• Management Accountant (maternity cover - fixed term role - up to 12 months) 

ROLE PURPOSE
Valley Group are a thriving and growing SME based in Glasgow. The business delivers M&E, compliance and energy efficiency services to a largely public sector client base. A recent growth focus is delivering work supporting the net zero agenda. 

Based in the Office, this role reports into the existing team (Finance Director as Line Manager). It sits as part of a small team of finance colleagues. The position is expected to be part-time role with the business on its exciting growth journey. For an exceptional candidate, full-time may be considered under certain circumstances. Crucial to the ability of the business to provide management accounting information to the leadership team. This in addition to provide support to the Finance Director on financial processing, credit control, payments and associated tasks as business need may dictate. This includes dealing with ad hoc requests as required, and supporting on periodic basis administrative members of the team. The business is currently implementing a new operational system to support the next stage of the growth trajectory, with successful accounting software integration an important focus. Therefore, past experience of this would be a key benefit to the ideal candidate. 

The Valley finance function and wider business support staff group has a relatively flat operating structure combined with a positive team dynamic. The role allows the individual the opportunity to collaborate with and work alongside colleagues at all levels within the business.

DUTIES

• Drafting and preparation of the monthly management accounts for Finance Director review 
• Process journals, undertake balance sheet reconciliations and own the resolution of issues 
• Other duties supporting the month-end process, divisional coding and splits, reconciling control a/cs (wage/pension/NIC) and/or accelerating ledger close process as necessary 
• Accounting team “champion” in the implementation of new systems as appropriate 
• Documentation / upkeep of system notes, refining as the business develops and grows 
• Ensure financial controls put in place by Finance Director and senior leadership team are adhered to, alongside recommending potential improvement and efficiency opportunities 
• Credit card account maintenance and reconciliation of 3 business cards and transactions 
• Xero bank reconciling / coding on daily basis (coordinate with Senior Finance Assistant role) 
• Support to (checking) and as need arises periodic weekly ownership (where team absences or other reason) of process for employee wages to submission to external payroll provider 

• Assist with payment run process, checking (periodically setting up) payments instructed 
• Sales / purchase invoice processing, coding, querying or chasing when business need arises 

Periodic support to the administrative roles in the Finance team for general administrative duties, as business need may dictate • Ad hoc items (e.g., ONS submission, bank liaison), other support to business as required

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key duties of the role are listed above. In terms of the main responsibilities of the role outside of those specific items, it is important for the individual to embrace the business growth. The individual should enjoy working in a very fast-paced office environment with a willingness to embrace change. It is encouraged to challenge the status quo as believed appropriate and recommend or discuss potential improvements, where there is a business case to support. In keeping with the expanding profile of the company - the ability to question, challenge and flex with change are vital. 

To demonstrate an understanding of and a commitment to equal opportunities and diversity and to the highest standards of customer care. 

Be responsible for own health and safety, as well as that of colleagues and the public. Employees should co-operate with the leadership team, follow established systems of work, use protective equipment where necessary and report defects and hazards to Line Manager / Member of Senior Management. 

The above duties and responsibilities are not exclusive and the incumbent may be required to undertake further duties or special analyses or project works as may reasonably be expected within the grade and skills of the post holder as requested by Line Manager.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS

• Undergraduate degree level, ideally accountancy relevant (or qualified by experience) 
• Experienced within the monthly management accounting and month-end close process 
• Broad understanding of accounts receivable / payable, banking, related systems and controls 
• Working knowledge of UK and applicable accounting standards to support the Finance Director in determining or challenging best approaches to resolution or refinement 
• Familiarity with Xero, Dext, Hubdoc (or associated finance software packages) 
• Strong organisational skills and an attention to detail 
• • Remains calm when under pressure and when working to agreed deadlines 
• Confidence with numerical tasks and maintaining high levels of accuracy 
• Comfortable to engage with stakeholders across all levels of the business and externally 
• Strong IT skills and proficiency in Microsoft packages (Word, Excel and Outlook) *note further training on Microsoft or specific software packages can be considered as required*