At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the finance team, manage reporting, budgeting, and support business growth.
- Company: Join DEKRA, a global leader in safety and reliability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with strong values and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role with flexibility and leadership opportunities.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with team management experience.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid role, Office based Southampton.
Salary: £65,000 - £90,000 per annum, DOE + Excellent Benefits!
Contract: Full-time, permanent
At DEKRA, safety isn't just what we do it's who we are. Part of a global network of 49,000+ professionals across more than 60 countries, we help organisations in high-hazard and safety-critical industries prevent incidents, protect people and strengthen organisational safety and reliability. We are now looking for our next Management Accountant to play a pivotal role in supporting DEKRA in the UK.
A day in a life and the impact you'll make:
DEKRA is seeking an experienced Management Accountant to play a pivotal role within our UK Finance function. This is a senior, business-facing position where you will act as a finance business partner, providing insight, leadership, and robust financial control to support performance, profitability, and growth. You will take ownership of monthly management reporting, budgeting and forecasting, audit liaison, and team leadership, while working closely with senior stakeholders across the business. This role suits a fully qualified accountant who enjoys combining technical excellence with people leadership and commercial influence.
What you'll do:
- Lead the finance team to consistently meet internal and external reporting deadlines
- Produce accurate monthly management accounts with insightful variance analysis and commentary
- Lead month-end and year-end close, including journals, balance sheet reconciliations, and fixed asset control
- Ensure all group reporting and intercompany deadlines are met
- Prepare cash flow forecasts and support financial planning
- Act as a finance business partner to P&L owners, providing timely and meaningful financial insight
- Attend and contribute to Business Manager P&L review meetings
- Analyse financial and non-financial data to support decision-making, profitability, and growth
- Lead the annual budget and periodic forecasting cycles
- Own the annual audit process and act as the key liaison with external auditors
- Ensure statutory accounts are prepared and filed in line with deadlines
- Manage and develop a small finance team (Accounts Receivable and Accounts Payable)
- Review and improve accounting processes, controls, and efficiencies
- Ensure adherence to accounting policies and governance standards
- Provide technical accounting guidance where required
- Act as an active member of the Senior Leadership Team
- Work collaboratively across departments to drive continuous improvement
- Champion DEKRA's values, behaviours, and safety culture
What you bring:
- Essential
- Fully qualified accountant (ACCA / CIMA / ACA)
- Minimum of 2 years' post-qualification experience
- Proven experience managing and developing a team
- Strong working knowledge of SAP
- Solid understanding of core accounting principles, particularly revenue accounting
- Confident communicator able to influence both finance and non-finance stakeholders
- Proactive, resilient, and solutions-focused approach
- Desirable
- Experience in a multi-entity or group reporting environment
- Background in business partnering within a complex organisation
Why join DEKRA:
At DEKRA, our people live our values every day: Safety first - always, Integrity - acting ethically and transparently, Customer focus - delivering value and trust, Entrepreneurship - taking ownership and creating opportunity, Team spirit - collaboration, respect, and shared success. You'll join a global organisation with strong leadership, a supportive culture, and the opportunity to make a genuine impact at both operational and strategic levels.
What success looks like:
- Monthly management accounts delivered accurately and on time
- Reliable, insightful reporting for both local and group stakeholders
- A motivated, well-led finance team
- Continuous improvement in processes, controls, and collaboration
If you're a commercially minded Management Accountant looking for a senior, influential role with flexibility and scope to lead, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of DEKRA UK.
No agencies please. At DEKRA we value your unique experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive workplace for all team members.
Management Accountant employer: DEKRA UK Management
DEKRA is an exceptional employer that prioritises safety, integrity, and collaboration within a supportive culture. As a Management Accountant in our hybrid Southampton office, you will benefit from competitive salary packages, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact in a global organisation dedicated to enhancing safety and reliability across industries. Join us to lead a motivated finance team while enjoying a flexible work environment that champions continuous improvement and values diverse perspectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Management Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at DEKRA. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding of core accounting principles. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams and improved processes in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for safety and integrity during the interview. DEKRA values these traits, so share examples of how you've embodied them in your work.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the DEKRA team.
We think you need these skills to ace Management Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Management Accountant role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in financial reporting and team leadership, to show us you’re the perfect fit for DEKRA.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills align with our values at DEKRA. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or led teams to success. We love seeing how you’ve made a difference in previous roles.
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 DEKRA UK Management
✨Know Your Numbers
As a 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 them in past roles. Prepare examples of how your insights have driven business decisions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves managing a finance team, so be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Think of specific instances where you've developed team members or improved team performance. Highlight your ability to influence both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
✨Understand DEKRA's Values
Familiarise yourself with DEKRA's core values: safety, integrity, customer focus, entrepreneurship, and team spirit. Be ready to explain how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Think through scenarios related to budgeting, forecasting, and audit processes. Practise articulating your thought process and the steps you would take to resolve issues.
