Management Accountant in Harrogate

Shepley Spring are the UK’s leading bottled water manufacturer with over 20 years’ experience in production and are proud to remain a family run business to this day. The company operates in three manufacturing facilities in West Yorkshire and owns several high-speed production lines with the capabilities of producing both still and sparkling water, servicing leading retailers such as Morrisons, Lidl, Booker Tesco and Sainsbury through private labels, and produces the brands Ice Valley® and White Rock® exclusively.

Summary:

The Management Accountant is responsible for overseeing the financial health and performance of the business. This role involves preparing and analysing financial reports, monitoring costs, supporting budgeting and forecasting processes, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations. The Management Accountant will play a key role in providing financial insights and strategic guidance to senior management, helping drive business growth and efficiency. This position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and commercial awareness. The ideal candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams, including operations, procurement, and sales, to ensure financial objectives align with business goals. By identifying cost-saving opportunities and financial risks, the Management Accountant will contribute to the overall profitability and sustainability of the company.

Job Specification:

• Prepare and present accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including profit & loss statements, balance sheets, and variance analysis.
• Support the budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning processes to aid strategic decision-making.
• Conduct financial analysis on key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to drive efficiency and profitability.
• Monitor food and beverage costs, identifying variances and implementing cost-saving measures where necessary.
• Provide financial insights to management teams to support pricing, cost control, and operational efficiency.
• Assist in cash flow management, working capital analysis, and financial modelling.
• Ensure financial records comply with UK GAAP, IFRS, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Support the preparation of year-end statutory accounts and liaise with external auditors.
• Develop and improve internal financial reporting systems and processes for enhanced accuracy and efficiency.
• Collaborate with operational teams to streamline financial procedures and enhance cost-effectiveness.
• Implement financial controls and risk management measures to safeguard company assets.
• Provide ad hoc financial reports and insights as required by senior management.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Fully or part-qualified accountant (CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience as a Management Accountant within the Food & Beverage industry or a similar fast-paced sector.
• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, financial reporting, and cost control methodologies.
• Proficiency in accounting software (e.g., SAP, Sage, QuickBooks) and Microsoft Excel (advanced level preferred).
• Experience in financial modelling, business analysis, and forecasting.
• Understanding of stock control, pricing strategies, and supply chain financial management.

Mission Statement:

As a family-owned company, our priority is the health of our team members, our communities and our environment. Shepley Spring is committed to responsible resource usage and integrating sustainability into every aspect of our business. We have an obligation to not only drive aquifer preservation and sustainable withdrawals, energy efficiency, renewable energy generation and waste reduction, but also to continuously innovate to reduce our carbon footprint. We firmly believe in continuing to grow and improving in each of these areas to make Shepley Spring the best water supplier, community partner and employer that we can be.