Head of Accounting & Control in Leicester

About NMBS

NMBS started life in 1963 as a buying group for builders’ merchants and developed into a £2.3bn turnover business supporting builders, plumbers, hardware and timber merchants. The company has evolved into the sector’s trading platform – digital and physical – delivering financial resilience, smoother supply chains, stronger commercial outcomes and lower process costs. The business is based in south Leicester and currently employs circa 70 employees. As a co-operative NMBS is owned by its 1,300 members.

NMBS Currently Provides The Following For Its Members

• Easy access to leading suppliers
• Exclusive discounts and rebates
• NMBS trade exhibition
• Reduced administration costs – one payment to cover multiple suppliers
• Professional support from the NMBS team

Job Purpose

The Head of Accounting & Control will take ownership for the preparation, analysis, and presentation of timely and accurate management and statutory information. This role plays a key part in driving financial insight, operational efficiency and commercial decision-making across the business. Effective cash management is key, with approximately £200m of receipts and payments being processed per month, alongside ensuring robust controls are in place and adhered to.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the monthly management accounts process, ensuring accurate and timely reporting of financial performance
• Compilation of board pack and management reporting, providing clear financial analysis, variance commentary, and trend insights
• Prepare and manage the annual budgets, including coordination with relevant stakeholders
• Production of cost information and analysis to support budgeting, forecasting and management decision making
• Prepare and maintain cash flow forecast, monitoring actual cash movements against forecast and highlighting risks and opportunities
• Ensure all balance sheet reconciliations are accurate, complete, and regularly reviewed
• Maintain robust financial controls, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and cooperative governance requirements
• Prepare annual consolidated financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP
• Liaise with internal and external auditors
• Ensure the VAT return is compiled and submitted on a timely basis
• Expenses – administer employee expenses and ensure compliance with the company policy
• Oversee payroll processes, acting as the primary liaison with the external payroll provider to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery
• Utilising current and future systems to bring clarity and insight to NMBS’s rebates, margin and profitability at member and supplier level
• Provide cost centre holders with financial support and insight
• Deputise for Finance & Operations Director when required
• Develop and coach team members

Communication and Working Relationship

• Communicate financial information clearly and effectively to non-finance colleagues
• Positive integration into the Executive/Heads of team and develop constructive influence within this group
• Grow strong working relationships across the finance team supporting them with financial expertise, insight and coaching
• Liaise with external partners, including audit and payroll providers

Qualifications Required To Fulfil The Role

• Fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW)
• 5 GCSEs A to C (Including Maths & English) or equivalent

Specific work experience & attributes required to fulfil the role

The business is entering a period of significant change as it implements new systems, technologies and AI, and requires a calm and positive mindset to help land this transition across the teams. Minimum 5+ years’ experience in management accounting, ideally within a business with a high level of digital adoption. Experience in the builders’ merchant/construction materials sector is preferable but not essential. Strong technical accounting knowledge and analytical skills. Proven experience in preparing management accounts, financial statements and financial analysis for senior stakeholders. Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines. Strong Excel and data visualisation skills. NMBS is a small team managing a significant number of transactions and a high value of cash, so the candidate will need to be prepared to roll their sleeves and get involved in the detail, but at the same time be aware of the bigger picture.

Team

The role has 2 reports.

To apply, please send your CV to richard.sharp@nmbs.co.uk