Management Accountant in Portsmouth

The Management Accountant will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day financial operations of the business, ensuring financial records, processes and controls are maintained effectively and accurately. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading and developing a small finance team, ensuring the team works efficiently to generate timely month end reporting to the director. They oversee day-to-day finance operations, provide guidance to team members, and support the organisation's financial objectives. The role will play a key part in supporting the organisation through the implementation and ongoing use of the accounting software ‘Odoo’, helping to improve financial visibility, reporting and operational efficiency. Previous experience using Sage would be advantageous for reconciling financial information against prior records. This is a hands-on position requiring a practical and experienced finance professional who can take ownership of financial processes, work collaboratively with key stakeholders and contribute to the continued development of the finance function. The role requires a proactive individual who can communicate effectively with the Managing Director, providing regular financial updates and highlighting significant issues requiring management attention.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day finance function and associated activities, ensuring effective financial controls are maintained.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure financial information is reliable and up to date for the purpose of decision making.
• Support the implementation, optimisation and ongoing use of Odoo as the primary finance system.
• Work closely with stakeholders to improve financial processes and reporting capabilities.
• Monitor and improve financial tracking, ensuring information is organised and easily accessible.
• Manage and communicate with the surrounding finance team to create meaningful output and longer-term efficiencies.
• Provide regular financial updates to the Managing Director, highlighting significant financial, operational and commercial issues.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and cashflow management and working capital activities.
• Prepare timely management information and finance reports for senior leadership highlighting key variances and business risks.
• Contribute to strategic finance projects and business improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Previous experience in a Financial Controller, Finance Manager or similar senior finance position.
• Strong practical accounting and finance experience.
• Excellent understanding of financial systems and software, preferably Odoo or a similar cloud based software like Xero/Quickbooks.
• Experience managing day-to-day finance operations.
• Experience working with ERP/accounting systems within a manufacturing or distribution environment.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of both individual and team responsibilities.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to present concise financial information and recommendations to Directors and senior management.

Desirable

• Experience supporting a finance system implementation or migration project.
• Experience of manufacturing stock valuation and inventory control.
• Experience of import/export and multi-currency transactions.
• Previous experience within a growing or evolving business environment.
• Experience supervising or leading finance activities or team members.
• Experience making online bank payments.
• A finance role in an internationally-trading company.
• Knowledge of import/export related financial regulations.
• Cashflow management experience.

Qualifications

Essential

• Qualified by experience or able to demonstrate significant practical finance experience.

Desirable

• AAT, ACCA, CIMA or ACA qualification.
• Part-qualified finance professional working towards a recognised qualification.
• Relevant finance, accounting or business-related qualification.

Technical Competencies

• Financial management and accounting processes.
• Financial systems and ERP software.
• Odoo (highly desirable) or equivalent accounting software.
• Sage experience would be beneficial.
• Financial reporting and data analysis and management information.
• Process improvement and systems development.
• Spreadsheet and financial modelling skills.
• Financial record maintenance and reconciliation.

Behavioural Competencies

• Attention to detail.
• Effective communication skills.
• Accountability and ownership.
• Management skills.
• Initiative and proactive problem-solving.
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace change.
• Strong organisational skills.
• Commercial awareness.
• Resilience and persistence.
• Continuous improvement mindset.

Key Stakeholders

Internal

• Directors and senior leadership team.
• Operational managers.
• Finance colleagues and support staff.
• System users across the business.

External

• External accountants.
• Software providers and implementation partners.
• Auditors and professional advisers.