management accountant Harrogate, England
Job description
Are you an experienced Management Accountant with a keen eye for detail and a passion for accuracy and efficiency? Are you looking to join a market-leading company that manages purpose-built student accommodation across the UK? Homes for Students (HFS) is seeking a dedicated and skilled Corporate Management Accountant to join our dynamic finance team and contribute to the company's ongoing success.
About Homes for Students: Homes for Students is a recognised market leader in managing independent purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA). Since its establishment in October 2015, the company has successfully secured 40,000 bed spaces across 160 properties, serving more than 50 different clients. As we continue to grow, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards in our financial operations.
Role Overview: As a Corporate Management Accountant at Homes for Students, you will take ownership of the monthly and annual management accounts, ensuring meticulous analysis and accuracy. Reporting to the Senior Management Accountant (SMA) and Finance Manager (FM), your expertise will play a vital role in supporting our financial decision-making process. Excellent communication skills, commercial acumen, and a proactive approach are essential qualities for this role.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead on accruals, prepayments, fixed assets, and client-based reconciliations while adhering to the correct accounting practices.
- Conduct Profit Margin Analysis based on commercial contracts and effectively communicate the findings.
- Prepare monthly management accounts for 160 properties within strict deadlines for initial review.
- Maintain Balance Sheet reconciliations for all balance sheet codes.
- Oversee the Payroll and Expenses process to ensure accurate accounts.
- Act as the primary contact for internal accounting queries related to the expanding property portfolio.
- Utilise your commercial acumen to identify opportunities to enhance HFS's bottom line.
- Analyse key variances in financial accounts and provide recommendations for improvements.
- Assist in the review, analysis, and production of annual property budgets, ensuring accuracy and identifying opportunities for streamlining.
- Manage the relationship with our external utility broker.
- Collaborate with the operational team to understand cost drivers, potential savings, and address any overspend.
- Support the annual external audit process.
- Provide guidance and support to Assistant Management Accountants in their professional development.
- Foster innovation within the corporate finance team to improve reporting techniques and process efficiency.
- Develop and maintain key relationships with stakeholders across the business.
Required Skills and Experience:
- AAT Accounting Qualification or studying towards a Professional Accounting Qualification (CIMA/ACCA).
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a relevant Accounting/Finance Function.
- Experience in designing and implementing automated reports/processes.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Proven track record in all areas of accounts.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience with Navision system and Jet Reporting.
IT Skills:
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Office, with advanced Excel skills.
- Familiarity with Accounting Packages (ideally Navision) and Reporting Packages (ideally JET reports).
- An excellent level of IT understanding to work with ad-hoc packages within the function.
Personal Qualities:
- Demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm for Homes for Students and its mission.
- A dedication to delivering quality service and equal opportunities.
- Self-motivated, capable of working independently with minimal guidance.
- Ability to manage detailed work and adapt to changing circumstances.
- Possess a flexible and positive 'can-do' attitude, adding value to the business.
If you feel like this is the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.
Homes for Students is an equal opportunity employer and a member of Inclusive Employers. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team of employees, so we encourage applications from all backgrounds and communities, and we are more than happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you may require.
