Management Accountant

Management Accountant

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Universal Music Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage day-to-day accounting and financial reporting for music business units.
  • Company: Join Universal Music, the world's leading music company with a vibrant culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for career growth.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to supporting neurodiversity.
  • Why this job: Be part of a passionate team shaping the future of music finance.
  • Qualifications: ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified with strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Music is Universal. It’s the passionate and dedicated team at Universal Music who help make us the world’s leading music company. From A&R to finance, legal to digital, sales to marketing, Universal Music is the place to grow and develop your career within a truly commercial and innovative business that leads in everything it does.

Everyone is welcome to apply for our roles, and we are determined to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment because of gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, age, marital status, background, pregnancy, or caring responsibilities. We also recognise the importance of diversity of thought within our teams and are fully committed to embracing the talents of people with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, and other forms of neurocognitive variation. We will always seek to make appropriate adjustments to recruitment, workplaces, and work processes to be fully inclusive to people with different needs and working styles. If you need us to make any reasonable adjustments for you from application onwards, including alternatives to the online form or to disclose a neurocognitive condition, please email.

The UK Finance team is a central function within UMPG, acting as a trusted partner to the business. We are responsible for delivering insightful analysis, robust financial planning, and commercial support that helps guide strategic decisions across the organisation. Working cross‑functionally with senior leaders, A&R, Business Affairs, Sync and Administration teams, the finance team ensures our investments in artists and songwriters are underpinned by sound data, agile planning and informed forecasting. Collaboration, curiosity and integrity are at the heart of what we do.

Role

Seeking ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified candidates with an accounting background and SOX experience. The Management Accountant is responsible for the day‑to‑day accounting and financial reporting of certain business units within UMPG.

Key Responsibilities

  • Responsible for month end close process including commentaries on results and cash flow and Management Pack.
  • Ensure the maintenance and upkeep of general ledger, to include reconciliations, calculation of provisions/accruals and general review of accounts, journal posting.
  • Compliance to Sarbanes‑Oxley control environment.
  • Ensure that all information provided to support P&L and Balance sheet amounts is accurate and adheres to accounting policies and that Month End figures are supplied correctly and to deadline.
  • Assisting in preparation of financial statements.
  • Liaising with both internal and external auditors.
  • Responsible for artist contractual and non‑contractual payments & budget approval on the system.
  • Technical innovation of analytical techniques used.
  • Tapping into the potential of available data and insight/analysis from across the company.
  • Adherence/improvement of business procedures and policies.
  • Responsible for preparation of ad‑hoc analysis requested by the business.

Skills and Experience Required

  • ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified
  • Good academic background & strong analytical skills
  • Sarbanes‑Oxley experience
  • Experience of closing out month end – including understanding of a full profit and loss

Management Accountant employer: Universal Music Group

At Universal Music, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a vibrant and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our collaborative environment, where you can engage with diverse teams and contribute to innovative financial strategies in the dynamic music industry. With a focus on diversity and support for neurodiverse individuals, we ensure that every team member feels valued and empowered to thrive in their career.

Universal Music Group

Contact Details:

Universal Music Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land 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 Universal Music Group. 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 Management Accountant

ACA Qualification
ACCA Qualification
CIMA Qualification
Analytical Skills
Sarbanes-Oxley Compliance
Financial Reporting
General Ledger Maintenance

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 Universal Music Group.

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 Universal Music Group'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 Universal Music Group

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 Universal Music Group.

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 Universal Music Group 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 Universal Music Group 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.