Management Accountant - Football in London

To support the Finance Team in delivering accurate, timely and controlled management accounting across budgeting, forecasting, month-end and year-end processes, with a focus on football operations and player-related costs.

Main Responsibilities:

• Prepare accurate, timely and insightful financial information to support effective management of designated football finance areas.
• Prepare and maintain departmental Profit & Loss accounts for designated areas of men’s football operations and player costs.
• Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies on a timely basis.
• Prepare monthly forecasts, commentary and variance analysis, with particular focus on football operations and player cost movements.
• Monitor and support player transfer payments and receipts, ensuring amounts are collected or paid in line with contractual due dates and applicable regulations.
• Maintain accurate football and player-related data, including player database information within Microsoft Dynamics.
• Improve reporting, controls and management accounting processes to enhance accuracy, efficiency and financial insight.
• Support the management and forecasting of football-related cash flow requirements.
• Support the Financial Reporting team with interim and year-end audit preparation.
• Undertake ad hoc projects and tasks as required.

Person Specification:

• Excellent attention to detail, with strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret financial and operational data accurately.
• Clear communicator, able to explain financial information effectively and work collaboratively with finance and football stakeholders.
• Good understanding of football operations, player costs, player transfer payments and receipts, and related regulatory requirements.
• Experience using finance systems to maintain accurate data; Microsoft Dynamics experience is desirable.
• Proactive approach to improving reporting outputs, spreadsheet efficiency and management accounting processes.
• Able to identify issues, propose practical solutions and implement change in a controlled and effective way.
• Self-motivated and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities and respond effectively in a fast-moving environment.
• Strong team player with a practical, hands-on approach and willingness to support wider finance priorities.
• High level of discretion when handling sensitive and confidential financial, player-contract and football-related information.

Qualifications:

• Essential: Qualified accountant – ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, with curiosity and practical confidence in using AI/Copilot tools to improve analysis, reporting and efficiency.
• Preferable: Previous experience working within the football industry.

Our Expectations:

• To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others.
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy.
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead.
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate.

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.