Company Description Iolas Capital is a family-led investment firm focused on supporting established UK businesses to achieve sustainable, profitable growth and long-term success. The firm has particular expertise in the built environment, including property services, construction, and interiors, while also partnering with companies across other sectors. Iolas Capital’s investment approach is based on deeply understanding each business, strengthening financial and operational foundations, and building capabilities within teams. The firm aligns its success with the organisations it backs through profit-sharing and structured performance management, fostering accountability and ownership. Iolas Capital shares insights on profitable growth, leadership excellence, and disciplined investment across the UK business landscape.
About the Role
We are seeking a commercially minded and proactive Management Accountant to support a growing portfolio of specialist businesses operating
across the Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) Consultancy, Engineering and Construction sectors.
Working closely with business leaders and owners, you will take ownership of the monthly management accounting process across multiple legal
entities, providing financial insight, performance analysis, and robust financial controls. This is a varied role suited to somebody who enjoys
working in a fast-paced SME environment, partnering with operational stakeholders and supporting business growth through accurate financial
reporting and commercial decision-making.
You will work across a portfolio of businesses, helping to standardise processes, improve reporting, and drive financial performance while
supporting directors and project leaders with meaningful financial data.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare accurate and timely monthly management accounts for multiple group companies.
Produce monthly profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow reporting packs.
Complete month-end close processes, including journals, accruals, prepayments and reconciliations.
Perform detailed variance analysis against budget, forecast and prior year performance.
Ensure balance sheet integrity through timely and accurate reconciliations.
Support consolidation of financial information across the group.
Business Partnering & Commercial Support
Partner with Directors, Project Managers and Operational Leaders to provide financial insight .
Analyse project profitability, utilisation, recoverability and operational performance.
Support monthly business reviews, presenting financial results and key performance indicators.
Provide recommendations to improve profitability, cash generation and operational efficiency.
Budgeting, Forecasting & Cash Flow
Lead annual budgeting and periodic forecasting processes across group entities.
Prepare rolling cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital performance.
Monitor revenue forecasts, project pipelines and cost commitments.
Project & Contract Accounting
In liaison with PM’s/QS, monitor project financial performance, including work-in-progress (WIP), revenue recognition and project margins.
Review timesheet, utilisation and project management data from systems .
Ensure accurate allocation of costs and revenue across projects and cost centres.
Controls, Compliance & Audit
Maintain strong financial controls and ensure compliance with company policies and accounting standards.
Support year-end audit processes and act as a key contact for external auditors.
Assist with statutory reporting and tax compliance requirements.
Ensure VAT, CIS and other industry-related financial obligations are managed accurately and on time.
Maintain fixed asset registers and supporting financial documentation.
Systems & Process Improvement
Utilise financial and operational systems including Xero, and Excel to deliver accurate reporting.
Develop and improve reporting dashboards and management information.
Identify opportunities to streamline processes and enhance financial controls.
Support finance transformation and systems implementation projects as the group continues to grow.
Essential Experience & Qualifications
Fully qualified or part-qualified ACCA, CIMA or ACA (QBE candidates with relevant experience will also be considered).
Proven experience in a Management Accountant, Finance Business Partner or similar finance role, ideally in an SME or construction
Experience producing management accounts and supporting multiple entities or business units.
Strong understanding of month-end processes, accruals, prepayments, reconciliations and financial reporting.
Advanced Excel skills including Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP and financial modelling techniques.
Experience using cloud-based accounting systems, ideally Xero.
Excellent analytical skills with the ability to translate financial data into commercial insights.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Experience within M&E Consultancy, Construction, Engineering, Professional Services or Project-Based environments.
Understanding of project accounting, WIP, revenue recognition and consultancy utilisation metrics.
Experience working within a multi-company or group structure.
Knowledge of CIS, VAT and construction-related financial processes.
Personal Attributes
Commercially aware and business-focused.
Proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
Strong attention to detail and high levels of accuracy.
Confident communicator who can build relationships with both finance and non-finance stakeholders.
Comfortable operating in a growing, entrepreneurial business environment.
Able to work independently while contributing to a collaborative finance team.
What We Offer
Competitive salary dependent on experience.
Hybrid and flexible working arrangements.
Opportunity to work across a diverse portfolio of growing businesses.
Exposure to senior leadership and strategic decision-making.
Collaborative and supportive working culture.
Pension and additional company benefits.
Ideal Candidate Profile
This role would suit an ambitious Management Accountant who enjoys working in a commercially focused, multi-entity environment and wants to
play a key role in helping a portfolio of specialist M&E and construction-related businesses achieve their growth objectives through strong
