Job Description
Management Accountant Annual Salary: £41,000 - £45,000 Per Annum Location: Colchester, Essex Reports to: Head of Finance Job Type: Full-time, Temporary (4-6 weeks, fully office-based) We are seeking a Management Accountant to join our finance team for a 4-6 week period. This role involves overseeing key financial processes and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, making it ideal for someone with a strong background in management accounting. Key Responsibilities Financial Management & Reporting: Oversee and manage accounts payable (AP), accounts receivable (AR), and general ledger processes. Ensure timely preparation and review of monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports. Perform variance analysis against budgets and forecasts, providing actionable insights to management. Coordinate the preparation of management accounts, cash flow reports, and KPIs for the business. Lead and maintain accurate recording of intercompany transactions. Prepare and submit information to external auditors in line with agreed timelines. Compliance & Regulatory: Ensure timely submission of VAT returns and compliance with UK HMRC requirements. Oversee payroll processing for all employees, ensuring statutory deductions and reporting are accurate. Maintain compliance with PAYE, pension auto-enrolment, and other statutory reporting obligations. Manage reporting and payments relating to UK packaging waste and recycling obligations. Qualifications & Experience Essential: Part-qualified or qualified accountant (CIMA / ACCA / ACA). Strong understanding of management accounting principles. Proven experience managing AP, AR, payroll, and VAT returns. Desirable: Fully qualified accountant. Degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related discipline. Experience with Sage 200 Accounting and Sage 50 Payroll. Key Competencies Essential: Strong Excel skills (including pivot tables and lookups). Ability to analyse and interpret financial data. Excellent attention to detail and accuracy. Strong organisational and time-management skills. Ability to meet tight reporting deadlines. Desirable: Experience with accounting systems such as Sage 200, Sage 50 Payroll, and Tharstern. Financial modelling or advanced Excel skills. Experience in systems or process improvement. Knowledge Essential: Solid understanding of UK accounting standards. Knowledge of accruals, prepayments, depreciation, and provisions. Understanding of cost control and financial performance reporting. Desirable: VAT and basic tax knowledge. Group accounting and intercompany transaction experience. Personal Attributes Analytical and methodical approach. Proactive and commercially minded. Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain financial information to non-finance stakeholders. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. High level of integrity and professionalism. Other Requirements Flexibility to meet month-end and year-end deadlines. Right to work in the UK. To apply for this Management Accountant position, please submit your CV to