Company Information and Introduction:
PadelStars is a profitable padel centre operator that was established in 2022, currently operates 10 venues and is rapidly expanding with new centres at a pace of 5+ per year. We are seeking a Management Accountant with strong commercial awareness and an interest in the sports industry, specifically padel and multi-sport facilities. To date, management accounting has been outsourced but is now being brought in house. You will be the first hire and so will be able to lead and shape the finance department.
The role will support financial planning, reporting, bookkeeping and operational decision-making across venues, coaching programmes, retail, events, and membership revenue streams. As the business grows, we expect to hire a bookkeeper to support in the role.
You will play a key role in optimising profitability, enhancing financial performance, and supporting the growth of padel operations across the UK.
Key Responsibilities and Duties:
Management Reporting
Produce monthly management accounts for each club/venue, including P&L, balance sheet reconciliations and cash flow analysis
Prepare detailed commentary on revenue lines such as court bookings, memberships, coaching, tournaments, and café/retail operations
Analyse P&L, balance sheet and cashflow performance, venue performance, utilisation rates, occupancy levels, and yield per court
Provide variance analysis and recommend improvements based on financial trends
Prepare month-end journals (accruals, prepayments, depreciation, payroll allocations)
Provide variance analysis and recommend improvements based on financial trends
Daily Bookkeeping & Transaction Processing
Maintain accurate financial records in the Xero accounting system including divisional and tracking between projects and locations
Process purchase invoices utilising automatic data capture (Hubdoc), raise corporate and educational sales invoices, receipts and payments and take booking software information to upload on Xero
Reconcile bank accounts and credit cards daily
Liaise with the court booking app and reconcile transactions
Manage accounts payable, staff expenses and accounts receivable ledgers
Maintain fixed asset register on Xero
Cash Flow & Financial Control
Monitor daily/weekly cash position
Prepare payment runs and allocate receipts
Flag issues or variances promptly
Maintain robust financial controls and processes
VAT, Payroll & Compliance
Prepare monthly VAT returns
Prepare monthly payroll
Ensure compliance with HMRC, Auto enrolment responsibilities and Companies House deadlines
Budgeting, Forecasting & Financial Planning
Prepare annual budgets, rolling forecasts, scenario planning and cashflow modelling
Work with leadership, venue managers and operations teams to assist financial forecasting
Monitor performance against budget and proactively identify risks and growth opportunities
Analyse all revenue streams, court and membership pricing and suggest improvements
Sports Facility Operations Support
Work collaboratively with operations to evaluate:
Court utilisation and scheduling
Coaching productivity
Staffing models for clubs
Capital expenditure for new courts or facility upgrades
Support feasibility studies for new padel facilities
Compliance & Controls
Ensure financial processes align with UK GAAP and internal control frameworks
Assist with regulatory and statutory requirements such as GDPR, internal audit controls, and external audit queries
Maintain accurate financial systems for multi-site operations
Year-End & Audit Support
Assist external accountants with year-end accounts
Prepare audit-ready schedules and documentation
Ensure financial controls are effective
Personal Qualities
Commercially minded with strong problem-solving skills
Confident communicator
High level of integrity and professionalism
Proactive, efficient, and able to take ownership
Working Conditions
Principal place of work: Clapham Junction
Travel to venues as required
Driving licence and car and advantage
Occasional extended hours during month-end or event periods
Fast-paced, growth-driven environment within the sports sector
Key Skills and Competencies:
Experience & Skills
Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) preferred
Strong experience preparing management accounts
Analytical mindset with excellent attention to detail
Strong Excel skills and able to work with large data sets.
