The management accountant will be responsible for providing strategic financial planning and analysis across the business. This role will focus on managing cashflow, budgeting, forecasting, VAT returns, and financial commitments related to recruitment, payroll, and stock management. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management to ensure financial objectives are met and the business remains financially stable as it grows. Job Purpose: The management accountant will be responsible for providing strategic financial planning and analysis across the business. This role will focus on managing cashflow, budgeting, forecasting, VAT returns, and financial commitments related to recruitment, payroll, and stock management. The successful candidate will work closely with senior management to ensure financial objectives are met and the business remains financially stable as it grows. Key Responsibilities: Cashflow Management : Oversee and manage the company's daily cashflow, ensuring sufficient liquidity to support operations and meet financial obligations. Analyse cashflow trends and recommend strategies to optimise working capital and cash reserves. Budget Planning & Forecasting : Lead the preparation and management of detailed financial budgets (6-18 months ahead), working with departments to ensure alignment with business goals and forecasts. Update and revise forecasts regularly, highlighting any financial variances and providing strategic insights to the management team. VAT Returns : Prepare and submit VAT returns in a timely and accurate manner, ensuring full compliance with UK tax regulations. Monitor VAT liabilities and credits, ensuring they are correctly accounted for and reported. Financial Commitments & Outgoings : Plan and manage financial commitments such as payroll, particularly when costs are increasing due to recruitment or other staffing changes. Coordinate with HR and department leaders to ensure financial forecasts are updated to reflect changes in staffing levels or operational requirements. Stock Budgeting & Financial Oversight : Collaborate with the purchasing and operations teams to set and manage budgets for stock procurement and inventory levels, ensuring alignment with financial goals. Monitor and report on stock-related financial performance, including cost of goods sold (COGS), and provide insights for improving inventory turnover. Key Skills & Experience: Strong experience in cashflow management, budgeting, and forecasting. Proven track record of managing VAT returns and ensuring compliance with UK tax regulations. Experience in managing staffing costs, including payroll forecasting and financial planning for recruitment and headcount increases. Strong understanding of stock budgeting and financial oversight in a retail or manufacturing environment. Advanced proficiency in Excel (financial modelling, pivot tables, and analysis). Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across departments and present financial information to senior management. Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Personal Attributes: Highly analytical, with a focus on detail and accuracy. Able to think strategically and offer insights that help drive business performance. Self-motivated and able to work independently, but also a strong team player. Adaptable to change and able to handle competing priorities effectively. Professional and approachable with a customer-focused mindset. Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates