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For Companies 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.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, 26-30 days annual leave, and a competitive pension scheme.
- 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.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and innovative environment.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
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.
Benefits
- 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
Job Purpose
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.
Accountabilities & Responsibilities
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
Technical Skills & Experience
- 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
Qualifications
- 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
Contact Detail:
United Utilities Recruiting 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 their AMP8 investment programme. Understanding their mission for a 'Stronger, Greener, Healthier North West' will help you align your experience and ideas with their objectives during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your technical skills, particularly in SAP, Advanced Excel, and data visualisation tools like PowerBi or Tableau. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas can set you apart, as they are crucial for the role of Lead Management Accountant.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've used data to drive cost optimisation and improve financial performance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current employees or professionals in the finance sector who have experience in similar roles. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial during your application process.
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.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for finance and how you can contribute to United Utilities' mission. Mention specific examples of how you've driven cost optimisation or improved financial performance in previous roles.
Highlight Technical Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills, especially in SAP, Advanced Excel, and any data visualisation tools like PowerBi or Tableau. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to create reports or analyse financial data.
Showcase Soft Skills: Emphasise your strong analytical skills and ability to communicate complex financial information clearly. Mention instances where you've collaborated with stakeholders or made recommendations that led to improvements.
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Lead Management Accountant. Familiarise yourself with budgeting, forecasting, and performance measurement as these are key aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've used them in previous roles. Be ready to provide examples of how you've translated complex financial data into actionable insights.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Tools
Since the role requires strong systems and data skills, brush up on your knowledge of SAP, Advanced Excel, and any other relevant tools like PowerBi or Tableau. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have insightful questions ready to ask the interviewers about their investment programme and how the finance team collaborates with other departments. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company.
