Senior Manufacturing Accountant

My client is a market leading manufacturer and retailer supplying both the B2C and B2B markets. The position is an integral part of a team of finance professionals, responsible for all aspects of financial and management reporting for the Group’s Operations, comprising the Production, Recycling and Supply chain functions. The Finance – Operations team is a cornerstone of the Group’s Finance function, and a critical business partner to the Group’s Chief Operating Officer and to the Operations leadership team. We work with them to evaluate performance, identify opportunities and issues, and formulate actions to give the Group the best possible chance of achieving its strategic and commercial targets. Responsibilities: Preparation of monthly management accounts and analysis of financial performance for manufacturing operations with revenues of c.£100m. This requires: • A good understanding of and ability to perform variance analysis for P&L line items, including raw materials, other manufacturing costs and overheads • An understanding of the concepts of manufacturing efficiencies, production yield and overhead cost absorption Reporting of financial performance. This requires: • Preparation of materials for presentation to COO and his leadership team on performance with corresponding commentary • Ability to interpret results for Production leadership team (i.e. in their language) • Preparation of operational dashboards (KPIs) & commentary for internal and external stakeholders Other responsibilities include: • Business partnering to the site leadership team • CAPEX reporting • Monthly forecasting • Tracking of Continuous Improvement initiatives • Preparation of annual budgets Personal Qualities: • Strong team player - comfortable working as part of a team, where there is a periodic need to share responsibilities and cover / support colleagues (e.g., peak activity periods or holidays) • Ability to work well with operational staff and translate operational opportunities and issues into financial outputs • A proactive and positive approach • An ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritise accordingly Qualifications/Experience/Knowledge and Skills: • Strong academic qualifications • CIMA / ACCA qualified accountant • Experience working within a manufacturing environment • SAP system experience beneficial, particularly production and financial modules • Full UK driver’s license required This is an outstanding opportunity to work as part of a high calibre finance team at a senior level as well as partnering the senior operations team across a number of disciplines