Financial Accountant

National Express LTD; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free travel across National Express

Travel pass for partner

Pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

National Express Bus is seeking a Financial Accountant to join our dedicated finance team in the UK. You will maintain financial records, ensure statutory compliance, and deliver accurate reporting across month-end close, cash flow forecasting, and audits.

The role requires a qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA) with at least 3 years in financial accounting, strong UK/IFRS knowledge, and excellent analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). Part qualified candidates actively pursuing completion within a reasonable timeframe will also be considered.
• At least 3 years in a similar financial accounting role, ideally with exposure to large data sets and complex finance environments.
• Solid understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards.
• Analytical skills, strong systems proficiency, and the ability to simplify data into clear information.
• Outstanding communication skills, a collaborative team player approach, and a good sense of humor. Industry experience or a background in finance change projects is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Master the Close: Deliver robust month end closing procedures, prepare financial statements, and post closing balances with a sharp eye for accuracy.
• Manage Cash Flow & Group Submissions: Prepare weekly 13 week cash flow forecasts for Group Treasury alongside budget and forecast balance sheets.
• Reconciliation & Fixed Assets: Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and manage the fixed asset register, including IFRS16 adjustments and asset disposals.
• Statutory Accounts & Audit: Prepare statutory accounts and consolidations across Bus entities, delivering external audit requirements in tandem with the wider team.
• Transactional Oversight: Optimize and manage our transactional processing functions across AP, AR, cash, and banking.
• Tax & Process Documentation: Compile data for tax returns, maintain technical process notes, and spot continuous improvement opportunities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team player

Education

Qualified accountant (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Part qualified considered

Job description

Reporting directly to the Financial Controller, you will play a vital role in maintaining our financial records, ensuring strict statutory compliance, and delivering accurate, reliable reporting. From month end procedures and cash flow forecasting to managing audit requirements and outsourced transactional teams, you will be right at the center of our finance team

• Master the Close: Deliver robust month end closing procedures, prepare financial statements, and post closing balances with a sharp eye for accuracy.
• Manage Cash Flow & Group Submissions: Prepare weekly 13 week cash flow forecasts for Group Treasury alongside budget and forecast balance sheets.
• Reconciliation & Fixed Assets: Complete monthly balance sheet reconciliations and manage the fixed asset register, including IFRS16 adjustments and asset disposals.
• Statutory Accounts & Audit: Prepare statutory accounts and consolidations across Bus entities, delivering external audit requirements in tandem with the wider team.
• Transactional Oversight: Optimize and manage our transactional processing functions across AP, AR, cash, and banking.
• Tax & Process Documentation: Compile data for tax returns, maintain technical process notes, and spot continuous improvement opportunities.

What we need from you

Are you a detail oriented finance pro who loves bringing order to complex numbers? National Express Bus is on the lookout for a Financial Accountant to join our dedicated finance team.

• Professional Qualifications: Qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, or CIMA). Part qualified candidates actively pursuing completion within a reasonable timeframe will also be considered.
• Relevant Experience: At least 3 years in a similar financial accounting role, ideally with exposure to large data sets and complex finance environments.
• Technical & Standards Knowledge: Solid understanding of UK and international financial reporting standards.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent problem solving capabilities, strong systems proficiency, and the ability to simplify data into clear information.
• Great Mindset: Outstanding communication skills, a collaborative team player approach, and a good sense of humor. Industry experience or a background in finance change projects is a bonus!

The perks of joining us

We look after our people with benefits that make a genuine difference:

• Free Travel: Free bus travel right across the National Express network for you.
• Travel for a Plus One: Complimentary travel pass for your partner.
• Peace of Mind: Solid company pension scheme and life assurance.
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.

At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees. As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.