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- Tasks: Lead financial reporting and analysis while mentoring a small team.
- Company: Join a leading automotive research organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, health perks, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in finance while shaping the future of automotive safety.
- Qualifications: Experience in management accounting and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re looking for a Senior Management Accountant to join our Finance team and play a key role in delivering high‑quality financial insight that supports informed decision‑making across the organisation. This is a great opportunity for a finance professional who enjoys combining robust financial reporting with meaningful stakeholder engagement, process improvement and strategic analysis. Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to lead and develop a small team, with responsibility for two direct reports, helping to build capability and drive strong financial outcomes.
In this role, you’ll be responsible for:
- Leading the preparation of monthly management accounts, including consolidation, variance analysis and insightful commentary
- Providing detailed revenue, cost and profitability analysis to support strategic and operational decisions
- Managing and developing two direct reports, setting clear priorities, providing coaching and feedback, and supporting their professional growth
- Supporting budgeting and forecasting activities in partnership with budget holders
- Delivering accurate ledger, payroll and fixed asset reconciliations, ensuring strong financial control
- Supporting the annual audit process, working closely with external auditors
- Maintaining compliance with internal controls, accounting standards and regulatory requirements
- Identifying opportunities for process improvement, automation and cost efficiencies
- Partnering with cross‑functional teams, including People and operational stakeholders, to enhance financial reporting and insight
- Supporting the development of financial models and tools to improve business performance
Skills & experience that will set you up for success in this role:
- Proven experience in a Management Accountant or Finance Analyst role with strong exposure to management accounting
- Solid understanding of financial reporting, reconciliations and accounting principles
- Experience supporting budgeting, forecasting and audit processes
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and communicate complex financial data clearly
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP), SUMIFS and financial modelling
- Experience working with fixed assets, including capitalisation and disposals
- High attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and confidentiality
- A proactive, problem‑solving mindset and a desire to continuously improve processes
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to challenge and influence where appropriate
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
- Experience mentoring or supporting others, with a collaborative and team‑focused approach
Perks & Benefits:
- Salary - Circa ÂŁ45,000 dependent on skills & experience.
- 10% non-contributory pension
- 29 days holiday (inclusive of Christmas shutdown) + public holidays
- Group Life Assurance (equal to 4 x basic salary)
- Group Income Protection (after 6 months’ service)
- Salary Sacrifice schemes (cycle to work, home & tech scheme)
- Enhanced and competitive parental leave for all parents, regardless of gender or family structure
- Moneyhealth’s Financial Coaching & Wellbeing Platform
- Health Cash Plan (cash back on eligible medical treatments)
- Benenden Health Care (opt‑in benefit)
- Reward & Recognition Programme
- Discounted gym membership
- Sports & Social club
- Payroll charitable giving
- Subsidised on‑site restaurant
- Free on‑site parking
When we work:
Our standard working hours are 8:30 - 16:30 Monday - Thursday, early finish on Friday - 8:30 - 15:45 (Talk to us about flexible working if this doesn’t quite suit you – we take work‑life balance seriously!)
How we work:
We understand the benefits of remote and in‑person collaboration and therefore have a hybrid working model – you’ll be expected to work from our office in Thatcham at least two days per week.
What we do:
At the cutting edge of automotive research in the UK, Thatcham Research has a unique role in shaping the design of new vehicles and influencing ever higher standards of safety, security and repair.
Our Values:
As an organisation that believes a strong set of Values are key to our organisational success and a sense of belonging for all colleagues, we ask that you understand, represent and apply our Values of Fearless, Inquisitive, Resourceful, Supportive and Trusted and demonstrate these Values throughout the recruitment process.
Our Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging:
We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace which values diversity and embraces each individual’s authentic self. We are proud to champion a culture where colleagues freely share their diverse perspectives, recognising that these contribute to our innovative spirit.
Recruitment process:
We’re proud to manage our recruitment in-house and believe this direct approach enables us to give you the best possible Employee Experience we can – which starts right here, your application!
All applicants must have Right to Work in the UK.
Senior Management Accountant employer: Thatcham Research
Contact Detail:
Thatcham Research Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Management Accountant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who might know someone at Thatcham Research. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could really help your application stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled budgeting and forecasting in the past. We want to see your analytical side shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership skills! Think of examples where you've mentored others or led a team. We love candidates who can inspire and develop their colleagues, so make sure to highlight this in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for process improvement! Share any experiences where you've identified efficiencies or implemented changes that made a difference. We’re all about innovation here at Thatcham Research!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Management Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your management accounting experience and any relevant achievements that showcase your analytical skills and stakeholder management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Management Accountant role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved processes, or provided valuable financial insights in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong analytical abilities, consider including a brief section in your application that demonstrates your proficiency with financial data analysis and Excel skills. We love seeing how you can interpret complex information!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thatcham Research
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Management Accountant, you’ll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past roles. Prepare examples of your experience with management accounts, variance analysis, and financial reporting.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing two direct reports, be prepared to talk about your leadership style. Share specific examples of how you've mentored or developed team members in the past. Highlight your ability to set clear priorities and provide constructive feedback.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is crucial in this position. Think of instances where you’ve successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams. Be ready to discuss how you’ve influenced decisions through your financial insights and how you handle challenging conversations.
✨Embrace Process Improvement
The job description mentions identifying opportunities for process improvement. Come prepared with ideas or examples of how you've streamlined processes in previous roles. Show your proactive mindset and willingness to innovate for better financial outcomes.