WCS Group is owned by Marlowe PLC and we specialise predominantly in Water Treatment and Water Hygiene all over the UK. This is a fast-growing business with over 1,200 employees and 7000+ customers.

 It is therefore key that you have previously worked within a complex organisation with demonstrated experience to prioritise working towards tight deadlines, while responding to multiple stakeholders.

The Water Division, that this role sits within is our largest and most complex. It requires you to think quickly to a challenging month end process, assessing possible conflicting priorities, in order to achieve accurate financial information on time.

Alongside this, it is most important that you have previously held a people management position, with the ability to guide your team (3 direct reports) through demanding deadlines, provide support and development suited to each individual.

WCS Group of companies are committed to equal opportunities for all people and recognise the value of having diverse teams that represent the communities we serve. We encourage and welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability. Built on Sustainability, Trust, Accountability, Respect & Safety.

Benefits:

• Salary up to £60,000 per annum
• Hybrid working (3x days from GL2 2AQ & 2x days from home)
• Royal London Pension
• Mental Health & Well-being Scheme
• Employee Recognition Scheme
• Paid Recommend a Friend Scheme (up to £2000* for successful referrals)
• Death In Service

Key Objectives & Responsibilities

Team Support and Management:

• Ensure that your team are provided with all the information that they need to perform their role.
• Identify each person’s individual needs and requirements, providing appropriate support and advice.
• Conduct monthly a one-to-one meeting, ensuring that both you and your report discuss relevant performance.
• Complete Performance Development Reviews, setting initial objectives, followed by progress reviews.
• Be a confident line manager who can set a good example and guide their team to success.
• Manage and monitor all types of absences, seeking additional support if needed.
• Provide wider support to the other divisions Management Accountants, acting as one complete team.
• Working with the rest of the finance departments to ensure feedback and updates are understood.
  

Management Accounts Reporting and Review:

• Full responsibility of the team’s delivery of accurate management accounts to deadline.
• Review submissions feeding back to the team any amendments.
• Providing timely updates on any deliverable changes with plenty of time for adoption.
• Continuously review processes for efficiency and relevance.
• Support with the provision of accurate Divisional and Group reporting and analysis.
• Sign off monthly balance sheet commentary and analysis on trends.
• Approve Risk and Opportunities each month.
• Sign off the monthly balance sheet reconciliations, including the agreement of any adjustments required.
• Build a strong working relationship with the Business Line Financial Controller.
• Responsible for financial year end audit packs and liaising with auditors to ensure deliverables are met.
• Provide all information to Group in relation to statutory reporting and review of draft statutory accounts.
• Support the budgeting / forecasting process, by providing information and analysis.
• Improve timing, content and accuracy of both financial and management reporting.
• Maintain procedure and process documents, while seeking continuous improvements

Ad Hoc Supportive Tasks:

• Ability to step in for either the Head of Management Accounts or the BLFC as and when required.
• Other ad hoc duties as required.

Key Performance Indicators

• Management accounts to be produced within a specific timeframe (currently 8 Working days)
• Balance sheet reconciliations to be accurate and completed within 8 days of the month end.
• Board packs to be completed within a specific timeframe (currently 8 Working days)

Key Skills / Qualifications

• Previous people management of a minimum of 2 years is essential.
• Qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA) with 5 years management accounts experience gained in industry.
• Strong organisational and analytical skills.
• Excel skill at advanced level 
• Questions and where appropriate challenges the status quo to ensure continuous improvement.
• Able to demonstrate flexibility by adapting work in line with changing priorities.
• Demonstrates team workings and willingness to help others.
• Knowledge of Sage 200 an advantage