At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and rebuild management accounting processes in a fast-growing finance team.
- Company: Join a dynamic foodservice and distribution group with a values-led culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, office-based role, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with visibility in your work and direct influence on the business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by reshaping financial processes and supporting decision-making.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant with hands-on experience in management accounts and adaptability to change.
Are you looking for a management accountant where you want to build something, not just maintain it?
The Opportunity
Athwal Resourcing is delighted to be supporting a large national foodservice and distribution group, growing fast through acquisition, to recruit a Management Accountant into its Cheltenham finance team. The finance function is being rebuilt from the ground up, legacy processes are being redesigned as the business scales through acquisition. You won’t be inheriting a settled process; you’ll have a direct hand in reshaping it.
Reporting to the Director of Financial Control, you’ll own management accounting down to gross margin level across a multi-depot operation, with particular focus on sales, cost of sales, rebates, fixed assets and stock. You will be working closely with the operations finance team to keep the numbers accurate, reconciled and genuinely useful.
If you’re a qualified accountant who’s looking for a challenge in a growing highly inquisitive group, and who can hit the ground running with minimal supervision, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
- Management Accounts: Prepare and produce monthly management accounts and P&Ls for each operational depot, individually and on a consolidated basis, including accruals, prepayments, reconciliations and analysis to strict deadlines.
- Cost of Sales & Margin: Own the detailed reporting of sales and gross margin, including cost of sales, direct costs and variance analysis against budget and forecast.
- Rebates: Take full ownership of supplier rebate accounting, reconciliation and analysis of rebate income against contracted terms, plus rebates receivable, including renewals and reporting.
- Technical Accounting: Apply sound technical accounting for stock, fixed assets and leases under IFRS 16/FRS 102.
- Depot & Intercompany Reconciliations: Manage inter-depot and intercompany reconciliations across a multi-site network.
- Budgeting & Forecasting: Support the annual budgeting process and monthly forecast updates for sales and cost of sales, working closely with the Finance Business Partner for Operations.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Liaise with operational teams to validate the accuracy of historical data and understand variances, communicating clearly with colleagues across the business.
- Board Reporting: Provide commentary for the board pack, comparing actuals against budget and forecast and work closely with the Director of Financial Control on ad hoc duties and projects.
About You
You’ll be a qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA) with genuine hands-on experience producing a full set of management accounts, ideally within a fast-moving wholesale, distribution or manufacturing environment where physical product is accounted for. You won’t be someone who has followed the same process in the same role for years without needing to ask why. You’ll be resilient, adaptable and comfortable working things out for yourself in a fast-paced, still-evolving finance function and be genuinely energised by change rather than needing a stable, unchanging environment.
You’ll also bring:
- A pragmatic mindset;
- The confidence to work independently, produce the accounts and explain them clearly to non-finance stakeholders;
- Comfort with change as the business grows through acquisition;
- Advanced Excel literacy, including the ability to interpret and unpick complex, undocumented formulae (working knowledge of SQL an advantage);
- Practical experience of stock accounting and lease accounting under IFRS 16/FRS 102;
Why Apply?
This is a genuine career opportunity to help rebuild a finance function’s core processes from scratch, in a fast-growing, values-led business with real stability in its customer base. In return, you’ll enjoy:
- A competitive salary of £50,000 - £55,000 plus benefits;
- An office-based role in Cheltenham, working closely with an experienced Director of Financial Control;
- A standalone role with real scope to shape process, not just follow it;
- A down-to-earth, values-led culture that has stayed close to its roots despite fast growth;
- Genuine visibility as your work will directly underpin decision-making for the Board and Senior Management Team.
Interested?
If you’re looking for a management accounting role with real scope to simplify and rebuild, not just maintain and you’re ready to make it a career rather than a stepping stone, we’d love to hear from you.
Management Accountant in Cheltenham employer: Athwal Resourcing Ltd
Join a purpose-led organisation as a Senior Finance Manager, where your expertise will directly influence strategic decision-making and shape the future of the charity sector. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values collaboration and continuous improvement, alongside competitive benefits such as a strong pension scheme, flexible working options, and professional development opportunities. This role not only offers a chance to lead and mentor a finance team but also to make a meaningful impact in a respected organisation dedicated to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant in Cheltenham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Athwal Resourcing Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Athwal Resourcing Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Athwal Resourcing Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Athwal Resourcing Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Athwal Resourcing Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Athwal Resourcing Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Athwal Resourcing Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
