alike.

A natural communicator, you can quickly build credibility and rapport at all levels, translating complex data and financial information into clear, actionable insights.

You’ll be highly organised, thrive in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment, and possess advanced Excel and data analysis skills.

Most importantly, you’ll be someone who embraces change, is passionate about continuous improvement, and is excited by opportunities to leverage technology, drive process efficiencies, and help transform the way we work.

Everyone is welcome here. We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments so that all our candidates can show us how they’ll perform their role. There is a section in the application form where you can provide any additional information. Please use this section to include any reasonable adjustments you need, and we’ll do our best to support you through our recruitment process.

Who are we?

OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co‑operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operativeand Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member‑owned organisation rooted in shared co‑operative values.

The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Its footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshireand Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashireand Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolkand Suffolk.

OurCoop and its family of businesses are trading names of Central England Co-operative Limited.

Why join us?

The enthusiasm and commitment of our colleagues is what keeps our customers coming back, and every role plays an important part in making a real difference each day.

As a co‑operative built on the values of equity, solidarity and community, we believe our colleagues should be recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make.

That’s why we offer a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement that increases with service, and a wide range of colleague benefits. From colleague discounts, recognition programmes and personalised learning and development opportunities to paid volunteering time and enhanced family friendly policies, we’re committed to helping our colleagues feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

Wellbeing is a priority for us, and we provide a range of benefits and support designed to help colleagues look after their physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Whatever stage of life you’re at, we’re here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.

To learn more about our rewards and benefits, please visit Rewards and benefits - Central Coop