Operational Accounting Manager
Location: Bedford / Hybrid
Reporting to: Financial Controller
Salary: From £51,000
Working pattern: Hybrid
Hours: 37 hours per week
Help us do the right thing, the right way
At bpha, were proud of the difference we make - and strong, well-run finances help make that possible. Were looking for an Operational Accounting Manager with strong technical accounting experience to lead our accounting team, keep things running smoothly, and help us continue to strengthen our financial control and reporting.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys getting into the detail, leading people, and working closely with others to make sure complex accounting areas are handled properly and confidently.
What youll be doing
As our Operational Accounting Manager, youll take responsibility for the day-to-day accounting across the organisation (excluding capital accounting). This includes technically complex areas such as subsidiary accounting, bond vehicles and joint ventures.
Youll work closely with the Financial Controller and colleagues across the business, making sure our accounting treatments are robust, our reporting is accurate, and our controls stand up to scrutiny. Youll also help shape how the accounting function continues to develop, always looking for better ways of working.
Your key responsibilities
* Leading, supporting and developing the Accounting Team, with a strong focus on quality, control and technical accuracy
* Owning the month-end process and ensuring complex journals and reconciliations are completed accurately and on time
* Ensuring balance sheet reconciliations are robust, well-evidenced and reviewed
* Managing technically complex tax areas including Corporation Tax, VAT (partial exemption), CIS, SDLT and ATED
* Acting as a key technical point of contact for accounting and VAT queries
* Coordinating information for the annual external audit and responding confidently to technical queries
* Monitoring and strengthening financial controls and processes
* Identifying opportunities to improve accounting processes and efficiency
* Providing accurate financial information to support budgets and forecasts
* Supporting the Financial Controller with technical queries and ad-hoc projects
About you
Youll be comfortable working with technical accounting issues, enjoy taking ownership, and want to do things properly - not just quickly. Youll combine strong technical knowledge with a collaborative and supportive leadership style.
To be considered, youll need:
* A professional accounting qualification - ACCA, ACA or CIMA
* Strong technical accounting experience, including complex areas such as subsidiaries, joint ventures, audit and tax
* Experience leading an accounting team in a similar role
* Strong knowledge of accounting standards and statutory reporting
* A good working understanding of key tax areas
* The ability to explain technical accounting matters clearly
* Strong Excel and finance system skills
* Good organisation skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
* High personal integrity and accountability
Our values
We take responsibility - we do what we say well do and make the right choices, even when theyre not the easiest.
Were better together - we work as one team, value different perspectives, and achieve more by collaborating.
We show empathy - we listen, respect one another and care about our colleagues, customers and environment.
Were ambitious - we keep learning, improving and looking for better ways to make a positive difference