Financial Accountant

Forge Holiday Group Ltd; Chester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus scheme

33 days' holiday + up to 5 extra

Birthday day off

Pension scheme

Job summary

Forge Holiday Group is seeking a Financial Accountant to join the Forge Finance Team on a 12-month fixed term contract. The role covers financial management and reporting for existing and newly acquired entities, with a focus on timely, accurate information and robust business partnering across the group.

You will own divisional reporting, manage month-end/year-end processes, and support external audits while helping integrate new segments and improve finance processes.

Qualifications

• Qualified accountant or actively training towards a professional qualification.

Responsibilities

• Own full financial reporting for divisions, brands and cost centres.
• Support acquisitions and integrate new entities into reporting.
• Prepare month-end, year-end and statutory accounts for Boards/stakeholders.
• Assist with external audits and statutory consolidation under IFRS/FRS101.

Skills

Accounting knowledge

Business partnering

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Deadline management

Communication skills

Education

Accounting qualification (ACA/ACCA/CIMA)

Tools

SAP Business ByDesign

Job description

We are thrilled to be seeking a Financial Accountant to join our Forge Finance Team on a 12-month Fixed Term Contract!, The Financial Accountant is responsible for the financial management and reporting of existing and newly acquired companies, divisions and departments within Forge Group. This role requires strong technical accounting knowledge, business partnering skills, and the ability to deliver timely and accurate financial information to internal and external stakeholders. You will work collaboratively across the business, supporting acquisitions, managing statutory reporting requirements and continuously improving our finance processes.

Your Responsibilities

• Managing and owning the full financial reporting for specific divisions, brands and profit/cost centres, including operational accounting, forecasts and results.
• Taking on new reporting responsibilities for acquired businesses and maintaining ownership of their financials.
• Preparing comprehensive month-end and year-end financial reporting for Board and stakeholder review.
• Producing individual company statutory accounts and supporting the consolidation and preparation of year-end statutory consolidated accounts compliant with FRS101/IFRS.
• Supporting external audit requirements and managing the external audit process.
• Assisting with acquisition accounting support and follow up as required.
• Working with the finance team to integrate accounting systems for new business segments into our back office and accounting software.
• Liaising with and providing finance support to staff at regional offices and sites.
• Providing clear commentary and analysis to support decision-making across the organisation.
• Supporting internal audit and compliance requirements as needed.
• Assisting with the completion of returns and other compliance requirements.
• Working with management to specify accounting requirements for new developments and managing go-live processes.
• Identifying and proactively developing opportunities to improve processes and increase efficiency.
• Ensuring compliance with relevant financial controls, data protection and confidentiality requirements at all times.

Qualifications and Experience

• Accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA) or actively training for a professional qualification
• Proven experience preparing month-end, year-end and statutory financial reporting
• Experience working in a fast-paced finance environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel to an intermediate or higher standard
• Experience of preparing statutory accounts for senior review
• Knowledge of FRS101/IFRS accounting standards
• Strong numeracy skills and meticulous attention to detail
• Ability to manage and prioritise a busy workload and meet deadlines
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with ability to business partner effectively
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to challenge constructively

Desirable Experience

• Experience working with SAP Business By Design
• Experience in a multi-entity or Group finance environment
• Experience supporting budgeting and forecasting processes
• Experience utilising AI or automation tools in day-to-day finance processes

At Forge Holiday Group, we don't just do holidays, we create memories. With market-leading brands like Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays, and Bachcare in New Zealand, we're 1,700+ strong and powered by four values: One Business One Team, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact.

Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme based on company performance
• 33 days' holiday (including bank holidays), plus up to 5 extra with long service.
• Option to purchase extra holiday days if you wish.
• A day off for your birthday
• 2 volunteering days per year.
• Access to Spark, our health and wellbeing platform
• Health cash plan & life assurance.
• Enhanced parental leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at full pay).
• Discounted and last-minute stays at Forest Holidays and Sykes Cottages for you, your friends & family.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions
• Training & development opportunities.
• On-site gym and parking at Chester HQ (near train station).
• Employee savings scheme
• Long service awards and company events

Diversity and Inclusion: We encourage and welcome our people to bring their authentic and best selves to work every day. We know the power that comes from different ideas, backgrounds and perspectives. We recognise the role diversity plays in achieving our goals as a business. We actively welcome applications from as wide a range of backgrounds as possible. If you need any particular support or accommodations as part of your application process, please get in touch - our recruitment team are happy to help.