Management Accountant in Carlisle

Our client is a leading specialist engineering services provider across the Nuclear, Defence, Oil & Gas, Motorsport, Pharmaceutical and Renewable sectors. With their head office in Carlisle, they are recruiting a Management Accountant to take ownership of site-level financial performance and build strong relationships across the business.

You will act as a key finance partner to operational teams providing clear insight, analysis and guidance while working closely with senior stakeholders to understand operational drivers and challenge performance constructively. Reporting to the Finance Director, you will deliver monthly management reporting, analysis, budgeting, and forecasting, and translate financial information for non-financial colleagues to highlight performance, risks and opportunities.

The ideal candidate will be proactive, confident, and collaborative, with the ability to influence stakeholders and become a visible, trusted partner within the business. Typical duties of this role will include:

• Work closely with the business to develop and continuously improve accurate, timely financial reports tailored to the needs of both operational teams and the wider business.
• Partner with the Finance Director to identify key drivers of performance and business risks, providing tailored reporting and in-depth financial analysis.
• Support the Financial Controller in the ongoing improvement of the internal control environment, identifying areas for enhancement and contributing to change and improvement projects.
• Manage the work-in-progress (WIP) reporting for machined items and projects, updating operational forecasts and reviewing contract margins.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and comprehensive management information packs to monitor and track business performance.
• Co-ordinate the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and KPIs, analysing variances and providing clear, meaningful commentary.
• Support tax compliance activities, including SAO compliance, and contribute to monthly and year-end management accounts processes.
• Analyse, interrogate, and interpret financial reports and accounts, providing commercial insight and appropriate challenge to management teams.
• Develop, monitor, and refine key financial performance indicators aligned to company strategy and continuous improvement objectives.
• Design and enhance financial processes, systems, and reporting tools to support timely and effective decision-making.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports and analysis for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support to the wider finance team through ad-hoc tasks and projects, as required.

The skills and experience required for this Management Accountant job includes:

• Proven experience as a Management Accountant, or similar commercial finance role.
• Solid knowledge of basic and advanced accounting and financial principles and practices.
• Excellent knowledge of cost accounting, reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Strong analytical mind.
• Excellent Excel skills.
• Strong communication / business partnering and presentation skills.
• Part / fully qualified accountant (CIMA/ACCA/ACA).
• A forward-thinking, solutions-focused and innovative approach to improve and develop tools, processes, and solutions.
• Committed to continuous improvement and ongoing learning & personal development.
• Highly organised, diligent and with strong attention to detail and the ability to multitask.

As an equal opportunities employer, a competitive package for this job includes:

• Competitive salary of £50,000 per annum.
• 33 days holiday, including bank holidays.
• 4% of employers' pension contributions after 3 months' continuous service.
• Hours of work 40 hours per week Mondays to Friday, option to finish early on a Friday, 30-minute lunch, flexibility on start times if required.
• Electric / hybrid car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare / dental benefits and other softer benefits.

This job opportunity is being managed by Laura Latimer for Hays Senior Finance. For a confidential conversation regarding this job opportunity, please apply or call (phone number removed). If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers.