JOB TITLE: Trainee Management Accountant

DEPARTMENT: Finance

LOCATION: Stamford Bridge, London

CONTRACT: Permanent, Full Time

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible. In the event that we receive a large number of applications, the position may be filled before the listed closing date. To avoid missing out, please submit your application at your earliest convenience.

Job Function

To work within the Finance Team, supporting the delivery of key finance activities including budgeting, forecasting, month-end and year-end processes.

As a trainee role, the successful candidate will be supported in developing their finance and accounting knowledge, with the business covering the cost of an approved accountancy qualification.

The role is designed to provide broad exposure across finance, with increasing responsibility as the successful candidate develops their technical knowledge, confidence and experience.

Main Responsibilities:

•      Support the preparation of accurate and timely monthly management accounts, including journals, accruals, prepayments and supporting analysis.
•      Assist with the preparation and maintenance of departmental Profit & Loss accounts, ensuring financial information is complete, accurate and clearly presented.
•      Prepare monthly balance sheet reconciliations, investigating and helping to resolve discrepancies on a timely basis.
•      Support budgeting and forecasting processes, including the preparation of variance analysis and commentary for key stakeholders.
•      Work with finance and non-finance colleagues to understand cost drivers, highlight trends and support informed decision-making.
•      Identify opportunities to improve reporting, processes and controls, escalating issues and suggested improvements where appropriate.
•      Assist with cash flow reporting and analysis, helping to ensure information is accurate and delivered in line with business requirements.
•      Support the Financial Reporting team with interim and year-end audit preparation, including the collation of audit schedules and supporting documentation.
•      Develop technical accounting knowledge through on-the-job learning and study towards a recognised accountancy qualification.
•      Undertake ad hoc finance projects, analysis and tasks as required.

Person Specification

•      Strong numerical and analytical skills, with excellent attention to detail and a commitment to producing accurate work.
•      Good IT skills, including confidence working with Microsoft Excel and the ability to learn finance systems quickly.
•      Curious and confident in using AI tools appropriately to improve efficiency, support analysis and enhance ways of working, while recognising the importance of accuracy, judgement and data confidentiality.
•      Clear communicator who can explain financial information in a straightforward way to finance and non-finance colleagues.
•      Proactive, organised and willing to take ownership of tasks, while knowing when to ask questions or escalate issues.
•      Positive team player with enthusiasm for developing a career in finance and building strong working relationships across the business.
•      Commitment to studying towards a recognised accountancy qualification and balancing professional study with day-to-day responsibilities.
•      Able to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Qualifications

Essential

•      Commitment to studying towards a recognised accountancy qualification, with training costs funded by the business in line with company policy.

Desirable

•      Degree, A-levels or equivalent qualification in accounting, finance, business, economics, mathematics or another numerate subject.

Our Expectations:

• To embody the club’s BLUE behaviours (Brave, Lead, Unity, Edge) in the approach to work and interaction with others
• To adhere to the club’s policies and procedures, including Health & Safety, Financial Authorisation, Confidentiality and GDPR.
• To act as an ambassador for diversity, equality, and inclusion, and demonstrate a positive commitment by treating others fairly in line with our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Policy and reporting any acts of discrimination through appropriate channels
• To create a safe environment and act to protect all young people and vulnerable adults that are either in your care or attending club premises, and report any concerns to the Safeguarding Lead
• To report any misconduct or suspected misconduct to the HR Department

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: 

At Chelsea we recognise that the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths and we are taking positive action to ensure our existing colleagues and job applicants can fully be themselves and bring their own unique experiences and perspectives to Chelsea FC. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity.   

If you need reasonable adjustments made to the recruitment process, please reach out to your recruiter, who will be able to advise and support you.

Chelsea FC is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups). We therefore require all successful applicants to complete a DBS Check prior to starting employment. Depending on the role, successful applicants may also be required to undergo other child protection screening where appropriate. 

This Job Description is not intended to be exhaustive; the duties and responsibilities may therefore vary over time according to the changing needs of the Club.