Group Management Accountant

Group Management Accountant - Fixed Term contract
up to £65k depending on experience
Hybrid working

I am recruiting for an experienced Group Management Accountant to join a Global Restaurant Franchise on a fixed term contract. This is an exciting role where you will be a part of the Central Support Finance team, based in South West London. Ideally you will come from a Hospitality or Retail background have extensive Multi-site experience. I would like to speak to Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA accountants with >2 years PQE.

The team provides a shared service support to several operating group companies including the Grocery food business and central support functions such as Marketing, Design, Supply Chain, People and Finance. You will be in a unique position that puts the team at the forefront of Group-wide initiatives and an opportunity to build relationships with the Group's Senior Executive Team as well as supporting them with all key finance information in order for them to be able to manage their budgets successfully.

About You:

You will have strong Balance Sheet Reporting experience, establishing best in class balance sheet reconciliations, performed on a timely basis and managing the production of periodic balance sheet movement reporting, with a particular focus on net working capital movement. The role will develop balance sheet forecasting and lead periodic balance sheet review meetings with the Finance Management Team, clearly communicating the risks and opportunities.

Key responsibilities will include:

Management Reporting & Forecasting

The role will concentrate on the production of periodic management accounts including managing production of periodic management accounts to EBDITA and the provision of actual vs forecast P&L variance summary to Senior Management on a timely basis, providing timetable updates as time lines for period end close are improved.

Responsible for the production of the periodic performance reports to key stakeholders as well as providing key insight to support decision-making

Preparation of the Group Central Support Strategic Plan, Annual Budget, and Forecasts with Budget Holders across a number of areas of the business.

Working closely with the FP&A team in the production of the Group Cashflow during Budgeting and Forecasting cycles.

Responsibility for the completion of balance sheet reconciliations for each entity and overseeing and coaching the junior team members in completing these

Preparation of Group Statutory reporting requirements and related inputs

VAT reporting and compliance for three jurisdictions (UK, Europe and International)

Completion Annual National Business Surveys as and when requested

Support the preparation of the corporation tax returns for various entities.

Contribute to a smooth and clean audit as required, by working with the company's external auditors, thus minimising risk.

Preparation of year end financials and being the primary contact across the audit process

Managing Relationships

Lead regular meetings with stakeholders to discuss variances, challenge and make recommendations to ensure budgets are controlled effectively and developing business risk and opportunity is assessed in financial terms

Engaging with a variety of stakeholders in the business including function heads, market Finance teams and various external advisors such as tax specialists and systems providers.

Change Management and Process Improvement

Working with other members of the Group Finance team to develop improved forecasting and reporting capabilities within the reporting and consolidation system, Vena

Working closely with the team in preparation of statutory and Group audit requirements including statutory to management reporting reconciliation.

Assist in the roll out Microsoft Dynamics 365 to other markets, including project work and analysis such as chart of accounts mapping, data migration and reconciliation.

Lead and support several technology projects (across finance and supply chain) with a view to drive effectiveness and efficiency

Contribute to a sustainable control environment that meets organisation standards and policies and guidelines and ensuring compliance to tax, legal and operational standards.

Identify and make recommendations on where system and control improvements can be made

Monitor emerging technology to determine ways to automate the accounting process without sacrificing accuracy and accountability

Manage and mentor Junior Accountant(s) to ensure they obtain relevant experience and exposure for their ACCA/ CIMA qualification

Providing direction and guidance to the transactional members of the team during the period end close

Candidate Experience

Qualified CIMA/ACCA/ACA accountant with >2 years PQE

Bachelor's Degree (Accounting or Finance degree preferred)

The ability to manage conflicting priorities to deliver on key priorities, a high level of organisational skills and attention to detail are essential skills for success in this role

Statutory Accounts preparation experience in practice or prior management accounting experience is essential

Strong IT / system skills, preferably with MS Dynamics 365 and Power BI would be an advantage

Ability to work on one's own and with a team to deliver results

Experience managing and developing a team.

Strong accounting acumen (e.g. revenue recognition, capitalisation, intercompany accounting principles).

Experience successfully managing audit requirements.