Commercial Analyst (Management Accountant)

Job Introduction

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Management Accountant to work in our Education segment and progress your accountancy career within a global company.

Truly commercial focused role, you will enjoy the client facing side of this role, focusing on how to drive sales rather than cost control.

Working from offices in Swindon with UK travel, you will be required to support the Independents business as required and be involved in projects that span all the segments of the business; notably SAP.

Role Responsibility

Key responsibilities:

Monthly management account duties

• Review month end accounts; obtaining explanations for any significant variances before closing accounts
• Review month end overhead analysis
• Review monthly review packs (including analysis of actual v budget, actual v forecast, forecast projection v group forecast).
• Review monthly working capital analysis to ensure stock levels are optimised and overdue debts minimised
• Produce forecast models and distribute to Divisional Managers
• Receive, interrogate and adjust forecast models in liaison with DMs to ensure robust.
• Liaise with Operational Accountants to ensure forecast information is accurate for inclusion in month end reports

Regular duties

• As SAP Super User you will be responsible for SAP development data requirement and be lead in providing training to Operational Management to ensure all new SAP development is integrated and adopted into business process in accordance with Project timelines.
• Review Forecasts to identify areas of concern/best practice to investigate/disseminate.
• Review client budgets and approve with reference to Sodexo budget before operators send/agree with client
• Review weekly reporting from Operational Accounting to identify areas of action and act upon them.
• Review labour reporting from Operational Accounting to identify areas of action and act upon them.
• Review sales bid finances to interrogate with current business and inherent knowledge, as well as thorough sense check to ensure bids robust.
• Monitor new sales’ performance.
• Completion of monthly management accounts in conjunction with profit centre accounting team located in a Shared Service Centre in Salford
• Produce, review and challenge annual Sodexo budgets in conjunction with Divisional Management

The Ideal Candidate

Essential

• A qualified accountant (CIMA/ACA/ACCA), or equivalent
• Strong IT skills with good Excel skills (Vlookups/Pivot tables) - knowledge of SAP and Hyperion highly desirable.
• Ability to process data from disparate sources and generate meaningful management information
• Strong customer facing skills- impact, influence and challenge - experience of working with non-finance personnel and ideally a Shared Service Centre
• Resilient and motivated with drive and determination to identify and resolve issues
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to produce financial reports in a clear and concise manner for financial and non-financial personnel
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels
• Driving licence

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Ability to work under pressure; think clearly and act decisively.
• Good personal organisation skills.
• Good listening and communication skills.
• Good problem solving skills.
• Team Player

Package Description

Band C - Salary up to £45,000 plus excellent benefits

About the Company

Sodexo and our clients are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Criminal Records Bureau.

Sodexo UK & Ireland employs around 36,000 people and delivers On-site Service Solutions to clients at over 2,300 locations including offices, hospitals, schools, defence sites, prisons, sporting events and visitor attractions. 

With an annual turnover of over £1bn, Sodexo delivers a diverse range of services from catering, cleaning, reception to security, laboratory and grounds maintenance services, enabling clients to focus on their core business.