Finance Analyst

Smiths Group Plc; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 56,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Smiths Detection seeks a qualified accountant to lead the financial management and reporting for its Ireland entity, reporting to the North West Europe Finance team. You will own month-end close, forecasting, controls and compliance for the Ireland business while collaborating with UK, Ireland and Israel teams.

You will drive budgeting, cash flow and financial analysis, ensuring accurate statutory reporting, audits and governance across a growing standalone unit within an international

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills.
• Experience managing full finance cycle for a legal entity or subsidiary.
• Proven budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to support external audits and statutory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Own the month-end close process and consolidate reporting for the Ireland entity.
• Prepare management accounts, balance sheets and reporting packs.
• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles, cash flow planning and variance analysis.
• Maintain strong internal controls and governance, coordinate audits.

Skills

Financial reporting

Month-end close

Budgeting

Forecasting

Governance

Intercompany

Excel expertise

Stakeholder management

Education

ACA/ACCA/CIMA qualified

Tools

SAP

Oracle HFM

Job description

We are seeking a qualified accountant to take full responsibility for the financial management and reporting of our Ireland entity, currently employing approximately 23 people and continuing to grow. Reporting into the North West Europe Finance team, this role offers the opportunity to lead all aspects of financial reporting, forecasting, controls and compliance for the Ireland business while working closely with colleagues across the UK, Ireland and Israel. This position is ideally suited to a hands-on finance professional who enjoys accountability, can work independently, and is comfortable acting as the primary finance lead for a standalone business unit within a larger international organisation., Financial Reporting & Month-End Ownership

Financial Reporting & Month-End Ownership

• Own the month-end close process for the Ireland entity.
• Prepare and review management accounts, balance sheet reconciliations and financial reporting packs.
• Submit accurate and timely results into the Group consolidation system.
• Ensure compliance with Group accounting policies and reporting requirements.
• Manage revenue recognition and accounting for complex contracts.

Forecasting, Budgeting & Cash Flow

• Lead the annual budgeting process and periodic forecasting cycles.
• Prepare cash flow forecasts and monitor working capital performance.
• Provide meaningful financial analysis to support business decision-making.
• Deliver variance analysis and identify key risks and opportunities.

Controls, Compliance & Governance

• Maintain a strong financial control environment and ensure compliance with Group policies.
• Support the preparation of statutory accounts and tax submissions.
• Coordinate external audits and liaise with external advisers.
• Manage banking activities, payments and cash management processes.
• Oversee payroll coordination and local compliance requirements.

Business Partnering

• Act as the trusted finance partner to operational leaders within Ireland.
• Support key business decisions through financial insight and analysis.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the wider North West Europe finance organisation.
• Contribute to regional finance initiatives, process improvements and transformation projects.

You are a qualified accountant with strong technical accounting skills and experience managing the full finance cycle for a business unit, subsidiary or legal entity. You are comfortable taking ownership, working independently and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of financial information. Equally, you can partner effectively with operational stakeholders and communicate financial information clearly to non-finance audiences. This role is best suited to someone who enjoys being close to the detail, taking ownership of financial performance and controls, and operating as the key finance contact for a growing business.

Qualifications

• ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Strong financial reporting and month-end close experience.
• Experience owning a legal entity, business unit or subsidiary.
• Proven experience in budgeting, forecasting and cash flow management.
• Strong general ledger knowledge, including journals, accruals, prepayments, intercompany accounting and reconciliations.
• Experience supporting external audits, statutory reporting and compliance activities.
• Strong financial controls and governance background.
• Advanced Excel skills with the ability to analyse and present financial data effectively.
• Strong stakeholder management and business partnering skills.

Desirable Experience

• Experience working within a multinational or multi-entity environment.
• Exposure to Group reporting and consolidation processes.
• SAP, Oracle HFM or similar reporting and consolidation systems.
• Knowledge of IFRS 9 and IFRS 16.
• Experience with complex contract accounting and revenue recognition.

Smiths Detection is a global leader in threat detection and screening technologies supporting aviation, ports & borders, defence, and urban security.

With 5 R&D centres, 21 global offices, and 7 manufacturing sites, our 3,000 brilliant minds have spent over 40 years at the frontline, developing solutions that protect society from explosives, prohibited weapons, contraband, toxic chemicals, and narcotics.

Every minute of every day, our technology and people help make the world a safer place.

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.