Management Accountant
About Us Ascend proudly leads the UK market as the foremost manager of Build to Rent housing delivering award-winning services across a portfolio of over 10,000 homes. We are committed to providing an exceptional level of service to our clients, supported by robust operational standards and a professional, collaborative working environment. We have an exciting opportunity for a Management Accountant to join our team, based at our head office in Sale. The role is hybrid, with an expectation to work at least 2 days per week in the office, and potentially more during busy periods such as year end. This is a hands-on role dealing with the end-to-end accounting process. This role will play a key role in supporting the financial performance of the business, providing accurate reporting, insightful analysis, and supporting informed decision-making as the company continues to grow. To be considered for this role, you must be a fully qualified accountant ( CIMA / ACCA / ICAEW ) with a minimum of three years’ post-qualification experience. Key Responsibilities As a Management Accountant at Ascend Properties, you will play a pivotal role in supporting the financial performance and growth of the business. Your responsibilities will include: Maintaining accurate and complete financial records, ensuring all transactions are correctly recorded in the Sage accounting system. Preparing monthly management accounts in a timely manner, providing clear, insightful analysis and supporting narrative. Owning the reconciliation and consolidation of all balance sheet accounts, promptly identifying, investigating, and resolving discrepancies. Supporting the Finance Director with the annual budgeting process and ongoing reforecasting cycles, maintaining an up-to-date financial plan for accurate forecasts. Assisting the Finance Director with reporting requirements to the Group finance function. Supporting the income reconciliation process, maintaining robust controls to ensure all income recognised in the financial statements is received. Take responsibility for risk management and compliance activities, including preparing and submitting VAT returns to HMRC. Ensure ongoing compliance with legal requirements, accounting standards, and internal policies, staying up to date with relevant industry, regulatory, and compliance developments. Support the annual audit process to ensure efficient delivery, maintaining clear communication and regular updates with internal and external stakeholders. Identify and implement improvements to financial processes and controls, both through enhanced Excel models and better utilisation of functionality within the accounting system. Contribute to ad-hoc projects as required, supporting continuous process improvement and the evolving needs of the business as the Ascend Group grows. Mentoring and managing a junior member of staff, fostering development and maintaining high standards. Ideal Candidate The successful candidate will be: Hands on and detail oriented, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Proactive, with strong problem solving skills and a focus on process improvement. An excellent communicator, capable of collaborating across teams and mentoring junior staff. Committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and compliance. Qualifications \& Experience Fully Qualified Accountant - CIMA/ACCA/ICAEW. Minimum 3 years post qualification experience Experience in the property sector is desirable. Experience preparing management accounts, reconciliations, and financial reporting. Skilled in budgeting, forecasting, and providing financial analysis to support decision-making. Proficient in Sage or similar accounting systems, with advanced Excel and data analysis skills. The Benefits Competitive holiday allowance, increasing to 27 days over time, including a day off to celebrate your Birthday Start your weekend early with a 4PM finish on a Friday Paid time off for medical screenings Enhanced company sick pay policy with service Reduced Christmas operating hours Contributory Pension Scheme for long-term financial security Recognition programmes to acknowledge employees who display our Values \& Behaviours. Enhanced Maternity/Adoption/Paternity Pay. Monthly lunch and company training sessions to meet the wider Ascend teams! Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Pay: Up to £50,000.00 per year Benefits: Additional leave Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Free parking On-site parking Sick pay Experience: post-qualification experience as a Chartered Accountant: 3 years (required) Licence/Certification: ACCA / CIMA / ICAEW (required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Sale M33 7PE