At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance function, ensuring robust financial control and insightful reporting.
- Company: Join a global engineering solutions provider with a strong UK presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and evolving company.
- Why this job: Take ownership of finance in a hands-on role and drive strategic decision-making.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with experience in finance roles, ideally in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Adecco are privileged to be supporting our engineering parts supply client in Preston as they recruit for a new group Accountant. They are recognised as a leading provider of industrial solutions. A global company, the UK operation plays a key role in delivering maintenance, upgrades, and bespoke engineering services and solutions. This is a stand-alone role so you will need to be a capable and commercially minded fully qualified accountant to take ownership of the finance function and support strategic decision-making.
Reporting to the Managing Director and EU based senior finance management, you will take full responsibility for the finance function, ensuring robust financial control, insightful reporting, and compliance with statutory requirements. This role will suit a proactive individual who thrives in a hands-on SME environment within a global group structure.
- Preparation and presentation of monthly management accounts to strict deadlines, including detailed variance analysis, commentary, and actionable insights for senior leadership.
- Ownership of the annual budgeting and forecasting process, including quarterly forecasting and strategic financial planning.
- Preparation and submission of monthly VAT returns, ensuring full compliance with HMRC regulations.
- Full responsibility for the year-end audit process, including liaison with external auditors and the preparation of statutory accounts.
- Management of corporation tax compliance, working closely with external tax advisors on submissions, planning, and R&D tax credit claims.
- Oversight and control of cash flow management, including bank accounts, payments, and preparation of accurate cash flow forecasts to support business operations.
- Development and maintenance of robust financial controls and processes to support a growing and evolving engineering business.
- Provision of commercial financial insight to support operational teams, project work, and investment decisions.
- Supporting the leadership team in driving efficiency, cost control, and continuous improvement across the organisation.
About You
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA).
- Proven experience in a financial controller / senior finance role, ideally within engineering, manufacturing, or industrial services.
- Strong technical expertise in statutory reporting, audit management, and tax compliance.
- Experience operating within an SME, with a hands-on and adaptable approach.
- Commercially aware with the ability to partner operational teams and influence decision-making.
- Strong systems skills with SAP accounting systems and advanced Excel capability.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to liaise at all levels, including external.
The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Strategic Management Accountant | SME Finance Lead in Preston employer: Adecco Colombia S.A.
Join a dynamic and innovative global engineering solutions provider in Preston, where your expertise as a Strategic Management Accountant will be valued and impactful. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development and hands-on involvement in strategic decision-making. With a commitment to excellence and compliance, you will play a crucial role in shaping the financial landscape of our operations while enjoying the benefits of working within a supportive SME environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Management Accountant | SME Finance Lead in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their financial operations and challenges, especially in the engineering sector. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills as a fully qualified accountant can directly benefit the company. Highlight your experience with financial controls and strategic decision-making to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Management Accountant | SME Finance Lead in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in financial control and strategic decision-making, as these are key for this role. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Strategic Management Accountant role. Share specific examples of your past achievements that relate to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical expertise, make sure to mention your experience with statutory reporting, audit management, and tax compliance. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their proficiency with systems like SAP and advanced Excel.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Adecco Colombia S.A.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Strategic Management Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive strategic decisions in previous roles. This shows you’re not just about the numbers, but also about the insights they provide.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Experience
This role requires a proactive individual who thrives in a hands-on environment. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've taken ownership of finance functions in past positions, especially in an SME context. Highlight your adaptability and how you’ve contributed to operational efficiency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around statutory reporting, audit management, and tax compliance. Brush up on relevant regulations and be ready to discuss your experience with VAT returns and corporation tax compliance. This will show that you’re not only qualified but also well-versed in the specifics of the role.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating complex financial concepts in a way that’s easy to understand. Think about how you can convey your insights to non-financial stakeholders, as this will be crucial when liaising with operational teams and senior leadership.
