JOB DESCRIPTION

COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

ORGANISATION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reports to:Deputy Chief Executive

Liaises with:Head of Financial Services & Assurance

Financial Accountant, Members of Finance Department

Departmental Directors, Operational Heads, Budget Holders

External Suppliers and Contacts

Line Manages:Management Accountant (Trainee)

CONTEXT OF ROLE:

In the last 5 years, National Star has grown from a £15m annual gross income charity to over £22m. It has diversified from its historical core activity of running the National Star College and has expanded with a wider range of services, programmes and activities for people with disabilities. Employing c.800 staff, National Star is continuing to develop new initiatives at the forefront of education, care and training for people with disabilities, both within Gloucestershire and in other parts of the country.

National Star is a registered charity and operates a group company structure (currently, two subsidiary companies),with an expanding estate and range of assets, together with an increasing number of services. Primarily, its income is from commissioned delivery of education, care and health services from over 50 local authorities with additional project, trading and charitable fundraising activities.

Accounting for, controlling and understanding our finances is vital to our continued success. The role of Commercial Management Accountant will enhance our financial acumen, management and reporting capacity, to bring additional skills and experience to the team. This appointment will also enable some reallocation of responsibilities to be made,as we strengthen the finance function of the charity and plan for the future.

MAIN PURPOSE OF ROLE:

The role will take lead responsibility for annual and periodical financial budgeting, reporting and analysis, forecasting and planning across the charity’s activities. The role will add value to the organisation by ensuring that robust financial information is prepared, delivered and analysed in a timely way and effectively communicated to budget holders and management.

The role will also support the provision of financial reporting, business planning, cost and financial modelling to enable senior managers to ‘look ahead’ and make well informed decisions.

PRIMARYTASKS:

Annual Budget and Forecasts

  • Lead on the preparation, collation and review of the annual operational budgets across the charity’s activities
  • Develop initial budget proposals in conjunction with budget holders and establish draft budget projections and analysis for senior management and trustees’ consideration
  • Provide budget information at detailed and summary level, engaging in the process of budget refinement to meet agreed parameters, scheduling changes and ensuring version control
  • Establish approved final budget details with budget holders, ensure allocated budgets are uploaded to the accounting system and disseminated to budget holders
  • Provide regular budget progress reviews and financial re-forecasts during the course of the year, liaising with operational departments and budget holders to ensure that costs and income are accurately represented

Monthly Management Accounting

  • Contribute to and review monthly accounts information and reconciliations produced by members of the Finance Department
  • Test and ensure the accuracy of financial information produced
  • Ensure that the monthly management accounts and financial information package for budget holders, senior management and trustees is prepared and reviewed in conjunction with the Management Accountant (Trainee) and Financial Accountant, together with supporting analyses, commentary and interpretation
  • Ensure that financial key performance indicators reports with supporting analysis and commentary are produced and reviewed
  • Provide, in conjunction with Management Accountant (Trainee),analysis and interrogation reports on budget variances or discrepancies and produce financial reports and analysis on specific areas of activity and profit/loss schedules for budget holders
  • Assist budget-holders by ensuring financial information is disseminated and by working with them to analyse and understand financial performance

Year End, Annual Financial Statements and Audit

  • Support the year-end processes within the Finance Department
  • Contribute to the preparation and production of the statutory Annual Report and Accounts, taking areas of responsibility (e.g. relating to SORP 2015 requirements, strategic reporting, impact and disclosures)
  • Support the annual external audit process

Financial Planning

  • Produce financial forecasting and regular rolling cash flow requirements for review
  • Undertake financial planning and analysis to support senior management
  • Contribute to financial scenario and strategic planning, business plans, cost modelling and sensitivity analysis projections for the charity’s financial operations and/or specific programmes and projects

Financial Systems and Controls

  • Support the Finance Department in maintaining effective and robust systems, processes, controls and procedures.
  • Regularly review opportunities for improvement and development in financial processes, procedures, systems, controls and reporting
  • Monitor areas of potential financial risks (e.g. theft and fraud) and ensure appropriate controls are in place
  • Provide additional assurance, review and segregation of duties within the Finance Department by undertaking appropriate authorisation and checking of transactions, journals and reconciliations

