Technical Accounting Manager

Co-op Group; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 84,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme

28 days holiday rising to 32 with/plus

Pension with employer contributions up

Discount on Co-op products

Stream - pay access

Virtual healthcare

Training and development

Job summary

Co-op Group in Manchester is seeking a Technical Accounting Manager to act as the trusted expert on complex accounting matters, with a focus on IFRS 17 and funeralcare pre-paid plans, guiding interpretation and application across the organisation.

You will partner with Finance, senior leaders and auditors to ensure high-quality reporting, lead a team of three qualified accountants, and develop policy papers while promoting collaboration, openness and practical guidance.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Strong technical accounting expertise and detailed knowledge of IFRS, including IFRS 17.
• Experience producing technical accounting assessments and policy papers.
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
• Ability to explain complex accounting concepts clearly to diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the interpretation and application of IFRS standards, with responsibility for IFRS 17.
• Provide technical accounting advice on complex transactions and projects.
• Prepare and review technical accounting papers for senior leaders, auditors, and governance committees.
• Oversee the production of annual and interim financial statements.
• Maintain and develop accounting policies and ensure consistent implementation.
• Build strong relationships with auditors and external actuarial support for IFRS17.
• Monitor emerging accounting developments and translate them into practical guidance.
• Support the Technical Accounting Committee and governance forums with clear, commercial advice.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three qualified accountants.

Skills

IFRS 17 expertise

Technical accounting

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Education

ACA/ACCA or equivalent

Job description

Up to £93,000 plus great benefits, including a company car, private healthcare, and an annual bonus scheme (Work Level 4)

Manchester city centre | hybrid working (you'll spend on average one day a week working from the office)

We're looking for a Technical Accounting Manager to be our trusted expert on complex accounting matters; providing clear, practical, and compliant guidance that supports our commercial decision-making. With a particular focus on IFRS 17 and funeralcare pre-paid plans, you'll lead the interpretation and application of accounting standards across Co-op.

As a Technical Accounting Manager, you'll work closely with Finance colleagues, senior leaders, external auditors, and actuarial partners to make sure we're maintaining high-quality and consistent financial reporting and accounting practices. Alongside providing technical expertise, you'll lead a talented team of accountants, supporting their career development and helping them to thrive.

If you've got the skills and experience we're looking for, this is a great opportunity to join a friendly, supportive team that genuinely enjoys working together. We help each other out, share ideas, and tackle challenges as a team. You'll have the chance to use your expertise, learn from colleagues and make an impact, all in an environment where people are approachable, collaborative, and down to earth.

Why this role matters

Strong financial governance helps us make better decisions for our business, member-owners, and communities. In this role, you'll make sure we navigate complex accounting challenges confidently, providing clear advice in line with evolving accounting standards and helping leaders understand the financial implications of their choices.

What you'll do

• Lead the interpretation and application of IFRS standards, with particular responsibility for IFRS 17
• Provide technical accounting advice on complex transactions and projects
• Prepare and review technical accounting papers for senior leaders, auditors, and governance committees
• Oversee the production of annual and interim financial statements
• Maintain and develop accounting policies and make sure they're implemented consistently
• Build strong relationships with auditors and colleagues across Co-op and manage the day-to-day relationship with our external actuarial support for IFRS17
• Monitor emerging accounting developments and translate them into practical guidance
• Support the Technical Accounting Committee and other governance forums Provide clear, commercially-balanced advice to finance and non-finance audiences
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of three qualified accountants

What you'll bring

We're committed to making our roles as accessible as possible, so we only ask for the minimum criteria. To thrive here, you'll need to bring:

• An ACA, ACCA or equivalent professional qualification
• Strong technical accounting expertise and detailed knowledge of IFRS, including IFRS 17
• Expertise within a professional practice or technical accounting environment
• A track record of producing technical accounting assessments and policy papers
• Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills
• The ability to explain complex accounting concepts clearly to a range of audiences
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills

Why Co-op?

At Co-op, we're owned by our members. And because we're owned by you, we can do right by you. So when you join us, you're not just taking a job, you're joining a movement. We're an organisation that puts people and communities first, and we're powered by purpose. We want this to be a place where you can thrive, so you'll also receive:

• An annual bonus scheme (based on personal and business performance)
• 28 days holiday (rising to 32 with service) plus bank holidays
• A pension with up to 10% employer contributions
• 30% discount on Co-op products and 10% off other brands
• Stream - early access to a percentage of your pay as you earn it
• Virtual healthcare including GP appointments, mental health support, nutrition and fitness advice
• Training and support for your development and career progression

A place you'll belong

We're building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone, and our support centre is an inclusive environment where all our colleagues can thrive.

If you have a disability, we'll make reasonable adjustments to support you through the recruitment process. We're also proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme - if you're disabled and you meet the minimum criteria for this job, we'll guarantee you an interview.