At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce timely management accounts and support budgeting and forecasting.
- Company: Join Poundstretcher, a leading discount retailer with over 300 stores across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for continuous improvement and development.
- Why this job: Be a key finance partner and make a real impact in a dynamic retail setting.
- Qualifications: Qualified accountant or equivalent experience with strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 33075 - 40425 £ per year.
- The Vacancy
- Job Purpose
The Management Accountant is responsible for producing accurate, timely management information for a defined area of the business, supporting the Senior Finance Manager in delivering monthly reporting, budgeting and forecasting, and acting as a trusted finance partner to non-finance stakeholders.
The role sits one level below Senior Finance Manager and is expected to work with a good degree of autonomy, while escalating judgement calls and anything with a material impact on the numbers.
Key Responsibilities
- Management accounts & reporting
- Prepare monthly management accounts for designated cost centres / business areas, to a defined timetable.
- Post month-end journals (accruals, prepayments, provisions, depreciation) and maintain supporting schedules.
- Produce variance analysis against budget and prior year, with clear, business-friendly commentary on the drivers.
- Prepare and maintain balance sheet reconciliations for allocated accounts, resolving reconciling items promptly.
- Contribute commentary and schedules to the monthly board / senior management reporting pack.
- Budgeting, forecasting & business partnering
- Support the Senior Finance Manager in producing the annual budget and periodic reforecasts for the relevant area.
- Business partner with buying, operations and store teams to explain performance and challenge cost assumptions.
- Provide ad hoc analysis and scenario modelling to support commercial and operational decisions.
- Track and report on relevant trading KPIs (e. g. margin, cost ratios, stock/wastage) for the area of responsibility.
- Controls, compliance & process
- Maintain and evidence internal controls over transactions and balances within area of responsibility.
- Support the year-end audit, including preparation of schedules and responses to auditor queries.
- Assist with VAT, tax and other statutory returns as required, working with the wider finance team.
- Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy of reporting.
- People & team
- Where applicable, provide day-to-day guidance and review of work produced by an Assistant Accountant or Finance Assistant.
- Act as deputy to the Senior Finance Manager for routine matters during periods of absence, as required.
- Support the induction and training of new finance team members.
Person Specification
Essential
- Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA or equivalent), or qualified by experience with a strong track record.
- Previous experience in a management accounting or finance business partnering role.
- Strong Excel skills, including experience working with large datasets and building/maintaining reporting templates.
- Experience using an accounting/ERP system to produce management information.
- Confident communicator, able to explain financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
- High attention to detail and comfortable working to firm monthly deadlines.
- Able to prioritise a varied workload and use initiative to resolve issues.
Desirable
- Experience within a retail, multi-site or FMCG environment.
- Experience supervising or reviewing the work of a junior team member.
- Exposure to stock, margin or store-level trading analysis.
- Key competencies
- Analytical thinking - gets under the numbers to understand what is driving performance.
- Communication - tailors financial messages to the audience, written and verbal.
- Ownership - takes responsibility for the accuracy and timeliness of own work.
- Collaboration - builds effective working relationships across finance and the wider business.
- Continuous improvement - looks for better, more efficient ways of working.
- Key Relationships
- Senior Finance Manager (line manager)
- Finance Director / wider finance leadership team
- Department heads and budget holders across buying, operations and store teams
- External auditors, at year end
- A Bit About Us
Poundstretcher is one of the UK's leading discount retailers.
Founded in 1981, Poundstretcher has a network of over 300 stores across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
You'll find everything you need for your home at Poundstretcher, from food and drink, health and beauty and household cleaning essentials to gardening, storage, stationery and children's toys - all at market leading prices.
We even have a range of fur-tastic deals on pet food and pet accessories in-store that are guaranteed to keep your furry friends tails wagging.
At the heart of our business are our people There are over 3,000 of us across the UK dedicated to delivering the best possible service to our customers.
So, whatever you're after, we're here to help.
So why not pop into your local Poundstretcher store and see what we have to offer. We'd love to see you!
- Leading Discount Retailer
- 3000+
- Employees
- 300+ Stores Nationwide
- Our Stores
- Previous Next
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Management Accountant employer: Poundstretcher
Poundstretcher is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture at our Support Centre in Kirby Muxloe, Leicester. As a Buying Assistant, you'll receive comprehensive training and mentorship from experienced Buyers, enabling you to develop your skills in retail buying while working in a supportive and dynamic environment. With a focus on employee growth and a commitment to fostering talent, Poundstretcher provides a unique opportunity to kick-start your career in one of the UK's leading discount retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Poundstretcher. 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 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 Poundstretcher.
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 Poundstretcher'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 Poundstretcher
✨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 Poundstretcher.
✨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 Poundstretcher 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 Poundstretcher 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.
