Job Description:

COMPANY DESCRIPTION, PROFILE AND SCOPE OF ROLE

Management Accountant

Our client is a premier UK manufacturer and market leader with over 70 years of heritage in precision engineering, fluid handling, and high-specification tube/part assembly production. Part of a major global industrial group, their Sunderland facility combines a value-driven culture with significant ongoing investment in technology to serve world-class OEMs across the globe.

Following an internal promotion into the Group Finance team, they are seeking an Accountant to act as the primary financial lead for their Sunderland facility. Reporting directly to the Group Financial Accountant, you will oversee site-level management accounting, maintain robust financial controls (WIP and inventory), and act as a key commercial partner to local operational managers.

The ideal candidate will offer solid management accounting experience gained within a manufacturing, assembly, or engineering environment, alongside strong ERP/MRP data extraction skills.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare monthly management accounts by the 7th working day, followed by detailed variance analysis and financial reporting by the 9th working day.
• Lead site inventory accounting, including stock validation, job profitability monitoring, and Work in Progress (WIP) valuations.
• Assist in the preparation of annual budgets, profit planning, and regular financial forecasting for the site.
• Oversee and mentor a small transactional finance team, providing operational hands-on cover across payroll, sales ledger, and purchase ledger as required.
• Support VAT returns, PAYE reporting, statistical obligations, and year-end audit working papers.
• Evaluate CAPEX viability and deliver data-driven financial analysis to support strategic operational decision-making.
• Identify and drive continuous improvement initiatives across financial systems and site business processes.

QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Qualifications: Part-Qualified, Fully Qualified (CIMA, ACCA, ACA), or Qualified by Experience (QBE).
• Sector Background: Proven experience within a manufacturing, engineering, or assembly environment.
• Technical & Systems Skills: Advanced Microsoft Excel proficiency and strong general IT skills, including extracting and manipulating data from ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Syspro, SAP).
• Cost Accounting: Sound working knowledge of WIP, inventory control, and standard costing principles.
• Personal Attributes: High level of accuracy, proactive problem-solver, strong communication skills with the ability to influence non-financial managers, and a collaborative approach.

DETAILS OF PACKAGE

Salary: £50,000 to £55,000 (Depending on Experience)

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week. Flexible start times: Mon–Thurs 7.15am–4.00pm or 8.00am–4.45pm; Friday early finish 7.30am–12.00pm or 8.00am–12.30pm. (Active internal consultation underway regarding a consolidated 4-day working week model).

Role Type: Full-time, site-based in Sunderland.

Benefits: 33 days holiday (rising to 34 with service, inclusive of Bank Holidays and Christmas shutdown), Pension Scheme (3% ER / 5% EE with Standard Life), Death in Service (1x salary), Employee Assistance Programme, laptop & mobile phone, and free on-site parking.