Management Accountant - Maternity Cover; FTC

Overview

The Management Accountant will support the delivery of accurate and timely financial information to assist business decision-making and ensure effective financial control across the company. Working closely with the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for preparing monthly management accounts and other monthly finance reports, balance sheet reconciliations, budgets and forecasts, and financial analysis. Prepare and manage monthly management and other regular financial reporting, and annual statutory financial statements.

Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial reports and statutory returns in compliance with accounting standards and regulations (including VAT and ONS returns). Liaising with external auditors to ensure year end audit and accounting processes run smoothly.

• Prepare and manage monthly management accounts and other regular financial reporting, balance sheet reconciliations, budgets and forecasts, and financial analysis.
• Prepare and manage annual statutory financial statements and ensure timely submission of financial reports and statutory returns in compliance with accounting standards and regulations (including VAT and ONS returns).
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure year-end audit and accounting processes run smoothly.
• Support Financial Planning & Analysis activities, including developing and managing annual budgets and forecasts and providing insightful financial analysis to support decision-making at strategic and operational levels.
• Monitor key KPIs, cash flow, working capital, and profitability to ensure financial sustainability.
• Maintain internal controls and drive process improvement within the finance function.
• Support VAT, tax and other regulatory reporting requirements; assist with annual external audits and statutory reporting processes; maintain data integrity and strong financial controls.
• Support the move to a new accounting software system and become a super-user of the project costing system (CMap) to assist the wider business with queries and issues.

• Professional certifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) are preferred; however, part-qualified or qualified by experience will also be considered.
• Experience in a similar role, ideally within a professional services or project-driven industry (architecture, engineering, or construction).
• Experience with international financial management, including multi-currency and multi-jurisdictional accounting.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
• Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills; high attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Willingness to be hands-on within the role; proven experience in managing and developing finance teams with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake and is not exhaustive. Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy with offices in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and an employee-owned culture that empowers everyone to contribute.

• Agile, flexible and hybrid working (minimum 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH).
• Annual leave increasing with long service.
• Life assurance and study sponsorship with paid study leave; sabbaticals available.
• Employee assistance programme and cycle to work scheme.
• Season ticket loans, virtual GP service, and other benefits.
• Volunteer and learning & development opportunities.

As world leaders of heritage and conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams. We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our employee ownership culture.