Senior Accountant

Are you a qualified accountant looking for greater exposure across an international finance function?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a global organisation that works with some of the world’s most recognised brands. As the business continues to grow, it is investing in its EMEA finance function and strengthening the processes, systems and controls that support its international operations.

The Senior Accountant will take ownership of complex areas of the EMEA month-end close while working closely with Financial Reporting, FP\&A, Accounting Operations and international Shared Services teams.

This is not simply a routine reporting position. You will have the opportunity to investigate complex accounting matters, improve the quality of financial information and contribute to systems and process transformation across the region.

The position would suit a technically strong and inquisitive accountant who enjoys understanding why numbers have moved, resolving complex issues and bringing greater structure to a changing environment.

Senior Accountant – Benefits

• Salary of £60,000–£70,000
• Private healthcare
• Hybrid working – three days from home and two days in the office
• 22 days’ annual leave, increasing with length of service
• Opportunity to participate in finance transformation and systems projects
• Continued scope for professional development and career progression

Senior Accountant – The Role

Reporting into the EMEA finance leadership team, you will play an important role in delivering an accurate, controlled and timely month-end close across a complex, multi-entity environment.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Taking ownership of higher-risk and more complex accounting areas, identifying discrepancies and ensuring issues are investigated and resolved.
• Preparing complex journals, reconciliations and supporting analysis across areas including revenue recognition, cost of goods sold and project-based accounting.
• Reviewing journals and balance sheet reconciliations prepared by Shared Services teams and other accountants.
• Supporting the EMEA general ledger close and ensuring appropriate documentation, controls and audit trails are maintained.
• Reviewing financial statements and performing variance analysis to identify unusual or unexplained movements.
• Working with Treasury, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, FP\&A, HR and Payroll to ensure the accuracy and completeness of financial information.
• Supporting annual audits and the preparation of statutory financial statements for EMEA entities.
• Responding to audit queries and coordinating the information required from internal finance teams.
• Helping to improve month-end processes, financial controls and reporting accuracy.
• Supporting finance systems, automation and process improvement projects, including post-implementation activity.
• Acting as a knowledgeable point of contact for accounting queries across the EMEA region.

The Successful Senior Financial Accountant

You will be a qualified accountant with strong financial accounting and month-end experience gained within a complex organisation.

You will have:

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CPA or equivalent qualification.
• Strong month-end close experience, including journals, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis and financial statement review.
• Experience gained within a complex, international or multi-entity finance environment.
• Exposure to US GAAP and IFRS, with the ability to understand and apply differences between accounting frameworks.
• Experience of investigating complex accounting issues and explaining financial movements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The confidence to work with international stakeholders and challenge information where appropriate.
• An interest in improving processes and using technology to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups and data analysis.
• Experience of revenue recognition, project accounting, cost of goods sold, Shared Services environments or EMEA reporting would be particularly beneficial but is not essential across every area.

Howett Thorpe are acting as a recruitment agency in relation to this role and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We do not discriminate on any protected characteristics.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to every candidate. If you have not heard from a Consultant within five working days, please assume that your application has not been successful.

Refer a Friend

This opportunity may not be right for you, but you may know someone who would be interested. Recommend a friend or colleague to Howett Thorpe and receive a minimum of £100 in vouchers if we assist them in securing a permanent role, or a minimum of £25 in vouchers if we place them in a temporary assignment. Terms and conditions apply.