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
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the water sector and United Utilities' specific goals, especially around AMP8. Understanding their investment programme will help you speak knowledgeably about how you can contribute to their financial strategies.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your analytical skills by preparing examples of how you've used data to drive cost optimisation in previous roles. Be ready to discuss these during any interviews or networking opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees or industry professionals who have experience in management accounting within the utilities sector. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency in relevant software like SAP, Advanced Excel, and data visualisation tools. Being able to discuss your technical skills confidently will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Management Accountant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills that align with the Lead Management Accountant role. Focus on your budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis expertise, as well as any experience with data visualisation tools like PowerBi or Tableau.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for finance and how you can contribute to United Utilities' mission of delivering great water. Mention specific examples of how you've driven cost optimisation initiatives in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications:Clearly state your qualifications, such as being a fully qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA). Emphasise any additional certifications or training that relate to financial analysis or performance measurement.
Showcase Analytical Skills:Provide examples in your application that demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Discuss how you've used data to inform decision-making and improve business performance, particularly in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at UNITED UTILITIES GROUP PLC
✨Understand the Company Values
Before your interview, take some time to research United Utilities' values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding sustainability and community impact.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
As a Lead Management Accountant, you'll need strong analytical skills. Prepare examples of how you've used data analysis to drive decision-making or improve financial performance in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions related to financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting. Brush up on your knowledge of SAP, Advanced Excel, and any other relevant software mentioned in the job description to demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement
This role involves collaborating with various stakeholders. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully communicated complex financial information to non-financial colleagues, highlighting your ability to build relationships and influence decisions.
