Post Title: Management Accountant Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed-Term (Maternity Cover) Workplace: EFL House, Preston Reporting to: Group Finance Manager Working Pattern: M-F, 35 hours “The EFL is about two things – great football competitions and supporting communities 365 days a year”. The EFL is looking for a Management Accountant to work within our Finance Team. The role will focus on assisting with the EFL Finance Team's day-to-day duties including monthly management accountants, reconciliations and financial analysis across a broad range of areas. The ideal candidate will be either a part-qualified or fully qualified (or equivalent, such as qualified by experience) Accountant or financial professional with a passion for delivering an exceptional and professional service. JOB PURPOSE Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, the Management Accountant will assist the EFL’s Finance Department in its day-to-day duties whilst gaining extensive exposure in aspects of accounting within an elite sports environment. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND ACCOUNTING PACKAGE Preparation of monthly management accounts and balance sheet reconciliations in a timely manner, aligned to a planned deadline schedule for all Group entities Prepare analysis for business partnering with department heads, focusing on monthly management accounts, actuals vs budget and providing updates to the current forecasts Maintain ledgers with the Finance and Payroll Officer for sales, purchases, cash book and nominal ledgers for all Group entities Reconciliation and analysis of nominal ledger accounts to assist with budget monitoring and forecasting Assist with the preparation of yearly budgets with the Head of Finance and Group Finance Manager Support with HMRC and Government reporting requirements. Aid with submissions for the Office of National Statistics Assist with system and process developments to enhance reporting and data capture Management of company credit cards and account reconciliations FINANCIAL YEAR END Assist with the preparation of the Year End schedules and audit file for review by the Group Finance Manager and Head of Finance Liaise with auditors and provide information in a timely manner; Assist with Year End statutory accounts preparation for the Group SUPPORT AND REPRESENTATION Represent the Finance team at internal focus group meetings when required. Assist and support the EFL in the Community Team when required WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING ACCA (or equivalent) part qualified or qualified by experience Knowledge of posting financial journals and assisting with monthly management accounts within strict timetables Ideally an understanding of VAT Compliance Ideally a working knowledge of the external audit process from the point of view of the auditee Knowledge of financial software such as SAP Concur and Microsoft Dynamics GP would be advantageous TECHNICAL SKILLS Strong working competency in using Microsoft packages, with particular skills in Excel Advanced numeracy skills Able to work with extremely confidential and sensitive information Strong administrator – organised and timely A great communicator with a good standard of English – able to communicate with stakeholders at all levels effectively ATTRIBUTES Excellent attention to detail Excellent written, telephone and interpersonal skills A proven ability to work under pressure Lead by example by contributing to promoting the principles of the EFL: Everybody Working Together - We are one team supporting each other and collaborating on our shared goals Fairness & Equality - Being consistent and inclusive for everyone - showing respect Listening & Learning - Communicating with trust and honesty - growing as individuals and enabling others to do so too INTRODUCTION TO THE EFL The English Football League (EFL) is the highest attended football league, and largest single body of professional clubs in Europe. It is responsible for administering and regulating the Sky Bet EFL, Sky Bet Play-Offs, Carabao Cup and Vertu Trophy competitions, plus youth and reserve team football. A vital part of sporting life, both in the UK and across the globe, the EFL operates some of the world’s most competitive, popular and successful football competitions, acting as part of the fabric of life for millions of fans and families. EFL Clubs are truly embedded in the hearts of their 72 local communities, spanning the breadth and depth of England and Wales. Away from the match-day, Clubs and Club Community Organisations interact seven days a week, 365 days a year, making a positive contribution to the communities in which they serve. EFL GROWTH AND THE FINANCE TEAM The Finance Team’s mission is to drive financial excellence by providing accurate and timely financial information to departments and other stakeholders, with the aim of achieving seasonal budget targets to maximise the EFL's contribution to Club Distributions. In recent seasons, the EFL has significantly developed and diversified its operations. Successful implementation of a new commercial strategy has delivered record revenues across the organisation. This includes a groundbreaking domestic broadcast agreement with Sky Sports, a new Americas focused broadcast and marketing partnership with Relevent Sports, and the implementation of the EFL’s ‘Clubs and Communities’ partnership model. Our current commercial cycle represents an exciting opportunity for continued activation and growth. OUR TEAM AT THE EFL The EFL offers a unique opportunity to work with some of the biggest sporting competitions, clubs, commercial partnerships and media in the market. We look for the best people who approach their work with energy, excellence and commitment. Our employees are crucial to our success and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are fundamental elements of building our team. Each of us has an array of qualifications, skills and life experiences. If you have any particular requirements in respect of the recruitment or interview process, please mention this in your application. The EFL reserves the right to close this vacancy early should we receive enough applications.