Management Accountant

Reading, England, United Kingdom

12/16/2024

SSE has big ambitions to be a leading energy company in a low carbon world. Following our commitment to invest £20.5bn in low carbon projects to 2027, we have significant growth plans and are well on our way to achieving our ambition to build a world that's more sustainable and inclusive for you, your family, the community you live in and for generations to come.

Join us on our journey to net zero and help us power change.

About The Role

Base Location: Glasgow, Perth, or Reading (hybrid model with a blend of office and home working)

Salary: £40,600 - £61,000 dependent on experience + performance-related bonus + a range of other benefits to support your family, finances and wellbeing.

Working Pattern: Permanent | Full Time | Flexible First options available

SSEN Distribution powers 3.8 million homes and businesses across central southern England and northern Scotland. Our 3,500-strong team keeps customers connected to a safe and reliable electricity supply while building the flexible networks essential for net zero. From large-scale EV charging infrastructure to supporting local generation projects, we’re investing in a smarter, more resilient network to meet future energy demands.

We’re looking for a Management Accountant to provide financial support to our Distribution business within Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) and Southern Electric Power Distribution (SEPD). You'll work closely with the Business Partnering team to deliver robust financial management and ensure compliance with our regulatory obligations under Ofgem’s RIIO price controls. You’ll be someone who can work on your own initiative, understand complex issues, and convey this succinctly and clearly to inform decisions.

The role is initially for a fixed term period of 15 months, with the possibility of extension.

This is a varied and challenging role with the following key responsibilities:

• Preparing accurate and timely financial reports, including key performance analysis and monthly management reporting at regional and directorate levels.
• Collaborating with the Business Partnering team to support and challenge the business by analysing key financial drivers and commercial processes. Coaching teams on effective financial management, providing valuable insights, and identifying risks and opportunities. Working closely with Operations and Asset Management to drive productivity and efficiency, while acting as an impartial, trusted advisor to facilitate sound management decisions.
• Attending monthly reviews, budget meetings, and site visits, becoming a key part of the regional team to ensure capital projects and other costs are delivered on time and within budget.
• Maintaining effective financial control, including reconciliations, balance sheet analysis, and ledger management.
• Supporting the Business Partnering team with budgeting and forecasting for revenue, capital projects, and controllable costs, and identify opportunities to enhance forecasting accuracy.
  
  

What do I need?

Role

You’ll have experience in a finance role within a large organisation, with expertise in financial operations, performance reporting, and presenting financial insights at review meetings. We’d also love you to be:

• Highly proficient in MS Office with advanced knowledge of Excel, along with strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Able to make decisions and recommendations, work autonomously, and demonstrate professionalism, adaptability, and a willingness to visit and work from key sites across the business.
• Be proactive, diligent, and ready to take on challenging tasks that may push you beyond your comfort zone, while consistently delivering high-quality work within tight deadlines and under pressure.
• Be confident and articulate, with the ability to challenge and support colleagues constructively.
• Hold a recognised accounting qualification (ICAS, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, or CIPFA) along with experience in a Management Accounting/Business Partnering role. Experienced gained in a regulated environment would be advantageous but not essential.
  
  

About Our Business

Our SSE Finance function has a key part to play in fulfilling SSE's obligations as a UK-listed company, providing expertise and services that can be shared across the SSE Group, and working in partnership with all businesses to provide services tailored to their specific needs. SSE operates in a highly regulated and increasingly competitive environment, and our role is to ensure that we gather, compile, analyse and recommend on the financial strategy for our businesses, identifying opportunities to drive efficiencies and create value for SSE now, and in the future.

What's in it for you?

An excellent package with 34 days holiday entitlement, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, discounted healthcare, salary sacrifice car leasing and much more, view our full benefits package on our careers site.

As an equal opportunity employer we encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application, assessment and upon joining SSE. Search for 'Inclusion & Diversity at SSE' to find out more.

What happens now?

All applications should be submitted online, and I'll be back in touch after the vacancy closing date to let you know the outcome.

If you would like to discuss any working differently requirements or adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact Louise on louise.markwick@sse.com / 01738 351671.

EXTERNAL: Before commencing employment with SSE, you'll be required to fully complete our pre-employment screening process consisting of a basic criminal records and credit check.

INTERNAL: As a courtesy, please let your current line manager know you are applying.