We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented and systems-minded professional to join our team as a Management Accountant. This role combines traditional finance administration with responsibility for supporting and developing our finance and project management systems, including the automation and AI-enabled tools that help us deliver accurate, auditable financial information on our contracts.

Following our recent implementation of Sage Intacct and Synergist, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring data accuracy, supporting system users, producing insightful reports, and helping to optimise business processes across the organisation, including identifying where automation and AI can safely reduce manual effort. Working closely with the Finance Manager, Head of Commercial and wider business teams, you will help ensure that our data supports effective decision-making, contract compliance and operational excellence.

We are a well-regarded, close-knit team of talented subject matter experts, renowned for our ability to deliver. Our ethos is focused on customer satisfaction, equity, teamwork, support and development, while promoting a healthy work-life balance.

The role is based at the SQEP offices at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, with flexibility to work from home for up to two days a week, subject to business and security requirements. This is a full-time position; however, we would be open to a part-time arrangement for the right applicant.

Finance Administration

• Line management for Finance Assistant(s).
• Process supplier invoices, expenses, payments and receipts, using OCR and automated invoice-capture tools where available and checking purchase orders against contract and project codes.
• Reconcile bank accounts, credit cards and financial transactions, using intelligent matching and predictive tools where appropriate.
• Preparation of VAT returns.
• Support the preparation of monthly management accounts and complete associated reconciliations.
• Support the Finance Manager with budget monitoring, financial reporting and forecasting.
• Assist with payroll administration.
• Maintain accurate financial records and supporting documentation, ensuring a clear audit trail that meets customer requirements and supporting external accountants and auditors.
• Support contract-related financial compliance, including cost allocation and the preparation of data for customer cost reporting, pricing submissions and audits.

Systems and Data Management

• Operate Sage Intacct competently after training and act as the organisation’s Sage Intacct super-user.
• Operate the finance elements of Synergist, reconcile data between systems, and deliver basic training and support to colleagues.
• Maintain system data integrity, ensuring information is entered accurately and consistently and that access to financial and contract data is controlled in line with security requirements.
• Generate and distribute regular management information reports and dashboards, using Excel, Power BI or similar tools.
• Support the development of reporting capabilities within Sage Intacct and Synergist, including utilisation, project margin, backlog and contract funding dashboards.
• Create and maintain user guides, process documentation and training materials aligned with our ISO 9001 Integrated Management System.

Professionally qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent experience.

Essential

• Strong systems aptitude with the ability to learn and support new software platforms.
• Experience working with ERP, finance or business management systems.
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting (for example pivot tables, lookups and reconciliations).
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy and audit-ready records.
• Ability to analyse information and present findings clearly.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to work within strict security, confidentiality and compliance requirements, including handling sensitive commercial and contractual information.

Desirable

• Experience of Sage Intacct, Synergist or similar cloud-based ERP/project management systems.
• Experience producing management reports and dashboards.
• Understanding of project accounting, timesheet management or resource planning systems, including labour charging and cost allocation on contracts.

Security Requirements

Some projects delivered under this role involve access to information protected by specific UK Government security caveats, including UK Eyes Only or 5EYES material. Access to such information is determined solely by the relevant security authorities and contractual obligations. As a result, eligibility for certain tasks may be restricted to individuals who meet the security vetting requirements applicable to those projects.

Where these restrictions apply, the organisation must follow the formal guidance issued by the UK security authorities, which may limit access for individuals who do not meet the required nationality or clearance conditions. This does not reflect on a candidate’s skills or suitability for employment more broadly; it is a mandatory compliance requirement connected to specific customer contracts. All candidates are encouraged to apply, and suitability for projects will be assessed in line with the official security framework.

Candidates must be eligible to obtain the level of UK Security Clearance required for the role.

The role also requires the maintenance of valid identification documentation necessary to support security vetting.