Branch Accountant - Manchester

Job Description
Reporting to:
Branch Manager / Regional Financial Controller
Area of Responsibility
The main area of responsibility of this position is to ensure that all aspects of the Accounts
Office in Manchester run smoothly, that all accounting deadlines are met, that suppliers are paid
correctly and on time, and that customers are invoiced correctly and encouraged to comply with
our own terms and conditions. The position is also responsible for ensuring that all management
information is prepared and collated on a timely basis.
Duties
Specific duties include;

Preparation of monthly management accounts for Total Produce Limited Manchester,

ensuring accuracy and adherence to specified deadlines.

Collation of annual budget for the branches in cooperation with local management.

Preparing Weekly Estimate for the branches.

Control of the business soft ware BDSL, Microsoft, Excel, Payroll ADP

Ensuring all sales and purchases are recorded accurately and daily stock reports are
produced; checked and corrected.

Preparation of year end accounts for the branch ensuring accuracy and adherence to
specified deadlines.

Ensuring all admin staff are attending to their duties in a professional manner, and that
accounting deadlines (particularly with regard to Month End) and objectives are being met.

Monitoring of debtors ledger, creditors ledger and bank accounts, ensuring these are
controlled in an appropriate manner to protect the companys assets.

Ensuring that cash is handled appropriately.

Exploration of opportunities for expansion of the business in the markets that the
branches operate.

Providing local management with management information to enable them to run the
branch appropriately

Ensuring that the branch, adhere to procedures laid down by Internal Audit and that
necessary corrective action is taken where the need is highlighted by the Internal Audit
Department.

Financial Management
Financial management covers the following areas:
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Bookkeeping and recording

Reporting processes
Analysis of results
Treasury management
Credit control
Audit processes

Manage the admin staff and resources of the branch such that high standards of service are
maintained, adequate control procedures exist at all times and reporting of accounting
information is timely and accurate.
Ensure that the branch and business have suitable systems, processes and procedures to
accurately capture all financial transactions and exert strong financial control over all business
activities.
The BA is responsible for ensuring the branches financial and statistical reporting processes are
accurate, timely and pertinent.
The branches financial and statistical performance must not only be reported accurately and
promptly but in addition such performance must be analyzed and reviewed with key features
extracted and reported to FD for attention.
Treasury management is paramount in ensuring the Group achieves all banking targets and that
current and projected bank balances are in line with Group targets and needs. The treasury
function is provided for all Regional activities including foreign currency management.
Credit control is inextricably bound with cash management. The BA must constantly review
levels of credit given and taken and ensure Group guidelines are achieved.
Audit processes provide early warning of potential problems or confirm adherence to Group
financial policies and procedures. Management of internal and external audits is a key
responsibility of the BA.
Commercial Management

Commercial control will be exercised primarily through interpretation and measurement of

results with a view to identifying areas for management attention, this will involve:
a.
b.
c.

Forecasts
Budgets
Interpretation of results

The BA will be expected to organize and control the branches forecasting and budgeting
processes. The emphasis in conjunction with Regional Financial Controller and FD will be on
constructing realistic and achievable forecasts and budgets backed by such logic and action
plans as appropriate to give those targets credibility.
Forecasts and budgets will have been thoroughly reviewed and agreed by FD together with their
supporting action plans. Thereafter it will be the responsibility of the BA to ensure that actual
results are measured against the appropriate target. The BA will be expected to analyze and
interpret all financial and statistical reports with a view to key issues identified by such analysis
and interpretation.
Business Reviews
Business Reviews is a generic term to cover:
a.
b.
c.

Regional/Branch/Business operational reviews

Analytical reviews
Financial modelling

The BA will be expected to provide FD with business analysis and interpretation to assist in the
review of business performance and prospects. Such research will be available to FD such that
they can agree key areas within a business that demand management attention and action.
The BA will be a key player in the evaluation of plans and developments. The BA will assist with
the integration of acquisitions when necessary.
Person Specification
Ability to implement, control processes and procedures and exert strong financial control over
businesses activities.
Committed to the delivery of quality reporting and management information
Capable of applying attention to detail and accuracy
Ability to demonstrate broad commercial acumen and good analytical skills
Good communication skills and ability to build strong business relationships
Excellent organisational skills / Flexibility essential

Ability to use own initiative and to adapt to changes in the industry

Good team working and the skill of fostering this in others
People management skills including the ability to motivate, monitor performance and develop
staff competence through delegation and training

Qualifications:
Qualified, Part Qualified and/or at least 5 years full time experience as Accounts manager.
Experience:
A minimum of 5 years management experience
Successful track record within a fast moving wholesale or retail environment ideally with
fresh produce experience, however not essential.
People management experience
Personality:
Personable, self motivated, hardworking, confident, outgoing and professional with a sense of
humour.
Term & Conditions:
Location:

Manchester Fruit & Veg Wholesale Markets

Unites D30 D33 New Smithfield Market, Whitworth Street East,
Manchester, M11 2WJ

Remuneration:

TBC dependent on experience

Car Allowance:

Negotiable

Review:

Annually any changes are notified on 1 April

Hours:

48 hours per week some flexibility as required

Days:

5 days with an occasional Saturday as and when required

Pension:

Contributory invited to join at first annual entry date

Holidays:

23 working days

Probation Period:

3 month

Notice:

1 month