Associate Accountant - Retail Property - Lease Accounting

Project People; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks an Associate Accountant for a 6-month contract in Reading. This position is ideal for finance professionals aiming to enhance their accounting skills in a dynamic retail environment. Responsibilities include supporting monthly property costs, assisting with audits, and improving accounting processes. Candidates should have a degree in Accounting or Finance and experience in a finance role, with strong Excel skills and an analytical mindset.

Qualifications

• Some experience working in a finance or accounting role.
• Studying towards an accounting qualification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA).

Responsibilities

• Support the preparation and analysis of monthly property costs and financial reports.
• Assist with balance sheet reconciliations and help identify & resolve variances.
• Provide support during internal and external audits.
• Gather and analyze data using established accounting tools.
• Help improve accounting processes and reporting efficiency.
• Work closely with commercial finance teams and external providers.
• Contribute to one-off projects and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

Strong Excel skills

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline

Job description

Associate Accountant - Retail Property - Lease Accounting (6-Month Contract)

Location: Reading (2-3 days per week in office)

Contract: 6 months

Are you an ambitious finance professional looking to grow your accounting experience in a fast‑paced, commercial environment? We're looking for a motivated Associate Accountant to join our Retail Property Accounting team on a 6‑month contract.

This is a great opportunity for someone at the early stages of their accounting career to gain hands‑on experience in a large, dynamic business and work alongside experienced finance professionals.

About the Role

Reporting to the Senior Accounting Manager, you'll be part of a friendly team of four within the Financial Accounting Function. The team focuses on delivering best‑in‑class accounting by maintaining strong financial controls, efficient processes, and effective management of external service providers.

You'd play a key role in supporting the accounting for our retail property portfolio of over 300 stores – helping ensure accurate monthly reporting, analysis, and balance‑sheet reconciliations. You'll also collaborate with stakeholders across finance and external providers to resolve variances and improve processes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the preparation and analysis of monthly property costs and financial reports
• Assist with balance sheet reconciliations and help identify & resolve variances
• Provide analytical and administrative support during internal and external audits
• Gather and analyse data using established accounting tools and methods
• Help improve accounting processes and reporting efficiency
• Work closely with commercial finance teams and external service providers
• Contribute to one‑off projects and continuous improvement initiatives

What We're Looking For

• A degree in Accounting, Finance, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Some experience working in a finance or accounting role
• Strong Excel skills and confidence working with financial data
• Great attention to detail and analytical mindset
• Clear communication and good teamwork skills
• Studying towards (or interested in pursuing) an accounting qualification (e.g., AAT, ACCA, CIMA)

Why Apply?

This role offers excellent exposure to property accounting in a retail environment and the chance to work with senior finance professionals who will support your development. You'll gain valuable experience with IFRS 16 and financial reporting processes, ideal for anyone looking to build a long‑term career in accounting.

Project People is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.