Set out below is a selection of advertisements for posts in management accounting. Read the text of the advertisement and relate the specified requirements to the three management accounting roles set out in this chapter, namely:

(a). Directing attention;

(b). Keeping the score; and

(c). Solving problems.

PLANNING AND REPORTING CONTROLLER

Reporting to the group finance director, your key task will be to drive a step change in all areas of corporate reporting and planning and provide analytical impetus to the development of business strategy.

Responsibilities will include:

• Ownership and control of the quality of reporting and forecasting throughout the business;

• Managing the group's quarterly strategic business unit review, forecasting and annual planning cycles;

• Managing the day-to-day treasury processes including cash-flow forecasting;

• Supporting the finance director in all corporate activities including financing, acquisitions, presentations and ad hoc projects as required. This is a high-profile role which interfaces directly with directors, shareholders, advisers, banks, head office functions and divisions. The ideal candidate will be an ambitious graduate qualified accountant with a minimum of four years' post-qualified experience. First-class= communication skills and good systems knowledge will complement your proven technical expertise.

HEAD OF MANAGEMENT INFORMATION

Reporting to the financial director, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and automating the production of management accounts and contract cash reporting;

• Implementing and managing a robust process for all contract valuations;

• Managing all aspects of budgeting, forecasting and group reporting;

• Developing relationships with operational teams to improve controls and increase commercial awareness;

• Full review of financial processes and implementation of new systems and controls. The successful candidate will be commercially minded and profit-motivated with the ability to manage a strong team.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

This is a major support services organisation, supplying services and products to government agencies and commercial businesses worldwide. Working closely with the commercial teams, you will provide them with full financial support at every stage of the contract life cycle. 

Main responsibilities include:

• Assisting with the compilation of new bids and tenders;

• Ongoing contract monitoring including budgeting and forecasting;

• Evelopment of key performance indicators for the business;

• Production of monthly management accounts, analysis and commentary. You will need to have excellent business acumen and highly developed communication skills.

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

This is a leading charity providing safe, secure and affordable housing for young people and working with homeless young people to provide safe shelter. Reporting to the head of finance, the role involves working closely with various departments identifying areas of concern and solutions.

Key responsibilities include:

1. Reviewing of trial balance and generation and review of management accounts; identifying and resolving any issues and offering a business support function.

2. Attending committee meetings to present the accounts to the trustees.

3. Identifying trends in the management accounts and advising management as to recommendations.

4. Development of budgets and forecasts.

5. Investigating and improving financial performance in the operations of the residential centres. This role would suit an individual who is looking to shape the continuing development of the work of the charity.

HEAD OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTS

You will be responsible for the setting, monitoring, control and reporting on budgets and the regular production of management accounts. In addition, you will ensure the provision of a comprehensive payroll service and be responsible for arranging and accounting for capital finance.

PRINCIPAL MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANT

This is one of the most successful police forces in the country. With 2,000 employees and an annual budget of over £80 million, it is essential that the organisation has appropriate and well-maintained financial management and information systems to support the demands of modern policing. We now require a dynamic team leader to ensure the continued development of these systems and to provide a comprehensive financial advice/support service to senior managers. The successful candidate will be closely involved in the production of medium-term financial plans, annual budgets, financial information systems upgrades as well as the training and development of non-technical staff on financial management. You will be self-reliant and able to work to tight deadlines whilst maintaining high standards, be capable of clearly communicating financial concepts in a persuasive and effective manner and have a suitable professional qualification with three years' experience in financial management.