Management Accountant in Chippenham

Management Accountant in Chippenham

Chippenham Full-Time 29700 - 36300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage financial bookkeeping for clinics and ensure accurate accounting.
  • Company: Join VetThing, the UK's fastest-growing veterinary group with a vibrant start-up culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Work in a supportive environment with strong relationships across clinics.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team and make a real impact in the veterinary sector.
  • Qualifications: AAT Level 4 or part-qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA; experience with accounting software.

The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.

VetThing is the UK's newest and fastest-growing veterinary group, built on a simple idea: when vets recognise something in each other's work that only the profession truly understands — 'it's a vet thing.' Launched in November 2025 under the leadership of vet-turned-founder Ben Hanning MRCVS, VetThing is majority-owned by the veterinary professionals who work within it and it's scaling fast, now home to eight clinics and counting!

We need a Management Accountant who wants more than month-end box-ticking. You'll be helping to build the reporting rails as we scale — consolidating clinic accounts, keeping intercompany clean, liaising directly with the clinics across a growing group, and giving the leadership team numbers they can actually act on.

Purpose of the Role

Responsible for the day-to-day financial bookkeeping of a number of clinics, ensuring accurate and timely accounting, supplier payments, debtor reconciliation, VAT submissions and month-end close. Working with various accounting packages, including Sage, QuickBooks and Xero. In the medium term this will be centralised to Microsoft Business Central (BC). Meeting month-end close deadlines of the wider group. Building strong relationships with the clinic partners and practice managers, to ensure accurate and trustworthy financial data. This is a hands-on role in a small start-up team.

Key Responsibilities

  • Systems & bookkeeping: Use accounting software such as Xero, Sage and QuickBooks, to reconcile the bank account, pay suppliers, prepare VAT returns, and post all accounting entries required for month-end close. Microsoft Business Central (BC) will be implemented in the medium term (6-9 months). Full BC training will be provided.
  • Accruals: Where supplier invoices have not been received by month-end close, raise accruals based on historic spend trends or supplier-provided estimates so the accounts reflect a complete and accurate position for the period. Maintain accurate and consistent ledgers across entities.
  • Payroll: Support payroll inputs with clinics (hours, changes, new starters).
  • Debtor reconciliation: Reconcile debtor balances to the Practice Management System (PMS) reports each month, investigating and resolving any discrepancies.
  • Flash revenue reporting: Share flash (preliminary/unaudited) revenue figures for the Group no later than Working Day 1 (WD1) of the following month.
  • Month-end close: Fully reconcile month-end accounts ready for review by Working Day 3 (WD3), in line with the Group Finance Manual. Reconcile all balance sheet accounts and produce monthly reports for clinics.
  • Supplier payments: Pay supplier invoices as close as possible to their due date, in order to maximise clinic cashflow — while maintaining agreed payment terms and avoiding late-payment penalties or damage to supplier relationships.
  • Clinic relationships: Build strong professional relationships with key members of the clinics such as practice managers and partners. Request and interpret information professionally and confidently. Visits to clinics are encouraged to help build these relationships.
  • Projects: As we scale and the team grows, you will be involved in several projects to help set the team and group up for success. These may include onboarding new systems, banking platforms and accounting policies.

Person Specification

  • A friendly, patient and enthusiastic team player, who brings new ideas on best practice.
  • Level 4 AAT, or part-qualified ACA, ACCA or CIMA.
  • Comfortable learning new finance systems (BC training provided, but confidence with software generally is useful).
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work to short fixed monthly deadlines (WD4 close).
  • Experience with VAT preparation.
  • Enjoys variety and working in a start-up environment.
  • Experience with Microsoft Business Central or similar ERP/accounting systems.
  • Experience in a multi-site finance function.
  • Experience with accounting platforms such as Xero, Sage and QuickBooks.
  • Understanding of the veterinary profession.

Closing date: 28th August 2026. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. VetThing is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion or belief, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marital or civil partner status, disability, age, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected by law. All applicants will be considered for employment based on their skills, qualifications, and experience relevant to the role.

Management Accountant in Chippenham employer: VetThing

At VetThing, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the veterinary sector. As a Management Accountant, you'll not only play a crucial role in our financial operations but also benefit from extensive training and growth opportunities as we scale rapidly across the UK. Join us in a supportive environment where your contributions are valued, and you can make a real impact in a fast-growing veterinary group backed by a strong European infrastructure.

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Contact Details:

VetThing Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Management Accountant in Chippenham

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 VetThing. 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 in Chippenham

Financial Bookkeeping
Accounting Software (Xero, Sage, QuickBooks)
Microsoft Business Central (BC)
VAT Preparation
Debtor Reconciliation
Month-End Close Procedures
Accruals Management

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 VetThing.

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 VetThing'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 VetThing

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 VetThing.

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 VetThing 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 VetThing 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.