Management Accountant – Maternity Cover; FTC

Role & Responsibilities

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.

The role provides an opportunity to develop a broad understanding of financial operations within a project‑driven, international environment, while contributing to the production of meaningful financial information that supports the company’s strategic objectives.

The ideal candidate will have experience in management accounting, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach to problem‑solving. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further their career within a creative and dynamic industry while gaining exposure to a wide range of financial activities.

• 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).
• Liaise with external auditors to ensure year‑end audit and accounting processes run smoothly.

• Develop and manage annual budgets and forecasts, working closely with budget‑holder department heads.
• Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to support decision‑making at both strategic and operational levels.
• Monitor key KPIs, cash flow, working capital, and profitability to ensure financial sustainability.

• Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
• Support VAT, tax, and other regulatory reporting requirements.
• Assist with annual external audits and statutory reporting processes.
• Maintain strong financial controls and data integrity.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.

• Become a super‑user of the recently launched project costing system (CMap) to assist the wider business with queries and issues.
• Support the transition to a new accounting software system.

• Professional certifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is preferred; 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, 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.

• Agile, flexible and hybrid working (minimum 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
• Annual leave increasing with long service
• Life assurance
• Study sponsorship with paid study leave
• Sabbaticals
• Employee assistance programme
• Season ticket loans
• Cycle to work scheme
• Virtual GP service
• Subscription fees
• Company day out
• A volunteering scheme
• Enhanced learning & development opportunities

We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the process, please include them in your application, and someone from the people team will reach out to discuss your requirements.

As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.

We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.