Management Accountant

Working at the RFU means being part of the ‘bigger picture’ at England Rugby: to be rooted in our purpose, which is to enrich lives, introduce more people to rugby union & develop the sport for future generations. If our purpose resonates with you, and you recognise the value that sport can bring to people’s lives, we’d love to work with you.

An opportunity has arisen for two Management Accountants (one qualified, one part-qualified) to join our Finance team on a fixed term basis, with the potential to move to a permanent contract.

The role is contractually based at Allianz Stadium, with an employment type of 12-month Fixed Term Contract, and working hours of 35 hours per week.

We are seeking two Management Accountants to join our Finance Team and play a key role as the RFU begins its journey to deliver its new strategy, Plan 2030, and begin its stadium masterplan project. The position offers a broad range of accounting responsibilities across both month-end and year-end cycles. It requires close collaboration with colleagues across the business and wider finance team to ensure accurate reporting and high-quality financial outputs.

The Finance team comprises Financial Control, Strategic Finance and Procurement. Our purpose is to ensure the RFU remains financially strong and able to support its organisational objectives. We maintain robust financial controls to provide insight and support effective decision making and optimisation of the RFU’s assets. We work collaboratively to achieve our goals, continuously seeking opportunities for improvement while fostering a supportive and inclusive team environment. We typically operate in a hybrid working model, with time split between office and home.

Some key responsibilities include:

• Working with finance business partners and stakeholders across the business to prepare and post monthly, quarterly and year-end journals.
• Develop and maintain models, reconciliations and suitable evidence to support the external audit process.
• Assist with Finance activities across various entities, including but not limited to: Balance sheet reconciliations, Preparation of statutory accounts, Information requests from various internal and external stakeholders.
• Act as a key point of contact for the internal and external auditors.
• Maintain accuracy and integrity of the general ledger.
• Work alongside the finance business partners by providing insight into the numbers through variance analysis, cost reviews and trend reporting to impact business decisions.
• Highlight risk and opportunities, and drivers of financial performance.
• Contribute to budgeting and periodic reforecasts.
• Work with cost centre owners to review expenditure, understand variances, and identify cost savings or revenue generation opportunities.
• Track and monitor key cost categories e.g. overheads, staffing, project spend and support the business partners in challenging unexpected fluctuations.
• Work with internal departments to ensure accurate financial results are reported.
• Communicate accounting impacts and results to non-finance colleagues in a clear and accessible manner.
• Gather and challenge information provided to the business to ensure accurate reporting.

System and process improvement:

• Maintain and update ERP and finance systems with accurate financial information.
• Assist in implementing changes to financial processes, including automation, workflow improvements, and system upgrades.
• Identify opportunities to streamline month-end close activities and improve reporting efficiency.
• Provide training or guidance to the business on the system.

General:

• Actively collaborate with colleagues to contribute to the development and delivery of the current strategic, business and operational plans.
• Act as an ambassador for, and promote the best interests of the RFU, including the promotion of our culture and core values – This Rose Means Everyone: Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other.
• Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time as are consistent with the responsibilities of the post and the needs of the organisation.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience:

• Part-Qualified/Qualified/Qualified through experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of best practice and trends in finance.
• Ability to work independently and with high levels of autonomy.
• Proven time management and prioritisation skills.
• Effective interpersonal, and relationship management skills.
• Strong collaboration, influencing and partner management skills with the ability to challenge constructively.
• Proven stakeholder management skills with an ability to influence at all levels.
• Self-aware; committed to continuous professional and personal development.
• Proficient in working with Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint and proficiency with Smartsheet.
• Committed to embodying the ethos of our culture by using our three core values – Put The Team First, Shape The Future, Respect Each Other – to guide your day-to-day decisions, actions and interactions.
• Committed to actively contributing and building an inclusive culture in your role and day to day behaviours.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If there is anything we could do to support you through your application or to provide the best environment for your interviews, including assistance or adjustment, please reach out to recruitment.