Why join us?:
Record to Report (R2R) – Senior Management Accountant – (Fixed term contract, 12 months initially with a view to going perm) Manchester based 3 days per week
We are seeking an experienced and driven Senior Management Accountant (R2R) to lead our Record to Report function within a large, dynamic, and fast‑growing law firm. The successful candidate will oversee a team of 9 finance professionals and play a pivotal role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of our financial reporting. This is a critical leadership role within the finance organisation, responsible for delivering high‑quality management information, strong financial controls, and continuous process improvement.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities
Leadership & Team Management
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Lead, coach, and develop a team of management accountants and assistant accountants, ensuring high performance and strong engagement.
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Drive a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement within the R2R team.
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Manage workloads, prioritisation, and resource planning across the team
Record to Report Ownership
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Oversee the full month‑end, quarter‑end, and year‑end close processes, ensuring all deadlines are met and financial results are robust.
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Review and sign off key balance sheet reconciliations, journals, and accounting schedules.
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Maintain the integrity of the general ledger, ensuring compliance with accounting standards and internal controls.
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Lead on intercompany accounting and reconciliations.
Management Reporting & Insight
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Deliver accurate and timely management accounts, variance analysis, KPIs, and commentary for senior stakeholders.
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Partner with Finance Business Partners to support financial insight and decision‑making.
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Support budgeting and forecasting cycles with high‑quality historic data and trend analysis.
Financial Controls & Compliance
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Ensure compliance with relevant accounting standards and internal finance policies.
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Own and enhance the internal control framework for R2R processes.
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Act as point of contact for external auditors during audit cycles, ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Process Improvement & Systems Development
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Identify opportunities for automation, simplification, and standardisation within R2R processes.
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Support or lead finance transformation activities, including system upgrades and optimisation (ERP, workflow tools, reconciliation automation).
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Implement best‑practice accounting processes to enhance accuracy and reporting speed.
What will help you succeed in this role? :
Skills & Experience Required
Essential
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Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
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Proven experience managing an R2R or Financial Accounting/Management Accounting function.
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Strong leadership experience with line management responsibility for a multi‑level team.
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Demonstrable experience working in a complex, multi‑entity business environment.
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Excellent technical accounting knowledge and strong attention to detail.
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Highly proficient in Excel and modern finance systems (ERP experience essential).
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Ability to work under pressure and manage competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
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Strong communicator with the ability to influence at all levels.
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Commercially aware with a proactive, problem‑solving mindset.
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Collaborative and supportive leader who builds trust and credibility within the team.
Desirable
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Experience working in professional services or the legal sector.
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Exposure to finance transformation or continuous improvement projects.
Experience of working within a large‑scale organisation (£250m+ turnover).
