Robert Half is delighted to be retained by Lyon and Turnbull to source suitable applicants for a Management Accountant role.
Founded in 1826, Lyon & Turnbull is one of the UK's longest‑established and most respected auction houses - and the oldest in Scotland. The business specialises in high‑quality auctions across fine art, antiques, jewellery, design, and rare collectibles, combining historic heritage with a modern, international auction platform. Operating from its landmark headquarters and main saleroom in Edinburgh, with additional galleries in London and Glasgow, Lyon & Turnbull delivers specialist sales throughout the year and works closely with private collectors, estates, and global buyers.
Primary Function / Position Summary
The Management Accountant plays a key role within the finance team, responsible for the accurate and timely production of monthly management accounts, maintenance of the Fixed Asset Register, and reconciliation of key balance sheet accounts.
This role requires strong communication skills, excellent attention to detail, robust double‑entry bookkeeping, and advanced Excel capability. The ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and support continuous improvement within the finance function is essential. Their office is based at 33 Broughton Place, Edinburgh, with scope for hybrid working as required.
The position also carries line management responsibility for one team member.
Essential Job Functions
Management Accounts
1. Prepare and post all necessary month‑end journals, including:
2. Accruals
3. Prepayments
4. Nominal corrections
5. Depreciation
6. Other month‑end adjustments as required
7. Maintain and update the trial balance, P&L and balance sheet Excel files linked to Opera.
8. Produce and update the monthly management accounts pack - including narrative and analysis - for submission to the Finance Director.
Nominal Ledger
9. Import auction transactions (invoices and settlement statements) into Pegasus Opera.
10. Manage month‑end auction transaction cut‑off.
11. Process daily journals and transfers within Pegasus.
12. Complete monthly reconciliations of key balance sheet debtor and creditor accounts.
13. Oversee bank reconciliation as part of the monthly balance sheet review.
VAT & Customs
14. Reconcile the trial balance to VAT records and prepare quarterly VAT returns.
15. Manage import tax payments to HMRC for Temporary Admission diversions.
Valuation Invoices
16. Process ad‑hoc valuation invoices and manage debt recovery as required.
Fixed Asset Register
17. Maintain and reconcile the Fixed Asset Register to the trial balance.
18. Post monthly depreciation journals to Opera.
Auction Sales
19. Take responsibility for a small number of auction sales, including:
20. Raising invoices
21. Preparing settlements
22. Managing client queries
23. Overseeing debt collection
24. Delegating tasks to junior finance colleagues where appropriate
Additional Responsibilities
25. Provide ad‑hoc financial analysis and reporting for Senior Management and Directors.
26. Administer company credit card expenditure and report variances versus budget to the Finance Director.
27. Prepare P&Ls by auction sale for PSR auction performance meetings.
28. Support the documentation, review, and improvement of internal financial controls.
29. Prepare weekly cash flow forecasts.
Qualification Requirements
Essential
30. Part‑qualified (CA / ACCA / CIMA) or QBE with relevant experience
31. Competent Excel user
32. Proven experience with P&L, balance sheet, and financial reporting
33. Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills
34. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team
35. High level of accuracy and attention to detail
Desirable
36. Experience using ERP finance systems, particularly Pegasus Opera
37. Knowledge of anti‑money laundering controls
38. Experience managing client monies
All third party applications will be forwarded to Lyon and Turnbull's retained advisors, Robert Half, for review.
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training.