Management Accountant

Our mission at Curious Universe is to spark joy, creativity, and curiosity through brilliantly designed products that invite everyone to create, explore, and play. Based in the vibrant city of Bath, we are a passionate, diverse team of designers, makers, and innovators, united by one mission: to create out-of-this-world products that make people feel inspired and happy inside.

Founded in 2018, we have grown fast, selling over 20 million products a year in 38 languages across 77 countries. Our portfolio includes arts & crafts, activity books, toys, stationery, and lifestyle products, plus exciting licensed ranges that bring best-loved brands to life in fresh, engaging formats. We design products that spark imagination and invite hands-on creativity, turning ideas into experiences that inspire all ages.

With a talented and diverse team driving innovation across every department, we are proud to create products that stand out on shelves and in homes around the world. Along the way, we have earned recognition for both our creativity and company culture, from being named Business of the Year at the Business Leaders South-West Awards to winning Diversity & Inclusion at the Elite Business UK Awards. Our products have also picked up top honours, including the Creative Play Award and Dads Choice Award. None of this would be possible without our talented, passionate team of 100+ who are the driving force behind everything we do.

Purpose of the Role

The purpose of the Management Accountant role is to provide accurate, timely, and insightful financial reporting and analysis to support strategic decision-making across the business. This position plays a key role in managing the financial performance of the company’s three legal entities, ensuring compliance with internal controls, statutory requirements, and group policies. The Management Accountant will collaborate closely with operational and commercial teams to drive profitability, cost control, and efficiency, while also contributing to budgeting, forecasting, and month-end reporting processes.

Main responsibilities

• Prepare accurate consolidated monthly management accounts, ensuring consistency with accounting standards and internal policies.
• Conduct variance analysis and commentary on financial performance, identifying key trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Monitor and manage cash flow by tracking daily inflows and outflows, ensuring sufficient liquidity to meet operational needs.
• Prepare accurate short-term and long-term cash flow forecasts in multiple currencies.
• Maintain and reconcile balance sheet accounts, ensuring accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies.
• Oversee intercompany transactions and ensure appropriate eliminations and reconciliations are performed.
• Provide financial insights and reports to support strategic decisions, pricing, inventory management, and cost control initiatives to the wider company.
• Assist in the preparation of statutory accounts and liaise with external auditors and tax advisors as required.
• Ensure adherence to internal financial controls, ensuring compliance across all legal entities and look for improvements/efficiencies where possible.
• Oversee VAT reporting and external reporting requirements for all entities.
• Support ad-hoc projects where necessary.

Skills & Experience

• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent) or QBE (2+ years in a similar role).
• Good understanding of financial reporting and accounting standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including the use of advanced formulae.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with strong attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance stakeholders.
• Strong time management and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and willingness to provide cover in other areas.