Management Accountant

Bendalls Engineering is seeking a proactive and commercially minded Management Accountant who will take end-to-end ownership of site-level financial performance while building strong, trusted relationships across the business. In this role, you will act as a key finance partner to our operational sites, providing clear financial insight, robust analysis, and practical guidance to support effective decision-making. You will work closely with site leaders and wider stakeholders to understand operational drivers, challenge performance constructively, and help deliver sustainable financial results.

You will be responsible for producing accurate management accounts, budgets, and forecasts, ensuring financial controls are maintained while continually improving reporting quality and efficiency. Beyond the numbers, you will translate financial data into meaningful insight, helping non-finance colleagues understand performance, risks, and opportunities. This role is well suited to someone who enjoys taking ownership, influencing stakeholders, and embedding themselves within the business. You will be visible, approachable, and confident in your ability to balance challenge with collaboration, supporting site teams to achieve both financial and operational objectives.

The Company: Bendalls Engineering is a long-established UK engineering company with a heritage dating back to 1894, based in Carlisle, Cumbria. Our business has built an enviable reputation for delivering bespoke, high-integrity engineering solutions into some of the world’s most safety-critical and hazardous environments. Our company operates across the nuclear, defence, oil & gas, and renewable energy industries, providing expert fabrication, welding, machining, and advanced process equipment production. With an annual turnover surpassing £30 million and ambitious objectives for significant expansion over the next three to five years, your involvement will play a crucial role in driving improvements to operating margins. With a strong focus on people, continuous improvement, and long-term partnerships, we offer a collaborative and forward-thinking environment where employees play a key role in shaping the future of sustainable engineering solutions.

Location: Brunthill Road, Kingstown, Carlisle, CA3 0EH, with travel to Barrow in Furness

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday - 40 hours per week with option of an early finish Friday

Salary: £50,000 per annum

What You’ll Do:

• Work closely with the business to develop and continuously improve accurate, timely financial reports tailored to the needs of both operational teams and the wider business.
• Partner with the Finance Director to identify key drivers of performance and business risks, providing tailored reporting and in-depth financial analysis.
• Support the Financial Controller in the ongoing improvement of the internal control environment, identifying areas for enhancement and contributing to change and improvement projects.
• Manage the work-in-progress (WIP) reporting for machined items and projects, updating operational forecasts and reviewing contract margins.
• Prepare monthly management accounts and comprehensive management information packs to monitor and track business performance.
• Co-ordinate the preparation of budgets, forecasts, and KPIs, analysing variances and providing clear, meaningful commentary.
• Support tax compliance activities, including SAO compliance, and contribute to monthly and year-end management accounts processes.
• Analyse, interrogate, and interpret financial reports and accounts, providing commercial insight and appropriate challenge to management teams.
• Develop, monitor, and refine key financial performance indicators aligned to company strategy and continuous improvement objectives.
• Design and enhance financial processes, systems, and reporting tools to support timely and effective decision-making.
• Assist in the preparation of financial reports and analysis for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide support to the wider finance team through ad-hoc tasks and projects, as required.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven experience in a Management Accountant role or a similar commercially focused finance position.
• Strong knowledge of accounting and financial principles, with experience applying both basic and advanced practices in a business environment.
• Excellent understanding of cost accounting, financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting.
• A strong analytical mindset, with the ability to interpret complex financial information and translate it into clear insight.
• Advanced Excel skills, with experience using spreadsheets to analyse data, build reports, and support decision-making.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders at all levels.
• Part-qualified or qualified with a relevant professional accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA).
• A high level of discretion, with a strong understanding of confidentiality and the handling of sensitive financial information.
• A forward-thinking, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to improve, develop, and innovate financial tools, processes, and reporting.
• A strong commitment to continuous improvement, learning, and personal development.
• Highly organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a well-established, respected engineering business with a strong reputation and a clear focus on the future.
• Take on a role with real ownership and visibility, where finance is a trusted partner to the wider business.
• Work in a collaborative, supportive environment that values ideas, continuous improvement, and professional development.
• Make a genuine impact on business performance, contributing commercial insight beyond the numbers.

All successful candidates will be subject to a BPSS security check.

In this role you will receive excellent pension contributions and life insurance. You will receive 25 days annual leave plus public holidays. Employees may also be eligible to participate in a salary sacrifice cycle, technology and car scheme. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Portal providing confidential support and advice whenever you need it most. To help you with everyday healthcare needs you will also be provided with a health cash plan.

If you have the necessary skills and experience to join our team, please email a copy of your CV. For any queries or should you require any reasonable adjustments to support your application please let your recruiter know when they contact you. At Bendalls creating an inclusive culture is integral to our values. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can bring their full self to work and thrive in their career. All applications are carefully considered, and your details will be stored securely. This is used throughout the company for the selection of suitable candidates. We respect your privacy, and we are committed to protecting your personal information. For more information about how your personal data is used please view our privacy notice on our website. Bendalls Engineering Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion, or belief.