Group Financial Accountant | £70k - £80k (£6.6k car allowance) | Ashford

Cobb & Jones Recruitment are working exclusively with a medium sized Group operating in the Services Industry, supporting them in their search for a new Group Financial Accountant, reporting into the Finance Director, the Group Financial Accountant will oversee and manage the financial accounting, reporting and compliance of a group of companies. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing the full spectrum of accounting, financial reporting, compliance, and control functions while ensuring adherence to regulatory standards, including IFRS 15 and IFRS 16. The role requires hands-on expertise in project accounting, revenue recognition, and contract evaluation, along with strong capabilities in managing complex financial reporting requirements across three legal entities. The role will suit either a Financial Accountant or Financial Controller, with a suitable background in taxation, compliance, regulatory, reporting and statutory accounts.

Responsibilities:

Financial Accounting and Reporting:

Financial Statements: Prepare, review, and finalize monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements for all entities, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with relevant accounting standards (UK GAAP or IFRS, including IFRS 15 and IFRS 16).
Consolidation: Consolidate accounts for multiple entities within the group, ensuring all inter-company transactions are accurately reconciled and reported.
Inter-Company Reconciliations: Perform and review inter-company reconciliations, ensuring transactions between entities are properly accounted for and discrepancies are addressed.
Impairment Review: Conduct annual impairment reviews of assets to ensure their carrying values are appropriate, in line with accounting standards, and provide recommendations for adjustments as necessary.

Financial Operations and Treasury

Compliance and Risk Management

Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with all relevant UK financial regulations, including tax laws (corporation tax, VAT, PAYE, and CIS), auditing standards, and industry-specific regulations.
Audit Management: Coordinate with external auditors for statutory audits, ensuring timely submission of audited financial statements and audit packs. Address audit findings and recommendations promptly.
Statutory Accounts: Prepare statutory accounts in accordance with UK GAAP and IFRS, ensuring accuracy, transparency, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Ensure Companies House filings are completed in compliance with UK regulations.
Ensure compliance with ONS reporting requirements.
Internal Controls: Develop, implement, and maintain robust internal control systems to safeguard the company’s assets, ensure accuracy in financial reporting, and mitigate financial risks.
Document Management: Implement an effective financial document management system to ensure proper storage, security, and accessibility of financial records and supporting documents for audits and internal reviews.

Taxation:

Tax Planning: Develop and implement tax planning initiatives to optimize the company’s tax position and minimize liabilities, while ensuring compliance with UK tax regulations.
VAT & Corporation Tax: Ensure accurate preparation and filing of VAT returns and corporation tax returns, taking advantage of any available tax reliefs.

Systems and Technology:

ERP Systems: Oversee the financial accounting systems and ERP software, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of the business and facilitates accurate financial reporting.
Process Improvement: Continuously improve financial processes and systems to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability, especially in payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and financial reporting.

Audit (Internal and External) and Stakeholder Relations

Profile:

Qualified Accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent).
Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification experience, preferably within an environment that has a physical / tangible product or service, including manufacturing or construction.
Proven experience in financial reporting, statutory accounts preparation, and compliance.
Expertise in contract evaluation, investment appraisal, and corporate tax matters.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work with multiple stakeholders.
Proficiency in UK GAAP, IFRS.
Expertise in multi-company consolidation, transfer pricing compliance, and inter-company reconciliations.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for financial modelling, reporting, and analysis.
Strong understanding of VAT, payroll, and other tax compliance regulations.
Ability to design and implement robust internal controls and financial systems.
Leadership skills with experience in managing finance teams and mentoring staff.
Analytical mindset with strong attention to detail.
Ability to manage complex financial structures and multiple entities.
Strong leadership skills and ability to drive process improvement.
Proactive problem-solving abilities and risk management experience.

On Offer:

£70k - £80k basic salary
£6.6k car allowance
Hybrid working (3 and 2)
28 days holiday + bank holidays