At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis to drive impactful strategies.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company dedicated to a greener North West England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, a competitive pension, and wellness discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid work model with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in finance while collaborating with passionate stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Must be a fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary - Competitive
Work Type - Hybrid
Job Location - Lingley Mere (UU), Lingley Green Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington, WA5 3LP
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
United Utilities\' (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.
We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.
We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.
We\'ve got a lot to offer. You\'ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Up to 10.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
- MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
- Best Doctors
- Salary Finance
- Wealth at Work courses
- Deals and discounts
- EVolve Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
Join us as Lead Management Accountant! Drive Impact, Innovation & Commercial Sustainability!
Are you ready to take the lead in shaping the future of finance within a forward-thinking organisation? We\'re looking for a Lead Management Accountant to champion our investment program (known as AMP8 in the water sector) owning budgeting, forecasting, and delivering insightful, data-driven strategies.
This is your chance to dive deep into data, collaborate with passionate stakeholders, and unlock powerful cost optimisation initiatives that fuel our mission for a Stronger, Greener, Healthier North West. If you have a sharp commercial mindset and thrive in a fast-paced, purpose driven environment, this role is your platform to make a real difference.
Step into a role where innovation meets impact and your expertise drives the transformation our region deserves.
Planning, Budget, Forecasting
- Working closely with relevant stakeholders and central Finance to input on cost assumptions used in budgeting process
Performance measurement & reporting
- Tracking and providing insights against financial/operational metrics to evaluate business performance
- Support the provision of regular, quantitative and qualitative insight to support the Finance Business Partnering team in driving the performance agenda
- Performance measurement: Providing meaningful, regular reports to stakeholders, highlighting areas for improvement and recommending appropriate actions for course correcting
- Financial analysis: Analysing financial performance against budget and providing insights such as historical and forward-looking analysis, improvement opportunities and potential risks (including support for regulatory reporting)
- Cost analysis and optimisation: Analysing cost data to identify cost drivers, trends and opportunities for cost savings
- Spend control reporting: Provide challenge and conduct variance analysis on key discretionary spend areas ahead of Executive meetings
- Assisting in evaluating the financial implications of business initiatives, investments and projects and ensuring compliance with internal governance
Record to Report
- Period-end close: Reviewing month-end reports and control accounts
- Strong systems and data skills (SAP, Advanced Excel, Powerpoint and BPC). Preferable (PowerBi, Alteryx or Tableau skills)
- Able to create clear and compelling reports that effectively convey financial information to non-financial stakeholders. Ability to use data visualisation to interpret complex financial information in a clear and concise manner
- Strong analytical skills, and able to translate into actionable insights and support decision-making processes
- Ability to explain complex financial issues clearly & concisely and make recommendations for improvement
- High levels of attention to detail and accuracy
- Able to move at pace, to proactively identify and drive creative solutions and remove barriers where necessary
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)
We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.
Lead Management Accountant employer: UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC
United Utilities is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises diversity, inclusion, and innovation. As a Lead Management Accountant, you will benefit from a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive healthcare plan, all while contributing to a mission that supports a greener and healthier North West of England. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a supportive environment, you'll find your role here not just rewarding but also impactful.
Contact Details:
UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead 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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC. 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 Lead 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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC.
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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC'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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC
✨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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC.
✨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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC 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 UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC 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.
