Job Description

About Forum Europe

Forum Europe is a leading organiser of policy-focused events and strategic communications services, working with governments, EU institutions, businesses, and NGOs to deliver impactful conferences and policy dialogues across Europe and internationally.

The company has an annual turnover of circa

5m

and employs around

30 staff

.

As the business continues to grow, we are

creating an in-house finance function

and appointing our first

Management Accountant

.

This is an exciting growth opportunity for a talented and motivated finance professional to

build a finance function from the ground up

-- taking ownership of all day-to-day finance operations, introducing new systems, and helping shape the way financial management supports the business as it expands.

At present, the company outsources its finance function to a bookkeeper and external accountants, so the successful candidate will be instrumental in

transitioning to an internal model

.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Operations

Oversee all daily accounting and operational finance functions, including:

Managing the

finance inbox

and responding to internal and external queries.

Accounts payable and receivable

, including entering purchase invoices and raising sales invoices.

Credit control and payment chasing

, ensuring timely client payments.

Bank feeds and transaction reconciliation

across all accounts.

Issuing invoices

and maintaining accurate billing schedules.

Filing and record management

, ensuring organised and auditable documentation.

Payroll processing

and related statutory reporting.

Expense management and approval

, ensuring adherence to company policies.

Maintaining and reconciling the general ledger

on a monthly basis.

Managing VAT returns

and ensuring full compliance with HMRC requirements. Liaising with external accountants and tax advisors as needed.

Financial Reporting

Prepare accurate

monthly management accounts

and supporting schedules. Produce

cash flow statements

, balance sheet reconciliations, and ad hoc analyses. Support the preparation of

annual statutory accounts

and coordination with auditors. Provide clear, timely financial reporting and insight to the CEO and senior leadership team.

Introduce and implement accounting and reporting systems

to support the business as it grows.

Budgeting & Forecasting

Assist in preparing the

annual budget

and rolling forecasts. Monitor performance against budget, highlighting key variances. Maintain and update

cash flow forecasts

to support financial planning.

Systems, Processes & Controls

Maintain and develop accounting systems (

Xero

) to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Strengthen and document

internal controls and financial procedures

.

Implement new processes and reporting structures

as the business evolves. Review and improve

financial processes

, introducing automation where practical.

Operational & Business Support

Partner with operational and event teams to provide financial data and support project costing. Assist the management team with

project P&Ls

,

budget tracking

, and

financial analysis

. Oversee

project budget management

, ensuring accurate cost allocation. Support HR and operations with payroll and benefits administration. Support the company's

compliance and audit functions

, ensuring readiness for annual reviews.

Skills & Experience Required - Essential

Qualified or part-qualified accountant (

ACA, ACCA, or CIMA

) or

qualified by experience

. Experience working in the

finance department of an SME

, ideally within a fast-moving, growing business. Strong

technical accounting skills

and a solid understanding of

UK GAAP

.

Xero experience is essential

- the successful candidate must be confident and fully proficient with the system.

Multi-currency accounting experience is essential

, including reconciliations and cross-border invoicing. Demonstrated experience preparing management accounts and maintaining full accounting records. Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and time management skills. A

proactive self-starter

, comfortable setting up and improving systems and processes.

Skills & Experience Required - Desirable

Experience in the

events

,

media

, or

professional services

sectors. Knowledge of

EU VAT and International Sales Tax rules

, and international client invoicing. Familiarity with

CRM or project accounting systems

.

Personal Attributes

Hands-on and self-motivated, with a

proactive and problem-solving mindset

. Highly organised and capable of managing multiple priorities. Strong communicator -- able to present financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues. Collaborative, dependable, and comfortable operating in a small, dynamic team. Discreet, ethical, and professional at all times.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: From 35,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Cycle to work scheme On-site parking Private medical insurance Profit sharing Referral programme
Ability to commute/relocate:

Cardiff CF10 5SF: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

finance / management accounting: 4 years (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Cardiff CF10 5SF