Management

  • Contribute to the work of the Finance Department through the effective line management of the Management Accountant (Trainee) ensuring that role and departmental responsibilities are performed efficiently and completed within deadlines; supporting and covering for other Finance Department colleagues when necessary
  • Provide effective management and leadership, conduct performance and development reviews of staff managed, to ensure motivated performance and high quality service delivery
  • Support the implementation of projects and the development of new services, ensuring that financial implications are established, understood and embedded
  • Ensure that the charity’s financial resources are efficiently deployed, accounted for and reported
  • Contribute to reviews to ensure value for money and efficient procurement
  • Undertake relevant training and CPD to maintain and develop best practice and to meet professional registration requirements
  • Keep up to date with changes in relevant legislation, procedural guidance and practice developments
  • Support or undertake ad hoc projects in the development of the charity and/or the finance function
  • Undertake other duties that may be within the scope of the role and function.

Safeguarding

National Star takes seriously its responsibility for safeguarding and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and children. Therefore we require that all staff share this and act accordingly by applying organisation policy and procedure and attending annual safeguarding training.

Equality & Diversity

Through personal example and clear action demonstrate commitment to equality and diversity ensuring equality of access and treatment in employment and service delivery to all.

Health & Safety

Promote the organisation’s Health and Safety at Work Policy and Procedure and ensure these are implemented effectively within the department.

Location

Primarily based at National Star’s main offices at Ullenwood, Cheltenham, but with occasional requirement to visit other locations of service delivery or operations of the charity and to attend meetings, conferences or training.

Working Hours

Based on a core working week of Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with a requirement to adapt flexibly to workloads and to attend occasional meetings outside of these hours.

The role is anticipated to be a full time appointment, but some flexibility may be considered.

This job description sets out a summary of key features of the role. It is not intended to be exhaustive and will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains appropriate to the role.

NATIONAL STAR

COMMERCIAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

ATTRIBUTES / ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
QUALIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATION /
  • Fully Qualified Accountant (CCAB/CIMA/ACCA/ACA/CIPFA)
/
  • Charity/public sector financial management qualification

EXPERIENCE /
  • A minimum of 2+ years post-qualification experience
  • Experience of financial and management accounting, budgeting, reporting, forecasting
  • Experience of group consolidation and subsidiary financial reporting
  • Experience of working as part of a finance team
  • Experience of financial analysis, interpretation, extrapolation and reporting of financial data
/
  • Post qualification experience in a charity/not for profit/housing/ health or social carefinancial management position
  • Experience of charity accounting guidance (SORP)
  • Financial modelling and scenario planning/sensitivity analysis
  • Experience in public sector / local authority commissioned services
  • Experience of working in a service delivery organisation or charity
  • Application of supervision and appraisal processes

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & SKILLS /
  • Strong technical knowledge from a relevant background
  • Financially and commercially astute
  • Effective Management of own work load with ability to multi task and prioritise
  • IT literate with advanced skills in Microsoft Excel and financial accounting software system(s)
  • Accurate with strong analytical skills and high attention to detail
  • Ability to question, interrogate and practicably interpret financial data
  • Evidence of continuing professional development
/
  • Knowledge and understanding of accounting and taxation legislation relevant to charities and companies
  • Detailed working knowledge of SAGE accounting systems in a multi-company/cost centre environment
  • VAT charitable and partial exemptions
  • Familiarity with charity fundraising and raisers edge database
  • Experience of developing and implementing new systems

PERSONAL /
  • A ‘can do’ attitude, seeking areas of continuous improvement
  • Good team player
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
  • Punctual, reliable and organised
  • Positive, outgoing and proactive
  • Practical and creative problem solver
  • Flexible and adaptable
  • Able to work under pressure

OTHER /
  • Able to meet the requirements of the post
  • Commitment to Equality & Diversity and support the ethos of the organisation

Commercial Management Accountant

Updated: December 2016