Agency - Senior Accountant

Advanced Energy; Littlehampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the manufacturing sector is seeking a Senior Accountant for a temporary position at their Littlehampton office. The role requires a strong understanding of financial record-keeping and reporting processes, particularly in compliance with US GAAP. Candidates should have 3-6 years of relevant experience and a qualified AAT or equivalent. Strong ERP and communication skills are essential for success in this fast-paced environment, where attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines are paramount. This position will support a global manufacturing strategy, expected to conclude in 2026.

Qualifications

• 3-6 years experience in accounting-related fields.
• Experience with ERP systems, especially SAP, desired.
• Effective working across global time zones and cultures.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for General Ledger of assigned entities.
• Prepares and records journal entries and reconciliations.
• Communicates with local and foreign subsidiaries regarding accounting issues.

Skills

Communication skills

Multi-tasking

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

Analytical skills

ERP skills

US GAAP knowledge

Education

Qualified AAT or equivalent

Tools

SAP

Accounting software

Blackline

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Outlook

Job description

Job Title: Agency - Senior Accountant (Temporary Position)

Business Unit: Corporate – Littlehampton, UK

Reports To: Senior Finance Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Senior Accountant position is responsible for supporting the company’s financial record-keeping and reporting requirements and to ensure compliance with US and other GAAP, corporate policies and procedures, and common ethical practices. This is a hands-on position that requires the individual to be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment with effective communication. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical and system (ERP) skills; demonstrated successful organizational and time management skills; problem solving abilities; and international business acumen.

This individual completes the tasks necessary to accurately present the financial condition and results of operations of the company. In addition, the individual will have the skills necessary to analyse and provide reports and communications to higher level management about the specific areas of responsibility. The position is based at the European Regional Offices in Littlehampton, UK.

This position has come about due to an accelerated implementation of a global manufacturing strategy, with the operational activity moving to entities on a different ERP system to the intellectual property owner(s). The requirement for the position is expected to end late in 2026 when the global group implements a common ERP system (S4HANA).

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for General Ledger of assigned entities, and the oversight of the Banking, Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Revenue Recognition, Fixed Assets & Inter-company activities of the same entities.
• Prepares and records journal entries, e.g.
  • Calculation of other accruals.
  • Payroll accounting and reconciliation.
  • Preparation of data for holiday accruals.
  • Prepayments.
  • Internal and External commissions
• Complete / contribute towards the production of high quality, accurate and detailed balance sheet reconciliations monthly, in-line with Corporate’s timetable / guidelines.
• Reviews system generated transactions for reasonableness.
• Provides record of assets, liabilities and other financial transactions.
• Reviews and interprets financial reporting requirements, rules and regulations.
• Analyses financial statement information.
• Ensures compliance with internal controls accounting process documentation (i.e. SOX 404).
• Communicates with local and foreign subsidiaries to resolve accounting issues.
• Produce, maintain and analyse complex management reports.
• Develop and interpret reports and records for managers/stakeholders.
• Be involved in reviewing, tracking and maintaining billing information in the financial systems, ensuring accuracy and compliance with US GAAP and other accounting regulations.
• Assistance with audit query resolution.
• Support the Senior Finance Manager, Accountant Lead and other members of the regional finance team as and when required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Works in a standard office environment and uses general office equipment.
• Significant amount of communication with AE’s Corporate and Business Unit Finance teams.
• It is highly likely that some extended hours will be required to meet the tight month end close schedule (completion of the actuals and reporting that follows).

SKILLS:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to multi task and meet deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to influence others.
• Ability to work under limited supervision.
• Working knowledge of US GAAP, other GAAP experience is advantageous.
• Working knowledge of internal control environments and compliance with Sarbanes Oxley Act.
• Advanced Excel capabilities and other accounting software including SAP and Blackline.
• Education and experience to solve issues and improve processes.
• Results oriented communication and team interaction.
• Proficient in other Microsoft applications including Word and Outlook.

EXPERIENCE:

• Essential:
  • 3 – 6 years experience in accounting related fields.
  • Sufficient experience in a US head quartered, with strong global influence, manufacturing group.
  • Effective working across global time zones and cultures.

• Desirable:
  • Experience with ERP systems, SAP highly desirable.
  • Experience working for a US led multi-national company.
  • Working within a manufacturing organisation.

EDUCATION:

• Essential:
  • Qualified AAT or equivalent.

PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:

• A passion to always deliver to the best of their ability.
• A strong team player focused on the success of the team as much as their own.
• A constant commitment to deliver on time and with the highest quality.
• A want to continually develop and grow within the role and the role itself.
• A proactive delivery, staying close to the detail whilst being able to see the big picture.
• A self-sufficient performer with strong communication skills.