Accounting Manager

Finance Department | Head Office

Reporting to: Central Treasurer

Grade: Deputy Departmental Head

Job Purpose

The Accounting Manager is responsible for delivering accurate and timely financial reporting in line with internal policies and statutory requirements. The role oversees month-end and year-end processes, accounts payable and receivable, tax compliance, and payroll oversight, while acting as the key liaison for external audit.

The position also leads and develops the Accounts team, ensuring a high-quality finance service that supports organisational objectives through strong financial control, reporting, and continuous improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Accounting & Reporting

• Maintain accurate and complete accounting records.
• Lead month-end and year-end close processes, ensuring deadlines are met and outputs are of a high standard.
• Produce timely and accurate financial reports in line with UK accounting standards and internal policies.
• Monitor balance sheet accounts, investigating and resolving variances.
• Maintain and enhance internal financial controls, ensuring audit compliance.

Accounts Payable & Receivable

• Oversee accounts payable and receivable functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Ensure effective supplier management, payment processes, and debtor recovery.
• Identify and implement improvements to processes and controls.

Tax Compliance

• Prepare and submit VAT returns and other tax filings accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations across all financial activities.
• Liaise with external advisors on complex tax matters.

Audit & Assurance

• Act as the primary contact for external auditors.
• Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate audit processes and respond to queries efficiently.
• Support implementation of audit recommendations.

Payroll Oversight

• Oversee payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Review payroll reports, reconciliations, and journals.
• Ensure correct treatment of pensions, statutory payments, and payroll taxes.

Budgeting & Financial Planning

• Coordinate the annual budgeting process.
• Monitor performance against budgets, providing variance analysis and insights.
• Support budget holders in managing and understanding financial performance.

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide leadership, direction, and coaching to the Accounts team.
• Set clear expectations, monitor performance, and ensure accountability.
• Foster a culture of accuracy, ownership, and continuous improvement.
• Delegate effectively and support staff development.
• Manage recruitment, training, conduct, and absence matters.
• Encourage collaboration across departments.

Planning & Organisation

• Operate within organisational policies and governance frameworks.
• Manage competing priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Take ownership of finance function performance.
• Build strong internal and external relationships.
• Maintain confidentiality and professional integrity at all times.

Key Relationships

• Senior Management Team
• Finance Department and wider staff
• Regional and Head Office teams
• External stakeholders including auditors, HMRC, banks, and advisors

Knowledge & Experience

• AAT qualified (or equivalent) or higher qualification.
• Strong knowledge of UK accounting standards (UK GAAP/FRS 102).
• Proven experience in financial accounting, reporting, and audit processes.
• Experience managing month-end/year-end cycles.
• Strong understanding of accounts payable/receivable and payroll processes.
• Experience working with accounting systems (e.g. NetSuite, IRIS or similar).
• Demonstrable experience improving financial processes and controls.

Skills

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills.
• Analytical mindset with problem-solving capability.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines effectively.
• Advanced Excel and financial systems proficiency.
• Strong leadership, delegation, and team development skills.
• Clear communication and stakeholder management ability.

Behaviours

• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong personal accountability and ownership.
• Proactive, solution-focused approach.
• Confident and fair decision-making.
• Ability to lead and motivate teams effectively.
• Professionalism and confidentiality at all times.

Additional Information

• Flexibility may be required to meet business needs, including occasional travel.
• The role requires commitment to meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality outputs.