At a Glance
- Tasks: Take charge of financial management for a global division and lead month-end close.
- Company: Join YMU, a leading management services company in the entertainment and media sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to diverse clients and global operations.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a creative, international business while developing your finance skills.
- Qualifications: Fully qualified accountant with strong management accounting experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Great Portland Street – 3 days per week in the office
About the Group
YMU is a leading management and professional services company operating in the UK and US. We deliver a wide-ranging portfolio of services to a diverse client base across the entertainment, music, sport, and media industries. Our clients include athletes, authors, digital influencers, media rights holders, musicians and producers. It has c.170 employees and a turnover of approximately between £30M-£35M.
About the Role
We are seeking a qualified Management Accountant to take end-to-end ownership of the financial management of one of YMU’s global divisions. The role will have responsibility across the UK and US and will act as a key finance partner to divisional leadership. The successful candidate will lead the divisional month-end close, support audits, drive budgeting, forecasting and cashflow and provide clear, commercial insight to support decision-making in a creative, international business. Industry experience is highly desirable and US accounting experience is preferred given the global nature of the role.
Key Responsibilities
- Full ownership of the month-end close for the division
- Preparation and review of global management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments and balance sheet reconciliations
- Ensure accurate and timely reporting in line with Group timetables, policies and controls
- Provide clear variance analysis and insightful commentary on performance
- Lead the annual budget and rolling forecasts for the division on a global basis
- Prepare and maintain divisional cashflow forecasts, working closely with operational teams and Group Finance
- Act as the key divisional finance contact for external audits
- Prepare audit deliverables and respond to queries efficiently
- Support the preparation of statutory accounts and group reporting requirements
- Partner closely with global divisional leadership and operational teams
- Provide commercial insight on performance, deal activity, cost management and profitability
- Support stakeholders in understanding financial performance and risks
- Challenge assumptions and drive financial discipline across the division
- Ensure strong financial controls are in place and operating effectively across all territories
- Identify and implement process improvements to enhance reporting quality, efficiency and scalability
- Support wider group finance transformation and systems initiatives as required
Skills & Experience
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA / ACCA / CIMA or equivalent)
- Strong experience in a management accounting or divisional finance role
- Proven ownership of month-end close and balance sheet control
- Experience working across multiple entities and/or jurisdictions
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with financial systems
- Ability to communicate clearly and credibly with non-finance stakeholders
- Entertainment or media industry experience
- Experience in a fast-paced, creative or deal-driven environment
- Exposure to group reporting in an international organisation
Senior Management Accountant employer: YMU
YMU is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, where creativity meets financial expertise. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and the chance to work closely with global leaders in the entertainment and media sectors. Located in the vibrant area of Great Portland Street, our team enjoys a collaborative environment that values innovation and provides a unique platform for impactful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior 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 YMU. 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 Senior 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 YMU.
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 YMU'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 YMU
✨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 YMU.
✨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 YMU 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 YMU 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.
