The Management Accountant will support the delivery of accurate and timely financial information to assist business decision-making and ensure effective financial control across the company. Working closely with the Financial Controller, you will be responsible for preparing monthly management accounts and other monthly finance reports, balance sheet reconciliations, budgets and forecasts, and financial analysis.
The role provides an opportunity to develop a broad understanding of financial operations within a project-driven, international environment, while contributing to the production of meaningful financial information that supports the company's strategic objectives.
The ideal candidate will have experience in management accounting, strong analytical skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to further their career within a creative and dynamic industry while gaining exposure to a wide range of financial activities.
Purcell is an award-winning employee-owned architectural and heritage consultancy practice with a commitment to quality, innovation, and diversity. We have staff of approximately 350 talented architects, designers, heritage consultants and surveyors across 14 offices, in the UK, Hong Kong and Australia. Proudly ranked No. 1 for Heritage in the World Architecture 100 for a fifth consecutive year.
Collaboration is central to our employee-ownership culture, providing opportunities to work on some of the finest buildings; from meticulous heritage and conservation schemes to bold contemporary design. We offer a rewarding and supportive environment for personal and professional development and our employee-owned ethos empowers everyone to use their voice. We believe in creating an equitable and inclusive culture, founded on our values, which celebrates knowledge sharing and our successes, to build an inspiring work environment.
It is our distinctive employee-owned working culture that has contributed to our status as a World Architecture Top 100 Practice, renowned for our excellence in architecture and heritage consultancy.
Our benefits package includes
- Agile, flexible and hybrid working, (a minimum of 3 days in office, up to 2 days WFH)
- Annual leave increasing with long service
- Life assurance
- Study sponsorship with paid study leave
- Sabbaticals
- Employee assistance programme
- Season ticket loans
- Cycle to work scheme
- Virtual GP service
- Subscription fees
- Company day out
- A volunteering scheme
- Enhanced learning & development opportunities.
Role & Responsibilities
Financial Reporting & Compliance
- Prepare and manage monthly management and other regular financial reporting, and annual statutory financial statements.
- Ensure timely and accurate submission of financial reports and statutory returns in compliance with accounting standards and regulations (including VAT and ONS returns)
- Liaising with external auditors to ensure year end audit and accounting processes run smoothly.
Financial Planning & Analysis
- Develop and manage annual budgets and forecasts, working closely with budgetholder department heads.
- Provide insightful financial analysis and reporting to support decision-making at both strategic and operational levels.
- Monitor key KPIs
- Monitor cash flow, working capital, and profitability, ensuring financial sustainability.
Internal Controls & Process Improvement
- Ensure compliance with company financial policies and procedures.
- Support VAT, tax and other regulatory reporting requirements.
- Assist with annual external audits and statutory reporting processes.
- Maintain strong financial controls and data integrity.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives within the finance function.
Systems & Technology
- Become a super-user of the recently launched project costing system (CMap) to be in a position to assist the wider business with queries and issues
- Support in the move to a new accounting software system
Skills & Qualifications Required
- Professional certifications (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent) is preferred, however part qualified or qualified by experience will also be considered.
- Experience in a similar role, ideally within a professional services or project-driven industry (architecture, engineering, or construction).
- Experience with international financial management, including multi-currency, multi-jurisdictional accounting.
- Strong knowledge of accounting principles and financial reporting.
- Advanced proficiency in financial software and Microsoft Excel; experience with ERP systems
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in financial reporting.
- Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Willingness to be hands on within the role
- Proven experience in managing and developing finance teams with excellent interpersonal and communication skills
This job description is a guide to the duties the post holder will be expected to undertake. It is not intended to be exhaustive or exclusive and will be subject to change as working requirements dictate and to meet the organisational requirements of Purcell.
Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s okay.
Research shows that women and people from underrepresented backgrounds can be less likely to apply unless they meet every criteria listed. At Purcell, we are committed to building an inclusive, transparent, and welcoming team. If you’re enthusiastic about the role and excited to grow and learn with us, we warmly encourage you to apply.
When applying, please feel free to use your preferred name — we don’t require full or birth names at this stage.
We are proud to foster a culture of kindness, respect, and authenticity, where everyone can thrive and bring their whole selves to work.
We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident Scheme. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the process, please include them in your application, and someone from the people team will reach out to discuss your requirements.
Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unfortunately unable to provide individual feedback. If you have not heard from us within 6 weeks of your original application, then you have been unsuccessful. Please continue to look at our vacancies and apply where relevant. We wish you all the best in your job search.
As world leaders of Heritage and Conservation, Purcell is committed to embracing diversity and equal opportunity within our international teams, reflective of the society in which we work and live.
We welcome people from all backgrounds and celebrate differences through our culture of employee ownership.
