The Management Accountant will play a key role in delivering accurate financial reporting, robust financial controls and commercial insight across the business. The role will take ownership of the monthly management accounts process, operating expenditure reporting, budgeting and forecasting, whilst supporting the Financial Controller with statutory reporting, audit, tax compliance and continuous improvement initiatives. This is a hands-on role within a growing aerospace technology business and requires someone who can work independently, build strong relationships across the organisation and proactively improve finance processes. Key Responsibilities Management Accounts - Prepare timely and accurate monthly management accounts. - Complete month-end journals, including accruals, prepayments, depreciation and payroll. - Maintain an accurate month-end close timetable. - Produce monthly management reports for the Financial Controller and Executive Team. - Analyse financial performance and provide meaningful variance analysis against budget and forecast. - Ensure all financial reporting is complete, accurate and audit-ready. Operating Expenditure (Opex) - Take ownership of operating expenditure reporting across all departments. - Review departmental expenditure against budgets and forecasts. - Partner with budget holders to understand cost drivers and future spending requirements. - Challenge expenditure where appropriate and identify opportunities for improved financial control. - Maintain accurate departmental cost allocations. - Monitor committed expenditure and support approval processes. Budgeting & Forecasting - Support preparation of the annual budget. - Maintain rolling forecasts throughout the financial year. - Work closely with department managers to produce accurate forecasts. - Prepare financial analysis to support business planning. - Assist with long-term financial modelling and planning. Business Partnering - Build strong working relationships with Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, HR, Sales and Corporate Functions. - Support managers in understanding financial performance. - Translate financial information into meaningful commercial insight. - Challenge assumptions and support informed decision-making. - Promote financial accountability throughout the business. Financial Control - Complete detailed monthly balance sheet reconciliations. - Ensure all journals and reconciliations are fully supported. - Monitor accruals, prepayments and provisions. - Maintain accurate fixed asset accounting. - Support implementation of finance policies and internal controls. - Continually improve financial processes and governance. Cash Flow & Working Capital - Support preparation of the weekly cash flow forecast. - Monitor operating expenditure commitments. - Assist with working capital reporting. - Support supplier payment planning. - Identify opportunities to improve cash management and working capital. Statutory Reporting & Audit - Prepare audit schedules and supporting documentation. - Assist with the preparation of statutory accounts. - Support the external audit process. - Complete VAT returns, assist with corporation tax information and other statutory reporting requirements. - Maintain financial records to an audit-ready standard. - Support implementation of audit recommendations. Payroll & Employee Costs - Assist in preparation of payroll - Review monthly payroll journals and reconciliations. - Reconcile pension contributions. - Support preparation of annual P11Ds. - Analyse employee costs and departmental headcount reporting. - Assist with payroll forecasting and budgeting. Fixed Assets - Maintain the fixed asset register. - Process additions, disposals and depreciation. - Review capital expenditure against approved budgets. - Ensure compliance with company capitalisation policies. Finance Systems & Continuous Improvement - Identify opportunities to improve finance processes and controls. - Develop and enhance management reporting. - Support implementation and continuous improvement of finance systems. - Improve automation of routine finance activities. - Assist with finance transformation and process improvement projects. Skills & Experience Essential - Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA or CIMA). - Strong management accounting experience. - Excellent understanding of month-end reporting processes. - Experience preparing management accounts. - Strong balance sheet reconciliation skills. - Budgeting and forecasting experience. - Advanced Excel skills. - Excellent analytical and problem-solving ability. - Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. Desirable - Experience within manufacturing, engineering or aerospace. - Experience with ERP systems. - Payroll accounting experience. - Cash flow forecasting experience. - Experience supporting external audits. - Experience driving finance process improvements. Personal Attributes - Be self-motivated and able to work independently. - Take ownership and accountability for their work. - Be proactive in identifying and solving problems. - Build strong working relationships across the business. - Have excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. - Communicate confidently with both finance and non-finance stakeholders. - Be commercially minded and willing to challenge constructively. - Thrive in a fast-paced, growing business environment.