Job Description:
Management Accountant
Location: Head Office – St Helens
Department: Finance
Reports to: Financial Controller
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
About Us
A leading pharmacy group in the UK, committed to delivering exceptional healthcare services through our extensive network of pharmacies. Our head office, based in St Helens, supports our operations with a focus on innovation, efficiency, and excellence. We are seeking a skilled Management Accountant to join our dynamic finance team and contribute to our continued success.
Job Purpose
The Management Accountant will play a key role in providing financial insights to support strategic decision-making across the organisation. You will be responsible for preparing accurate and timely management accounts, analysing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. This role is critical to supporting the financial health of the pharmacy group and driving operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
* Management Reporting: Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual management accounts, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow reports.
* Budgeting and Forecasting: Assist in the preparation of annual budgets and periodic forecasts, working closely with department heads to ensure accuracy and alignment with business objectives.
* Financial Analysis: Analyse financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost savings or revenue growth, providing actionable insights to senior management.
* Cost Management: Monitor and control costs across the pharmacy group, including overheads, stock, and operational expenses, ensuring alignment with budgets.
* Compliance and Governance: Ensure compliance with UK financial regulations, including VAT, PAYE, and other statutory requirements, while maintaining robust internal controls.
* Business Partnering: Collaborate with operational and commercial teams to provide financial guidance and support decision-making.
* System and Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline financial processes and enhance the use of financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or Sage ERP systems).
* Stakeholder Communication: Present financial reports and insights to Directors, partners and other stakeholders, ensuring clarity and accuracy.
* Development Projects: Support special projects, such as acquisitions, system implementations, or process audits, as required by the Financial Controller.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience:
* Professional accounting qualification (e.g., CIMA, ACCA, ACA) or part-qualified with significant progress toward completion.
* At least 2-3 years of experience in a management accounting role, ideally within retail, healthcare, or a similar fast-paced industry.
* Strong understanding of UK GAAP and financial reporting standards.
* Proficiency in financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Sage, or similar) and advanced Excel skills.
Desirable Experience:
* Experience in the pharmacy or healthcare sector.
* Exposure to multi-site or group accounting environments.
Skills and Attributes:
* Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-financial stakeholders.
* Proactive and self-motivated, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
* Team player with strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach.
* Commercial acumen and a strategic mindset to support business growth.
Benefits:
* Canteen
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free flu jabs
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site gym
* On-site parking
* Store discount