Financial Accountant

Role overview

The Financial Accountant is responsible for delivering a complete and accurate period-end close, safeguarding balance sheet integrity, and producing statutory-ready financial reporting for the assigned entities, with the EU entity as the main focus. This role has ownership of the general ledger, applies accounting judgement to accruals and estimates, and serves as the main finance contact for audit matters, VAT queries, and other stakeholder questions within the defined scope.

The position calls for strong technical accounting knowledge, sharp attention to detail, and the ability to interpret financial performance clearly. It is also central to maintaining financial control, meeting group accounting standards and local statutory obligations, improving processes, and supporting business decisions.

Period-end close and financial reporting

• Lead the month-end and period-end close activities for the assigned entities, mainly the EU entity, and ensure the process is completed accurately, completely, and on time.
• Compile and review monthly reporting packs, including profit and loss, balance sheet, and supporting schedules, so they are ready for audit.
• Prepare and post journals, accruals, provisions, and reclassifications with sound accounting judgement and proper documentation.
• Make sure reporting aligns with group accounting policies, IFRS where relevant, and local statutory rules for the EU entity.
• Write concise financial commentary that explains results, major movements, risks, and issues emerging from close.

General ledger and balance sheet ownership

• Hold full responsibility for the general ledger in the assigned areas.
• Protect balance sheet integrity by reviewing and approving reconciliations.
• Manage intercompany accounting for entities in scope, primarily the EU entity, including recharges, reconciliations, issue resolution, and settlement support.
• Prepare and post foreign exchange revaluation entries at period-end, with appropriate support, correct treatment of monetary items, and clear analysis of movements.
• Own remediation plans for aged, complex, or judgement-heavy balances and escalate matters when needed.

Accruals, estimates, and business partnering

• Run accrual discussions with stakeholders, challenge assumptions, and ensure expenses are recognised in the correct period.
• Apply judgement to estimates and provisions, supported by suitable evidence and documentation.
• Work with budget holders to explain results, key cost drivers, and financial effects.
• Stay ahead of senior stakeholder questions and proactively surface potential risks.

Analysis and insight

• Carry out detailed variance analysis and trend analysis.
• Identify the main factors behind performance as well as areas of risk or opportunity.
• Support operational and strategic decisions through focused financial analysis.
• Contribute to forecasting and budgeting activities when required.

Fixed assets and IFRS 16

• Oversee fixed asset accounting, including additions, disposals, depreciation, and register accuracy.
• Ensure IFRS 16 accounting is completed correctly, including monthly entries and balance sheet reporting.
• Review the assumptions and proposals behind asset-related accounting postings.

Tax, audit, and statutory reporting

• Prepare and file VAT returns and related reconciliations for the UK and EU entity, as well as any other assigned entities, in line with applicable regulations.
• Act as the main contact for external audit matters within scope, including coordination of the EU statutory audit, evidence preparation, and prompt query resolution.
• Own or support the preparation of statutory accounts for the EU entity, including delivery through CaseWare or a similar tool where needed, ensuring consistency with the ledger and disclosures.
• Coordinate and support local statutory filings for the EU entity, making sure submissions are accurate, complete, and delivered by local deadlines, with support from external advisers where necessary.
• Work with external auditors and local advisers such as tax agents to provide timely, high-quality responses.

Systems, controls, and continuous improvement

• Own and enhance finance processes within the assigned areas, ensuring controls remain effective and scalable.
• Lead process improvements and system changes, including enhancements built on NetSuite.
• Keep documentation current for key controls, decisions, and processes.
• Question existing methods and drive better efficiency, accuracy, and insight.

EU entity financial management

• Support the setup and ongoing accounting for any future EU entity, ensuring accurate reporting and strong financial control.
• Support month-end close, balance sheet integrity, and statutory compliance for the future EU entity.
• Assist with tax recovery activities related to EU logistics and shipping, such as import VAT and duties, in coordination with internal teams and external advisers as needed.
• Ensure EU reporting is aligned with UK finance processes and US group reporting requirements.

Leadership and oversight

• Review work completed by others to ensure consistency and quality.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex accounting or reporting issues.
• Help develop the wider finance team through knowledge sharing and coaching.

Skills and experience

• Qualified or part-qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA).
• Strong technical accounting expertise, including experience preparing and reviewing financial statements and statutory accounts support.
• Good knowledge of audit expectations, financial controls, and audit-ready working papers.
• Experience managing period-end close for a legal entity and maintaining balance sheet integrity through robust reconciliations; EU entity experience is preferred.
• Practical exposure to VAT compliance and statutory accounts processes in a European jurisdiction is desirable.
• Strong analytical ability with the confidence to interpret and explain financial information clearly.
• Comfortable communicator who can work effectively with non-finance stakeholders and external auditors.
• Organised, proactive, and able to meet demanding deadlines.
• Experience with NetSuite or a comparable ERP system is preferred.

Behavioural expectations

• Professional, dependable, and high-integrity in approach.
• Takes ownership and remains accountable for outcomes.
• Challenges constructively and exercises sound judgement.
• Committed to continuous improvement.
• Able to balance technical accuracy with commercial practicality.

Equal opportunity statement

The employer is committed to equal treatment of all current and prospective employees, regardless of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership.

A diverse workforce is valued because it helps deliver stronger business results. An inclusive workplace, where people from different backgrounds work together, is also seen as important for better outcomes for everyone. The organisation encourages suitably qualified candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.