Management Accountant

Job Description

Job Title: Management Accountant

Department: Finance

Reports to: Managing Director

Responsible for:
Delivering accurate, timely management information and commercial insight to support operational performance, profitability, and strategic decision‑making across the business.

Main Purpose and Scope of Job

The Management Accountant will play a pivotal role in supporting the leadership team through the provision of high-quality financial reporting, analysis, and forecasting. Operating within a manufacturing SME environment, the role requires a hands‑on, commercially focused finance professional with strong management accounting expertise. Working closely with operational, production, and commercial teams, the postholder will ensure financial performance is clearly understood, risks are managed, and opportunities for improvement are identified.

The role will balance strong financial control with forward‑looking insight to drive efficiency, margin improvement, and sustainable growth.

• Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including variance analysis and performance commentary.
• Support the preparation of annual budgets, rolling forecasts, and long‑term financial plans.
• Provide detailed cost analysis, product costing, and margin reporting to support pricing and profitability.
• Monitor manufacturing variances, inventory valuation, and operational performance metrics.
• Analyse financial and operational data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.
• Support cash flow forecasting, working capital management, and credit control activity.
• Assist in the development of business cases for capital expenditure, automation, and improvement projects.
• Maintain strong financial controls and support compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements.
• Support year‑end processes, audit preparation, and statutory reporting.
• Carry out the monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate processing of hours, overtime, deductions, and statutory payments, in line with HMRC and regulatory requirements, working closely with HR and external payroll providers where applicable.
• Develop and maintain financial KPIs, dashboards, and management reporting tools.
• Work closely with production, engineering, and commercial teams to align financial performance with operational activity.
• Support pricing reviews, contract evaluations, and commercial negotiations through robust financial analysis.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of finance systems, processes, and reporting.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data within ERP and finance systems.
• Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, and financial discipline across the business.

• Management accounting (manufacturing environment) – Expert
• Product costing, margin & variance analysis – Expert
• Budgeting, forecasting & financial planning – Expert
• Cash flow & working capital management – Expert
• Financial controls & internal governance – Expert
• Statutory reporting & audit processes – Expert
• ERP / finance systems & reporting tools – Expert
• CAPEX appraisal & investment analysis – Expert
• Banking, funding & lender relationships – Expert
• Financial systems improvement & automation – Expert

Essential:

• Part‑qualified, finalist, or qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, or equivalent).
• Strong management accounting background.
• Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• Proven experience producing management accounts, budgets, and forecasts.
• Experience of cost control, product costing, and variance analysis.
• Advanced Excel and financial modelling skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work with operational and senior management teams.
• Experience supporting audit and statutory reporting processes.
• Exposure to ERP system implementation or optimisation.
• Experience working with banks, auditors, and external advisors.
• Previous experience in an SME or growth‑focused environment.

Desirable:

• Additional qualifications or higher professional status.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of advanced ERP implementation projects.

• Leadership: Demonstrates professional credibility and…