Management Accountant (12-month FTC) in Ellesmere Port

Who are we? Backed by Swire, Argent Energy is a leading European waste-based biodiesel producer with a vision to help decarbonise transport worldwide. We believe in using waste materials only and continuously search for new waste to be turned into higher value products. We invest in people and their development as well as R&D to drive innovation in products, technologies and operational excellence. We have sites in the UK and Amsterdam. This role is a 12-month temporary contract.

Main Purpose of the Job

The main purpose of this job is to produce insightful financial analysis of business performance that can be used to make timely interventions or support commercial decisions. This role will partner with the Stanlow UK site team to drive performance through effective business partnering. Working as part of the FP&A team, this role will prepare and produce consolidated financial results and regular forecasts of expected outcomes for the Group. The role will play a part in the annual budgeting process, collating data from business partners to create a budget that supports the business goals and long-term strategy.

Business Partnering

• Meeting with Stanlow Site Operations Team on a regular basis to build successful relationships, resulting in better business knowledge and increased commercial acumen.
• Gaining a deep understanding of the cost levers underpinning financial performance and sharing this with business partners to initiate improvements where possible.
• Working with Stanlow Site Operations Team to develop an understanding of departmental goals, then translating these into financial targets and budgets.

Management Accounting & Reporting

• Completion of end to end month end close processes for the Stanlow site including accruals, journals and inventory reconciliations.
• Generating and providing commentary on management reporting for the Group, that provides insightful performance analysis in line with internal deadlines.
• Supporting continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives across the UK plant.

Budgeting

• Building the annual budget for UK operations and UK shared service departments and securing buy-in from key stakeholders.

Collaboration

• Collaborating with other team members to maintain a high performing finance function.

Ad hoc reporting

• Working closely with the FP&A Manager to support them on various ad hoc reporting as required by the business and Executive Committee.

Your key relationships will be:

Internally, you will work closely with the Finance Team and the Stanlow Site Operations Team. There will also be collaboration with all departments across the business ensuring good relations and communications with internal customers and members of the team.

Skills and behaviours you will need to be successful:

• Experience of Management Accounting principles and month-end accounting.
• Familiarity with manufacturing KPIs and performance reporting and analysis.
• Evidence of initiative – self-starter, developing systemised new ways of reporting or analysing data.
• Good communication skills – able to interpret complex financial data and explain it simply.
• Analytical skills – comfortable working with large amounts of data from multiple sources.
• Interpersonal skills – able to form successful working relationships.
• Reporting skills – produce quality analysis or output that is meaningful to recipients.
• Ability to operate calmly under pressure.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs with strong Excel & PowerPoint skills required as well as experience of utilizing Power BI.

Qualifications/education required:

• Qualified or Part Qualified (finalist) in a recognised accountancy qualification.
• Management accounting experience gained in a process manufacturing industry. Chemicals or oils is desirable, but not essential.
• Experience of working with business partners in an engineering or production management role is desirable, but not essential.

What’s on offer

• 33 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, with the option to purchase up to 5 days additional leave.
• Medicash.
• Enhanced Company Sick Pay.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Enhanced Company pension scheme.
• Life Assurance.
• Enhanced Maternity/Paternity Pay.
• Flexible Hours and Hybrid Working Policies.