Management Accountant

About VIRTUS

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK’s fastest-growing data centre provider. We own, design, build, and operate some of the most energy-efficient, flexible, and secure data centres in Europe.

In 2023, we announced our expansion into continental Europe, starting with Berlin and Milan, with plans to grow further across the region.

At VIRTUS, we aim to be a positive force in the fourth industrial revolution—delivering innovative solutions while staying firmly rooted in our core values: Clarity & Quality, Accountability, Customer Commitment, Purposeful Innovation, and Capability & Growth.

Job Summary

We are seeking an experienced Management Accountant to support our Finance Team with our monthly financial reporting responsibilities and implementing best practice in terms of Finance processes, controls and system improvements.

The role will include taking full ownership and responsibility of the monthly management accounts for a subset of operating companies within the Group and business partnering with other departments to improve reporting and budget management.

The role would suit a qualified Management Accountant with 1-3+ years’ of practical post-qualification experience in a Finance team, and someone who is pro-active and forward thinking in driving through change within the Finance Team.

This is a 12-month Fixed Term Contract role

Duties and Responsibilities

The role is intended to be split broadly 50:50 between the monthly BAU tasks and forward-looking initiatives focusing on process improvement and supporting expansion of the business. The key responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to the following:

· Provide accurate and timely management reporting to assist with key decision making. This would specifically include:

o Preparation and review of monthly and quarterly management accounts and KPIs, variance analysis and associated financial commentary for a subset of operating companies within the Group.

o Reporting of results to key stakeholders in a concise, accurate and insightful manner.

o Preparation and review of budget packs for the budget holders and developing strong business partnering relationships across the wider business.

· Accountability for month-end tasks completed by the team, including:

o Review and clearance of intercompany transactions and management recharges.

o Preparation and review of journals for accruals, prepayments, etc.

o Preparation and review of P&Ls for a subset of companies

o Preparation and review of balance sheet reconciliations.

o Ownership of parts of the month end process

o Revenue:

§ Preparation and review of journals related to Revenue recognition and ensure accuracy through review with the Senior Group Revenue Manager

§ Ensure all Balance Sheet Reconciliations relating to these Revenue postings are completed and reviewed.

· Input and accountability for key initiatives within the Finance Team including:

o Assisting the Finance Manager with tracking of system issues and system improvements ensuring resolved in a timely manner

o Review of accounting processes, controls and documentation, and recommending improvements where necessary to ensure robust and efficient financial operations.

o Driving change towards process automation to further enhance the control environment and Finance risk management.

· Preparation for interim and year-end audit and interacting effectively with both external auditors and internal auditors in responding to queries.

Any other reasonable requests made by the UK Finance Manager, Group Financial Controller and/or Head of Financial Reporting and Controls.

What does good like in 12 months:

• Assisting with the development of a comprehensive and fully documented month end process, reducing time taken to complete month end down to 5-6 Days.

• Assisting with the development of monthly management and investor reports and be able to deliver a high standard of reporting in a time efficient way.

• Help to develop SAP functionality relating to month end to be as automated as possible and documented process notes.

• Demonstrable strong working relationships developed with all VIRTUS departments.

Qualifications:

Essential:

• Accountancy qualification (CIMA or ACCA).

Desirable:

• Educated to degree level.

Experience:

Essential:

• Strong knowledge and practical experience in usage and development of ERP systems, specifically SAP.

• Sound practical knowledge and experience of finance processes and controls, and interest in continuous process improvement/optimisation.

• Specific and detailed knowledge of IFRS15 arising from previous experience in a large accounting firm and/or the Finance team of a multinational business.

• Strong data analysis and interpretation skills.

• Good communication skills and comfortable with regular exposure to senior management.

• Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with data centre sector or other technology/capital intensive businesses advantageous.

• Practical experience of finance transformation activities such as implementation, testing and embedding of a new accounting system

• Advanced Excel skills including use of power query for data analysis.

Skills:

Essential:

• Ability to contribute to and work well with the team and other stakeholders.

• Planning and organisation skills and ability to prioritise to meet deadlines and manage fluctuations in workload.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of either German or Italian.

In line with VIRTUS’ Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process.