William Scott Associates are currently recruiting for a rapidly growing multi site retail operation in St Albans (turnover>£4bn with over 1000 sites). They are undergoing a period of rapid growth and business acquisition and are in need of a full time Financial Accountant within this dynamic environment.
The Financial Accountant is a key member of the group financial reporting team with responsibility for assisting with the monthly accounting cycle, including ownership over P&L and balance sheet lines and the production of relevant and meaningful analysis, commentary and reconciliations around their areas of reporting.
They will also contribute to the ongoing management and improvement of the finance function, with the completion of ad-hoc tasks and projects to streamline processes, improve quality & consistency of reporting and make controls more robust.
The role will require liaising with other departments and external contacts to ensure accuracy and quality of reporting and the ability to effectively communicate and co-ordinate with individuals of varying seniority and financial acumen.
This is a really supportive and dynamic team who we have worked with for several years - hybrid working (3 days in office)is the norm and an excellent range of benefits/ performance based bonus are on offer.
MAIN ACCOUNTABILITIES
*To take ownership of balance sheet and P&L accounts and assume responsibility for financial reporting and operational queries relating to those areas
*Provide insightful and meaningful commentary around P&L variances to budget and prior month/year
*Prepare accurate balance sheet reconciliations on a monthly basis in a timely manner
*Ensure quality control over financial transactions and financial reporting
*Be willing and able to challenge and manage the stakeholders in areas on responsibility and ensure accounting standards are adhered to, while having due regard to motivations of other departments
*Support with month-end and year-end close processes
*Liaise with and support other teams within the finance function (sales ledger, purchase ledger, reconciliations, FP&A) to resolve ueries, drive efficiencies and add value
*Support development of best practice
*Support with interim and year-end audit queries around areas of responsibility
*Suggest process and control changes to drive continual improvement around financial control and reporting
*Perform other ad-hoc duties and reporting as needed
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED
*Professional accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA preferred)
*You could be looking for a first move out of practice or already working in industry but looking for a role in a larger business where you can really make an impact.
*A good understanding of financial controls and risks
*Effective verbal and written communication skills
*High degree of computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Excel
*Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise tasks and to work to deadlines
*Excellent numeracy skills
*Ability to achieve targets whilst maintaining accuracy
*Ability to work cooperatively and flexibly to achieve team objectives
*Ability to develop positive working relationships with colleagues and external contacts of varying professional backgrounds and accounting knowledge
*Analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make rational decisions