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