At a Glance
- Tasks: Support month-end processes and gain hands-on experience in management accounting.
- Company: Join Neilson Active Holidays, a leader in active holidays with a vibrant culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days holiday, gym access, and study support for professional qualifications.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working, team socials, and a friendly office atmosphere await you.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career while enjoying a fun, collaborative work environment.
- Qualifications: AAT Level 3 or studying towards ACA, ACCA, or CIMA; finance experience preferred.
Department: Finance
Reports to: Finance Manager
Direct Reports: None
Working Hours: 37.5 hours, Monday - Friday
Contract Type: Full Time, Permanent
Salary: £32k - £38k, depending on experience
In a Nutshell:
- Developmental Management Accounting role
- Play a critical part in month end processes and the core accounting function
- Gain hands-on experience across management accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting and business partnering.
- Fully funded study support for AAT, ACA, ACCA or CIMA, including paid study leave.
- Hybrid working from our head office in Brighton Marina with weekly office attendance.
About You:
You are a proactive and detail-oriented finance professional looking to develop your career within a fast-paced commercial environment. Whether you're progressing from an Assistant Accountant role or already working towards a professional accounting qualification, you're keen to broaden your experience and build a successful career in management accounting.
You enjoy working with numbers, analysing financial information and helping others make informed business decisions. You take pride in producing accurate work, meeting deadlines and continually looking for opportunities to improve processes. Most importantly, you're a collaborative team player who is eager to learn, develop new skills and contribute to the success of a supportive finance team.
Role Overview:
Working within our UK-based Group Finance team, you'll support the delivery of accurate financial reporting and play an important role in ensuring the smooth running of the finance function. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career in finance. You'll gain exposure to all aspects of management accounting, including month-end reporting, budgeting, forecasting, balance sheet control, financial analysis and business partnering, while working alongside experienced finance professionals.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Supporting the monthly management accounts process, ensuring timely and accurate financial reporting.
- Preparing month-end journals, including accruals, prepayments, allocations and asset capitalisation.
- Maintaining balance sheet reconciliations and ensuring controls remain accurate and up to date.
- Assisting with the production of monthly reporting packs and providing financial analysis and insight where required.
- Supporting budgeting and forecasting activities alongside the FP&A function.
- Working closely with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable to ensure accurate ledger postings.
- Supporting overseas teams with finance queries and month-end accounting activities.
- Assisting with VAT returns and other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Monitoring and analysing the Fixed Asset Register.
- Supporting the annual audit process.
- Assisting with finance projects and continuous improvement initiatives across the department.
- Helping to strengthen financial controls and identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiency.
Skills & Experience:
You’ll be great at this if you are…
- AAT Level 3 qualification or are currently studying towards ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
- Previous experience within a finance or accounting environment, ideally supporting management or financial accounting activities.
- Good understanding of accounting principles and month-end processes.
- Strong analytical and numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Good Excel skills and confidence using finance systems.
- Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
- A proactive mindset with a willingness to learn and continuously improve.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to build positive working relationships across the business, including remote teams.
- A collaborative approach and genuine enthusiasm for developing a long-term career in finance.
It’d be a bonus if you…
- Experience using SAP ByDesign.
- Working knowledge of IFRS or UK GAAP.
- Experience using Business Intelligence (BI) tools.
- Experience working within a group finance function.
- Exposure to overseas entities or multi-currency accounting.
- Previous experience within the travel, leisure or hospitality sectors.
- Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable experience.
What’s in it for you:
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays. Option to purchase 5 days holiday as extra.
- Auto enrolment into Scottish Widows pension scheme (Employer 4%, employee 5%).
- Life Assurance x 2 salary.
- Additional partner discounts (OOSC, Osprey, Trek, Snow Centre, Temple Spa etc).
- Modern, friendly, casual, upbeat office atmosphere.
- Free on-site gym & shower facilities.
- Free parking within a 10-minute walk from the office.
- Office secure bike storage.
- Great office location in Brighton Marina.
- Highly preferential holiday deals.
- Remote working options.
- Office kitchen/bar – Coffee & tea making facilities.
- Office pool table & darts board.
- Team socials and events.
- Daily fruit basket.
- Free drinks fridge & snacks.
- Cycle to work & Tech scheme (salary sacrifice).
We reserve to close this vacancy before the closing date if a suitable candidate is found.
Junior Management Accountant employer: Neilson Active Holidays
At Neilson Active Holidays, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and collaborative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. As a Junior Management Accountant, you'll benefit from fully funded study support for professional qualifications, a supportive team environment, and the opportunity to develop your skills in a dynamic finance role, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Brighton Marina. With a focus on employee well-being, we offer a range of perks including flexible working options, a modern office atmosphere, and numerous team-building activities, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Management Accountant
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Neilson Active Holidays. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Management Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Neilson Active Holidays.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Neilson Active Holidays's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neilson Active Holidays
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Neilson Active Holidays.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Neilson Active Holidays will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Neilson Active Holidays employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
