Financial Accountant

Howett Thorpe; Alton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Howett Thorpe is assisting a long-established international business in Hampshire to recruit a Financial Accountant for the Alton-based finance team. The role blends hands-on accounting with team leadership and process improvement, reporting to the Group Finance Manager.

The successful candidate will lead the accounts team, manage multi-currency transactions, ensure VAT compliance and strengthen financial controls across UK and overseas entities.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or supervising a finance team.
• Strong double-entry bookkeeping and solid accounting principles.
• Experience in manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or retail environments.
• Multi-currency accounting experience and exposure to international entities.
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation and ledger review expertise.
• Advanced Excel skills and ability to analyse large financial data.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of bookkeeping and transactional accounting across UK and group entities.
• Act as the first point of contact for Accounts Assistants, providing guidance.
• Review general ledgers for UK and international operations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting anomalies and unusual journals.
• Ensure balance sheet accounts are reconciled with proper documentation.
• Review intercompany transactions and multi-currency entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes with the Group Finance Manager.
• Ensure revenue recognition and year-end accounting procedures are correct.
• Review VAT compliance processes and assist VAT reporting.
• Collaborate with finance teams to improve consistency and accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve internal controls and processes.
• Assist with external audits and audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records in line with policies and standards.

Skills

Double-entry bookkeeping

Excel skills

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Problem-solving abilities

Multi-tasking

Education

AAT qualified or qualified by experience

Job description

Our client is a long-established and highly successful international business with a reputation for quality, innovation and exceptional customer service. Due to continued growth they are seeking an experienced Financial Accountant to join their Hampshire-based finance team. This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on accounting professional who enjoys combining day-to-day finance responsibilities with team leadership and process improvement.

Job Title: Financial Accountant

Job Type: Permanent

Location: Alton

Salary: £40,000 to £45,000 p.a.

Reference no: 16171

Financial Accountant - About The Role

Reporting to the Group Finance Manager, the Financial Accountant will take ownership of the day-to-day finance function, providing leadership and support to the accounts team whilst ensuring the accuracy, integrity and timely processing of financial information across the business. The role offers a blend of operational accounting, team management and financial control, supporting both UK and overseas entities.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of bookkeeping and transactional accounting activities across the UK business and selected Group entities.
• Act as the first point of contact for Accounts Assistants, providing guidance and support on day-to-day finance queries.
• Conduct detailed reviews and health checks of general ledgers across UK and international operations.
• Investigate and resolve accounting anomalies, unexplained balances and unusual journal entries.
• Ensure all balance sheet accounts are accurately reconciled and supported by appropriate documentation.
• Review and validate intercompany transactions and multi-currency accounting entries.
• Support month-end and year-end processes, working closely with the Group Finance Manager.
• Ensure accurate revenue recognition and appropriate accounting treatment during year-end reporting.
• Review VAT compliance processes and assist with VAT reporting requirements.
• Collaborate with finance teams across the Group to improve consistency and accounting accuracy.
• Identify opportunities to improve financial controls, processes and procedures, implementing corrective actions where required.
• Assist with audit preparation and provide support for external audit requests.
• Maintain accurate financial records and ensure compliance with internal policies and accounting standards.

The successful Financial Accountant will have:

• Previous experience leading or supervising a finance team.
• Strong double-entry bookkeeping knowledge and a solid understanding of accounting principles.
• Experience within manufacturing, wholesale, distribution or retail environments.
• Multi-currency accounting experience and exposure to international entities.
• Strong balance sheet reconciliation and ledger review expertise.
• Experience investigating and resolving complex accounting discrepancies.
• Knowledge of accruals, prepayments, revenue recognition and year-end accounting procedures.
• A good understanding of VAT accounting and compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence analysing large volumes of financial data.
• Excellent attention to detail, organisational skills and problem-solving abilities.
• AAT qualified or qualified by experience.