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Freedom Leisure

Charitable community leisure and recreation trust

Financial Accounting Manager

Full-TimePosted on 10/16/2026Deadline 10/31/26
£60k - £65k/yr
Expert
East Hoathly with Halland, UK
Hybrid
AccountingFinancial Accounting

About the job

Requirements
  • A fully qualified accountant (ACCA, ACA, or CIMA) with strong post-qualified accounting experience is required.
  • Experience managing, developing, and coaching a finance team is required.
  • Experience managing an audit process and working directly with external auditors is required.
  • Strong value-added tax knowledge is required; experience with partial-exemption rules and more complex matters is preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of FRS 102 is required.
  • Excellent balance sheet reconciliation and financial control experience is required.
  • Experience in a multi-site cost-centre commercial operation in the private or charity sector is required.
  • A practical understanding of financial processes and issues is required.
  • Strong Excel and information technology skills, and a solid understanding of accounting software and systems, are required.
  • Strong attention to detail and financial accuracy are required.
  • Strong communication and relationship-building skills are required.
  • The candidate must be highly organised and deadline-driven.
  • The candidate must be professional, flexible, and motivated, with integrity and a commitment to high standards.
Responsibilities
  • Lead and develop the Management Accounting team and Finance Business Partners.
  • Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts and take ownership of month-end processes and balance sheet reconciliations.
  • Lead the year-end process, act as the principal contact for external auditors, and manage delivery of the annual audit.
  • Ensure statutory compliance with FRS 102 and relevant charity regulations.
  • Manage value-added tax compliance, including preparing and submitting VAT returns, and ensure timely reporting and reconciliation of agency contract obligations.
  • Work closely with the Head of Finance and support wider financial projects and initiatives.
  • Take a lead role in developing an internal audit function.
  • Support preparation of the group budget and ensure the integrity and accuracy of the information.
  • Develop and maintain accounting policies and procedures.
  • Identify and drive opportunities to improve processes and reporting.
  • Streamline and document current ways of working.
  • Build and support relationships with non-finance budget holders, both remotely and through site visits.
  • Understand and manage the financial implications of the organisation’s charitable status and multi-site operations.
Desired Qualifications
  • Experience with partial-exemption rules and more complex value-added tax matters is preferred.

About the company

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Freedom Leisure

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Website

Freedom Leisure is a charitable, not-for-profit trust operating leisure, sport, and cultural facilities for communities across England and Wales. Its centres offer swimming pools, gyms, exercise classes, sports activities, lessons, and programmes designed for different ages and abilities. Working with local authorities, the trust manages community venues and develops activities that encourage participation, inclusion, and healthier lifestyles. It also runs professional first-aid and pool-operations courses for individuals, employers, schools, and community groups. Established in 2002, Freedom Leisure is headquartered in East Hoathly, East Sussex, and reinvests its surpluses in the services it operates.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

East Hoathly with Halland, United Kingdom

Founded

2002

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