Management Accountant - Projects - 10 Month Fixed Term Contract

Job Introduction

A leader in Motor, Home, Travel and Health Insurance; Saga offers an environment where we will do the best thing for you to develop your skills and develop your career.

This role is an important part of the Services Finance team who strive to facilitate, to help and support the insurance function of the business.

Reporting to the Head of Finance for MI and Projects in the Saga Services Finance Department, this role is ideally suited to a project accountant / systems accountant with previous experience in delivering transformational change projects, project financial planning and reporting (TM1 and project experience is preferred). Ideal candidates will be qualified accountants, finalists or QBE.

The role is responsible for supporting the monthly forecasting, tracking and reporting of project costs and benefits as well as supporting the SID-Finance development programme and integration of SID changes within Finance. In addition, the role will support the development, delivery and integration of the SID project within the Finance and Data / MI teams and processes.

And in return, you can look forward to all of the responsibility and involvement of an integral role, providing you with a rewarding and fast paced career with an excellent benefits package including life assurance, pension, high street and online discounts, and concessions for holidays and travel.

Although this role is a fixed terms contract, there may be further opportunities within Saga group thereafter.

Role Responsibility

• Take responsibility for the SID programme on internal financial reporting and analysis including:
  • Support with the business identification, tracking and realisation of SID benefits.
  • Support the programme on managing costs and value delivery
  • Preparation of monthly accounts and programme cost / benefit reports.
  • Product programme analytics and commentaries for actuals, forecast, budget and 5-year plan.
  • Variance analysis and commentary for presentation to SID steering group, Directors, Senior Management, Group reporting and Board.
  • Monthly forecasting and modelling for current financial year, full-year budget and long-term planning.
• Drive system development within the SID programme - implementation and change to deliver process improvements across all areas of Finance and management information.
• Continuous design and improvement of existing financial processes to satisfy business requirements and support commercial decision making.
• Stakeholder and change management through the delivery of change within Finance and the wider business.
• Coaching members of the SID programme and Finance through the periods of change, embedment and stabilisation – providing Finance specialist knowledge to the business and project as required.
• Provide support to the Head of Finance and SID programme on all matters as required.

The Ideal Candidate

Capability, Knowledge and Experience:

• Able to demonstrate significant competence in the use of financial systems packages (general ledger, financial modelling systems) and advanced knowledge of Excel.
• Demonstrable competence of working in a Financial planning and reporting environment (ideally project accounting experience).
• Demonstrable competence of working in a project environment and delivering change (ideally in an agile environment, but not essential).
• Technical accounting skills.
• Would ideally have experience in a sizeable (1000+ employees) organisation, ideally a plc.
• Excellent personal effectiveness and time management skills, such as task and diary management, work and project planning, file and record keeping (physical and electronic).
• Able to work as a team and capable of delivering objectives under pressure.
• A professional approach and a high regard for confidentiality.

Education and Qualifications:

• Graduate level or equivalent desirable.
• Qualified, finalist ACA, ACCA or CIMA Accountant, or QBE.

Personal Characteristics:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication with a range of colleagues at varying levels of seniority.
• A real passion for change and enthusiasm for making improvements in a business.
• Able to quickly establish credibility, winning the respect and co-operation of colleagues at all levels.
• High integrity and objectivity capable of selling ideas and implementing change.
• Analytically strong with the ability to challenge and think outside the box.
• Possess an inquisitive mind, and be able to identify anomalies or inconsistencies and pursue these through to a resolution.
• Able to work independently without constant oversight.
• Relish the challenge of working to tight deadlines and during periods of pressure.

Package Description

The standard benefits when you join Saga include:

• 28 days holiday
• Option to purchase a further 5 days annual leave per year
• Free private medical insurance after 1 years service
• Pension
• Saga Social Club
• AXA Be Supported
• Apples Nursery (Folkestone only and on a waiting list basis)
• Free fruit 
• Give as you earn
• Childcare vouchers
• Free eye tests
• Honeymoon benefit
• Sharebuy
• Salary finance
• Discounts on Saga holidays and insurance products
• A range of reductions and offers from leading retailers, travel groups and entertainment companies
• Long service awards

About the Company

When you join Saga you will see that we are committed to treating all employees fairly and to offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement. 

We value diversity not just because it is the right thing to do, but because diverse teams perform better. Creating a culture in which everyone feels welcome and offering equal opportunities in all aspects of employment and advancement is incredibly important to us. Fair consideration is given to applications from all applicants, including those with disabilities. If you need support at any point with your application please let us know as we will be happy to help.

To all recruitment agencies: Saga does not accept agency CVs unless specifically engaged on the role by the HR Recruitment Team. Please do not forward CVs to our recruiters, employees or any other company location. Saga is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited CVs.

Saga Group