Management Accountant in Stafford

Exciting opportunity to join a high growth SME operating in the Care Sector. The First Blue Group is a rapidly expanding business with a current focus on the children’s residential care sector. We are looking for a dynamic individual who is well organised and able to work across multiple companies ensuring financial information is timely, accurate and reliable. The rapid growth of the business presents an excellent opportunity for career development and knowledge growth, including exposure to acquisitions, raising external finance and long term forecasting.

The Role

We are seeking a dynamic and hands-on Management Accountant to lead the day-to-day financial operations of the Group, supporting robust financial decision-making and ensuring compliance across the organisation. This role is essential in supporting Group finance functions, managing a small finance team, and ensuring high standards in reporting, forecasting, and controls. The Management Accountant will work closely with the Finance Director and other members of the SMT to provide strategic financial insight, maintain operational excellence, and drive improvements in financial systems and processes.

Main Duties and Strategic Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Finance Team to deliver accurate and timely financial information across the organisation.
• Provide day-to-day oversight of all financial operations including accounts payable, receivable, payroll, and month-end processes.
• Support the Finance Director with year-end statutory accounts, external audit, and regulatory compliance.

Divisional Support & Strategic Business Partnering

• Act as a key finance business partner to the SMT, supporting financial planning and forecasting.
• Translate financial data into actionable insight for operational and strategic decision-making.
• Ensure that company rolling forecasts are robust and tracked effectively throughout the year.

Financial Planning and Analysis

• Lead on monthly management accounts and variance analysis.
• Develop and maintain robust cash flow forecasting.
• Contribute to the development of the monthly forecast process.

Control and Compliance

• Maintain a strong internal control environment, ensuring processes are efficient and compliant.
• Ensure adherence to financial policies and procedures, with ongoing review and improvement.
• Oversee compliance with HMRC, pension, and statutory requirements.

Systems, Reporting, and Process Improvement

• Improve and streamline financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Lead the preparation of financial reports for internal stakeholders, including the Board.
• Champion the use of financial systems and digital tools across the finance function.

Team Management and Development

• Line manage a small finance team, providing clear direction, support, and performance management.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Part - Qualified (ACCA, CIMA, ACA) with a background in an audit practice. Ideally working towards full qualification.
• Experience in an SME environment.
• Technically proficient Management accounts production from TB Sage 50 accounts and payroll.
• Primarily office based.

The Person

• Self-confident.
• Able to multi-task in a fast-paced challenging environment.
• High degree of initiative.
• Very good attention to detail.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.