ESS – Defence, Energy and Government Services
Accounts Manager

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Mess Accounts Manager
Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Are you an experienced finance professional looking for a role with real variety and responsibility? We're seeking a Mess Accounts Manager to oversee financial operations across multiple military messes, ensuring accurate accounting, robust financial controls, and exceptional service for our customers and stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage all aspects of mess accounting, including billing, reconciliations, VAT reporting, and month-end accounts.
- Produce financial reports, balance sheets, profit analysis, and budgeting information for key stakeholders.
- Oversee cash management, banking, debt recovery, and financial compliance procedures.
- Manage and maintain financial systems, including member accounts, direct debits, and event billing.
- Build strong relationships with Mess Committees, Treasurers, military personnel, and site management teams.
- Monitor stock, sales, and profitability, identifying and resolving discrepancies.
- Lead, coach, and develop the accounts team, ensuring high standards of performance and compliance.
- Ensure all financial processes are delivered accurately, efficiently, and in line with company and regulatory requirements.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Desirable
- Previous experience in a finance, accounts, or mess accounting environment.
- Defence, MOD, military, or government sector experience.
- Experience managing and developing teams.
- Knowledge of financial reporting, reconciliations, and budgeting.
- Experience with systems such as Visual One, Agilysys, InfoGenesis, or similar.
- Strong stakeholder management and customer service skills.
- Organised, proactive, and confident working in a fast-paced environment.
Join a unique Defence environment where your financial expertise will directly support the successful operation of a high-profile site.
Benefits
- Contributory pension scheme
- Grow your career with our Career Pathways and MyLearning programmes
- Quick access for you and your immediate family to a Digital GP, and wider healthcare benefits
- Exclusive travel discounts with TUI, Expedia, Booking.com and many more
- Save money on your food shop with discounts on Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrisons and many more
- Up to 44% off cinema tickets to enjoy your favourite blockbuster
- Receive cash rewards every time you spend and use them on a wide range of brands
- Un-wind with us with free wellness, mindfulness and exercise classes
- You can share all discounts and offers with your friends and families


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About Us
Part of Compass Group UK&I, ESS is the Defence, Government, and Energy services sector of Compass Group UK & Ireland. We support 250+ UK military establishments, high profile police, secure environments and government sites, along with a range of onshore and offshore facilities including platforms, drilling rigs, floatels and offices for the energy sector. We know that a friendly face makes all the difference, so we look for people who are passionate about delivering excellent customer service, at all levels, to join our teams.
Job Reference: com/1208/78080005/52183289/SU #Defence
Compass Group UK&I is committed to fostering an environment where every individual can truly be themselves at work and has equal opportunities to advance in their careers. We strive to build a culture that respects and celebrates the unique talents, beliefs, backgrounds, and abilities of all our team members. We want our colleagues to feel valued, empowered to reach their full potential, and to thrive - because diversity is our strength!
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